The very first store with the Buddys name opened in 1972 at 5806 Kingston Pike. When Dinah Shore stopped by and sampled Buddys delicious hushpuppies, she just had to have the recipe for her cookbook. The house was packed on Friday nights to hear bluegrass bands like Ricky Skaggs and the Knoxville Grass. Local politicians knew a good thing and asked Buddy to bring his barbecue to rallies, and Buddy delivered it in his VW van. Word spread from the World's Fair where people began to know Buddys as a Tennessee barbecue tradition, and Buddy Smothers as a restaurant business professional in his own right. Buddy was recognized as Restaurateur of the Year and was elected President of the Tennessee Restaurant Association. The kids started working at an early age, with daughter Suzanne and her friend Virginia as well as son Mark working at the drive in. Virginia is now a daughter in law working in the corporate office, daughter Suzanne Lindsey heads up marketing and her husband Reed Lindsey is vice president. Buddy's son Mark is President, and son Mike heads up distribution. When there are events like the annual festival at the Museum of Appalachia, the family crew, including LaMuriel and the grandkids, roll up their sleeves to serve barbecue just like theyve always done. Over time, the awards piled up, thirty or more years passed, and millions of people keep coming home to the taste tradition of Buddys. There are now 11 company owned Buddys, three franchises, a full scale catering department, the Bearden Banquet Hall, Buddy's Cafe franchise at Oak Ridge National Laboratories, and a location at the University of Tennessee Knoxville campus.

The Legacy of C.C. Buddy Smothers 1929 to 1992

People knew him for his barbecue, and they knew him as a good businessman. But more importantly, they knew him for supporting the community. Even before Buddy Smothers died in 1992, he had established a legacy. In his memory, the Buddys Race Against Cancer began 12 years ago and is approaching the USD2 million mark. Thousands of people in rural and medically underserved areas receive cancer screenings and education that help save lives. Every cent raised goes toward fighting cancer in East Tennessee and allows the Thompson Cancer Survival Center to go to Tennessee communities that need them most. The Race has raised USD 1.5 million to date. In addition to the Buddys Race, Buddys also supports many other non profit agencies, schools, and churches, such as Adam Downen Race for Responsibility, Senior Citizens Home Assistance, Ageless, Golf Classic, Remax Golf Tournament for Childrens Hospital and more. Buddys Restaurant Franchise has been recognized for its contributions to the community as Philanthropist of the Year and as the National Restaurant Association's Good Neighbor awards for the state of Tenneessee. Giving back is the most fitting tribute to the legacy of Buddy Smothers.