The Brightside: Flannery’s 35th anniversary
FRUITLAND, Md. – Many Wicomico County residents know and love the iconic Flannery’s Bayou and BBQ. Owner and chef Stewart Davis has made it his mission to not only serve great food but also be a helpful community staple; this year marks their 35th anniversary.
At Flannery’s, it’s not just about New Orleans-style dishes with a Maryland twist. We’re told it’s about creating a home and a staple for many in the community. “We work as a group and as a community, but we also hope the community works with us,” says Davis.
The Chef who has called this area home for many years tells WMDT that he used his days of traveling around the world to inspire the way he runs his business. “I got my inspiration by cooking cast iron skillets outside in the bayou, so I learned a lot of things in the bayou in the Cajun and Creole outside there.” He adds, “I bake my corn beef, I cook my top ground, I cook my biscuit, make my own baked beans, homemade cole slaw…So everything that you get here has a touch of Stewart on it.”
While what Davis makes is a big part of his work, this year marks 35 years in the community, and he tells us, to maintain that, he’s all about the people who live here. “I love doing things for the community, I support the police department, I support law enforcement, I support the fire department, so anything I can do to help, generally I’m there.” Davis adds, “You need to come out and be a part of your restaurant, be the face of your restaurant.”
Davis is always out and about, whether at his restaurant, through his catering business, or in his trailer. Ge finds a way to be at the forefront of showing the community what local businesses are all about.
“I’ve known Stewart for years, back when he had the restaurant in Downtown Salisbury. “My husband and I used to go sample different things he had, and we would go and try things out, and the food was always good,” explains recurring customer, Linda Riehl.
Riehl is a part of Stewart’s “Friendly Friday” group, A group of ladies who come nearly every Friday not only to enjoy a good meal, but have grown a relationship with Stewart to better serve the community. Davis says, “It helps me also stay in touch with the crowd outside of the restaurant, who says I want to try a little bit of this or I think we should try some of that.”
Davis tells us he’s known for going above and beyond for his customers, which this group of ladies can attest to. “He would do it if you asked him; he would go out of his way to provide you with what you wanted. I think his personality draws people in,” says Kathleen Wiersberg. Friendly Friday member, Elaine Courtney, adds, “This is the high point of my week, coming here.”
Davis’s efforts extend to local organizations that promote small businesses, such as being a part of multiple local area chambers of commerce and restaurant associations. Whether eating, having a laugh, or working together on community projects, he says he couldn’t have made it this long without the relationships he’s built. “We have all different kinds of people that we’ve brought in and made family, and now that family is bringing their family in to make family.” He adds, “You can feel like you’re comfortable, you can come in, in flip flops, or you can come in with a suit and tie.” “I love my people, I love my customers, I love my friends, and this area is my home.”
Davis says he’ll be celebrating all year long with several Specials, discounts, and prizes throughout the year.
You can check out all their events and happenings on Facebook.
