“We’re adding a location,” Paw-Paw’s Place owner Mitchell Simmons said Monday. “I’ve been looking to expand. It was a good fit for us.”
Simmons said he’s aiming to open the second location within the next 30 days, hoping to nail down a date within a week or two.
“I’m pushing for the next 30 days,” he said. “We’ll see how quick everything gets lined up.”
Simmons is leasing the building from the Davidson family, which had operated Dixie III. He’ll purchase the restaurant equipment.
The hours will be the same as the former Dixie III location, which is about a 10-minute drive from Paw-Paw’s Place on North Fayetteville Street. The new location will be open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The original Paw-Paw’s Place is open from 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, so the hours at the two locations will be staggered to some degree.
Dixie III had been in operation for 39 years until closing Sept. 9. Owner Mark Davidson said business had been brisk, but the family sought a break from the restaurant business.
Simmons is a third-generation owner of Paw-Paw’s Place, which opened in July 2007. Simmons’ grandfather, Mike Key, began the business.
The transition from the Davidson family is something that should be smooth.
After serving for decades, Dixie III to close doors
ASHEBORO – On a recent afternoon at Dixie III, Mark Davidson was so busy he had to put off accepting a phone call until he could catch up on a few tasks.
That included making cornbread.
As owner of the long-time Asheboro diner, there have been countless items on Davidson’s to-do lists.
That will suddenly cease this month when the family-owned eatery closes its doors after 39 years at the same location.
“It’s definitely bittersweet,” Davidson said. “We’ve been doing this all our lives. We’re just ready to retire.”
Davidson, 65, said it’s time to step away. His family has been in the local restaurant business for multiple generations, but a break is needed. He said his wife, Krista, and son, John, have been instrumental in the most-recent endeavors.
The last day of operation is set for Sept. 9.
“It’s not about a business closing because we don’t have enough business,” Davidson said shortly after the clamor of another busy lunchtime had died down. “If anything, it’s just the opposite.”
The family has been involved with area restaurants since the 1940s.
The current location on East Dixie Drive is along a busy street in Asheboro, yet in many minds it stands out among the countless choices for those seeking a meal.
Online reviews include a variety of comments through the years. Here’s a typical assessment from one woman: “We love Dixie! My family and I have eaten here for years, dating back to when I was a kid. Their fried okra is the best I’ve ever had.”
A “meat and three” at Dixie III in Asheboro. (North State Journal)
The restaurant has specialized in what Davidson and others refer to as “Meat and three” — meaning a main selection plus three side (vegetable) orders.
It’s Southern food. Among the specialties is homemade cobblers.
Most meals cost less than $10.
As word has spread about the upcoming closing, there has been an outpouring of support regarding Dixie III.
“We’ve had a tremendous response from this community,” Davidson said.
Even during the height of the pandemic with indoor dining restrictions, Dixie III maintained a brisk pace of business because of take-out orders, Davidson said. Yet he said that the closing of dining rooms and capacity limits when those re-opened were devastating at times.
Dixie III restaurant has been located on Dixie Drive in Asheboro for decades. PJ WARD-BROWN/NORTH STATE JOURNAL
The pandemic might be related to other challenges that have been difficult to overcome. One day last week, the restaurant was closed because of what was described as a staff shortage.
Generally, the restaurant is open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
When the announcement to close for good this month was made, the family expressed the positives associated with the restaurant.
“First, we want to thank our loyal customers,” the statement said. “We greatly appreciate all the years you have allowed us to serve you and be a part of this wonderful community. We also want to thank our staff — current and past — who have been like family to us and have helped make Dixie III successful for almost 40 years.”
Davidson owns the property. Ideally, he said he’d lease the restaurant to someone interested in operating an eatery in the location.
ASHEBORO — A local favorite that specializes in a meat and three vegetables lunch is closing its doors for good in less than two weeks. Dixie III, owned by Mark and Kris Davidson, is closing for good on September 9.
In a statement, the restaurant announced its closing. “It saddens us to inform you that Dixie III will be closing the doors on September 9th 2021. First, we want to thank our loyal customers. We greatly appreciate all the years you have allowed us to serve you and be a part of this wonderful community. We also want to thank our staff — current and past — who have been like family to us and have helped make Dixie III successful for almost 40 years. As hard as it is to say goodbye, owners Mark and Kris are looking forward to retirement. We wish the very best for each of you and hope to see you over the next two weeks.”
Dixie III restaurant on Dixie Drive in Asheboro on August 28, 2021. PJ WARD-BROWN/NORTH STATE JOURNAL
The restaurant was closed on Friday, August 27, due to staff shortages that prevented it from operating. The government response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly hard on restaurants.
