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Meet Graham Ward, who just recently became co-owner of his family’s restaurant Johnny’s BBQ.
Graham is an Ole Miss Rebels sports fan and a lover of all things North Georgia.
Recently, we caught up with Graham between shifts at Johnny’s to find out what he loves about Hall County.
Question:  Who are some of the most interesting people you’ve met while living in Hall County?
Answer: “I would say Ed Dunlap and my grandfather Henry O. Ward. Or having the chance to hear Gordon Sawyer speak in the mornings on WDUN from his window on historic Green Street. There are a lot of great people in Gainesville.”
Q:  If you could give a piece of advice to a crowd of people what would you say?
A: “I would encourage them to take advantage of their home town. Parks like the Olympic Venue, the new Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Don Carter State Park and Elachee Nature Center. Or institutions like Brenau, Lanier Tech and North Georgia College.”
Q:  What is your favorite meal at Johnny’s BBQ?
A: “Our traditional chopped pork any way you eat it. Maybe a wing, too.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “Having organizations such as Good News at Noon, The John Jarrard Foundation, and so many more. Gainesville is blessed with many people willing to go out of their way to give back to their community.”
Q: What is your favorite social outing in Hall County?
A: “I really enjoy spending evenings walking or dining on the square. It’s beautiful.”
Q: What can we expect from Johnny’s BBQ in 2016?
A: “To maintain the same level of consistency we have for the last 21 years!
Q: Who are some of your Ole Miss sports heroes?
A: “I would have to say Hugh Freeze as a coach, and Eli Manning and Laquon Treadwell as they have had motivating careers there and have truly earned my respect.”
Q: What is your favorite meal to cook when you aren’t working at the restaurant?
A: “There is nothing better than an 1 1/2″ cut ribeye from Green’s Grocery with a few nice sides.”
To read more about Green’s Grocery click here.
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.