I always make an effort to “eat local” when traveling, and while in Dawson at lunchtime on a recent trip, searched my phone for restaurants. Glowing reviews of Paul’s sent me in their direction and I wasn’t disappointed, to say the least. The building itself was rather plain and with cars and trucks lining both sides of the street outside I wondered how in the world everyone could fit inside such a relatively small place. It was packed but not so crowded as to be uncomfortable.

In the best way possible, Paul’s is just an unassuming soul food joint. But what’s better than the food that feeds your soul? Meat-and-two, meat-and-three…Southerners know the drill. Entrees here change from day to day but there is almost always fried chicken prepared by people who really know fried chicken. The greens were perfect, not too salty and not overcooked, at least to my Southern palate. And the fried cornbread and tea were top notch. They don’t put sugar in the cornbread, thank God, and the sweet tea isn’t so sweet it will cross your eyes. And you get your own pitcher.

Raymon Huston Paul (1928-1993) and Laverne “Nanny Paul (1935-2024) were married in 1955. In 1969 they bought a supermarket and named it Paul’s Little Supermarket. In 1989, they transformed the business into Paul’s Restaurant. After Mr. Paul’s death in 1993, Mrs. Paul developed the restaurant into the local landmark it is today. She didn’t just build a successful business, but rather a family. The community thought of her as a grandmother to all, including her employees and her customers. That’s about the highest praise one can hope for, in my opinion, a true legacy based on love and kindness.

When you go into a local restaurant that isn’t local to you, you often feel like an invader from Mars. Those of us from small towns know you can spot an outsider a mile away. But you don’t feel that at Paul’s. It’s a truly welcoming space. Further evidence of Mrs. Paul’s ethics and continuing legacy.

Mrs. Paul’s granddaughter, Stacy Paul George, is one of the main reasons her grandmother’s legacy remains intact. She is continuing the business just as it was intended, and her energy is infectious. Stacy doesn’t meet a stranger and personally welcomed me and my friend to Paul’s. She genuinely cares about her customers and has a great sense of camaraderie with her employees. A recipe for success, no doubt.

As most of you who follow Vanishing Georgia know, I rarely “endorse” businesses, but Paul’s Restaurant has my seal of approval. If you ever find yourself near Dawson around lunchtime (I think they serve breakfast, too), eat here. It will be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Thanks are due to Stacy and all the wonderful staff at Paul’s for the food and the hospitality.