10/12/2026
Sixteen and a half years ago, it actually seems longer than that now, 😊 something more special than we had ever imagined at the time, happened.
It was April of 2010, and we opened our first Friends in Dacula. We had a very simple goal: to get out of the corporate grind and have our own independence. Along with that, we wanted to build a local family business, work hard, treat people right, and create a place where our friends and family could congregate for good food and good company. Over the years, our little “American dream” has grown into nine restaurants, and often we have to stop and pinch ourselves and thank the Good Lord for how blessed we have been.
Today, as we get ready to open our new Friends in beautiful Downtown Monroe, Georgia, we are reminded that the best things in life aren’t always the biggest things. There is something special about small-town life… knowing your next door neighbor or shop owner, knowing that all it takes is a handshake, knowing that people are inherently good and still look out for one another. Families still gather around the table, and a local business has the opportunity to become part of a community’s story. This is what feeds our soul!
We have always wanted our restaurant to be about more than what comes out of the kitchen. It should be about people, relationships, laughter, memories, and making folks feel welcome and comfortable.
We also know how blessed we are to be in this position. To work for ourselves, build something alongside the people we love, and have the opportunity to pass that dream along to the next generation is a gift we never want to take for granted. Watching our family grow, both at home and through our Friends family, has been one of the greatest rewards of our lives. And now, with our daughter Kyanna and son-in-law Ken carrying on the tradition in Monroe, we get to see that dream take another step forward. We are excited, humbled, and genuinely grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Monroe and our neighbors in this wonderful community.
We know we won’t get everything perfect every day, but we promise to work hard, welcome you like family, and do our best to earn your trust. Thank you, Monroe, for making us feel at home before we’ve even gotten started. We look forward to many years of good food, good friends, and good memories together.
Cheers, y’all!
Suzanne and Ray