For 47 years, Debbie Brown has been a familiar face in Chattooga County’s BBQ restaurant scene, greeting customers with a smile—and often just one word. Ask her, “How are you doing, Debbie?” and nine times out of ten, the answer is simple: “Fine.”
With the upcoming March 1, 2025, closure of Thatcher’s BBQ in Summerville, her time waiting tables in the county is ending after nearly five decades.
Debbie’s journey began in 1978 when she was hired by J.D. Armstrong, founder of Armstrong’s BBQ. For nearly four decades, 39 years to be exact, she served customers at Armstrong’s, becoming the heart of the restaurant.
When Armstrong’s closed in 2017, Debbie continued doing what she loves, taking care of us—moving on to Thatcher’s BBQ, where she has worked since it opened.
As Thatcher’s prepares to close due to economic challenges, Debbie’s time serving as a waitress and hostess in Chattooga County is coming to an end.
Unofficially the longest-serving waitress in county history, she has spent nearly half a century taking orders, refilling sweet tea, and making customers feel at home. For generations of customers, she has been more than just a waitress—she’s been a friendly face, a listening ear, and a constant in a changing world.
Debbie says her granddaughter jokes that she knows everyone in the county—but let’s be honest, that’s no joke. She probably does—along with what we order, our attitude, whether we’re good tippers, and even the names of our kids, grandkids, spouses, and ex-spouses.
While Debbie’s time in Chattooga County may be ending, she’s not hanging up her apron just yet. She’ll continue serving Southern hospitality Debbie Style at Carla’s Place in LaFayette, giving longtime customers a new place to visit her—just a short drive away.
As another BBQ staple closes its doors, Chattooga County says thanks to a waitress who has been a part of its fabric for nearly half a century.
Thanks for always being there, Debbie.
