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Benny L. Walker and Ledger K.  Walker, Walker Furniture

Featured Article

Thriving for Decades

Building legacies that last!

In 1940, a boy, named Benny L. Walker, moved from Waycross, GA to Gainesville, Florida with his parents Ledger K. and Myrtice and that was the beginning of Walker Furniture.  From their original location on 8th Ave and Main Street to their current location at 3413 SW 47th Ave, Gainesville, Florida, Benny and family, Mary Kate Walker and Myrtice and Jeff smith, have continued to serve our community for over 3 generations.

Over Walker Furniture’s 83 years in business, their philosophy of taking care of their customers and making every experience a great one has never wavered. This customer care philosophy has meant that generation after generation returns to Walker Furniture for the furniture needs.

In 1979, John Cousins opened the Southeast Car Agency with the philosophy "You've gotta give back". With John’s roots at National Car Rental located at the Gainesville Regional Airport, he knew the car business and he led his business as he has always led his life, wanting to take care of his customers.

Being an honest businessman and creating relationships that have spanned generations has been a huge reason that Southeast Car Agency is still in business. Generations of clients come back, always knowing that they will be treated with respect. And when his sons, Bob and Tom took the lead 19 years ago, that philosophy didn’t change.

In 1977 after being born in China in 1929, fleeing to Taiwan in 1949 and a journey to Washington, DC, Mr. Han's Restaurant emerged on SW 13th Street as the first authentic Chinese restaurant in Gainesville. Jui Cho and Wen Hisu embraced Gainesville and their restaurant quickly gained popularity, becoming a local favorite and earning numerous culinary awards. 

The restaurant thrived and moving to a larger location designed by Eric, the son of Jui and Wen, soon became a reality. At the new location there was also a downstairs nightclub, full bar and private rooms.

Consistency, customer service, and the passion for bringing people together are the trademarks of Mr. Han’s Restaurant.

40 years ago, when Nero's opened in the Oaks Mall, the story of Pomodoro Cafe and Paul Dalto had begun. Paul Dalto came to the United States from the Campania Region of Italy. And when he came to the United States, he brought with him a love for food and recipes to share. His first endeavor into the restaurant business was at Nero’s in the Oaks Mall, from there he added the Pasta Market, Nero’s on 34th Street and around 25 years ago landed in his current location at 9200 NW 39th Ave in Gainesville, with Pomodoro Café.

As time has passed, so has the torch for Pomodoro Café, to Carmine DiCandia, a member of the family that made his way from the same Campania Region of Italy when he was 19 years old. What has not changed is the family recipes. The dishes you love. The amazing sauces, breads, dips, and soups. All family recipes. And that is the reason that their loyal customers, old and new, continue to come back to Pomodoro Café.

Pomodoro Café has become a family tradition in Gainesville for true Italian Cuisine. And for Paul and Carmine their commitment and work never ends. Everyday Carmine works with his team, training, and teaching. Patience is the key. 

The Sweetwater Branch Inn was created by a family that had a passion for restoring older homes and has grown into a village of older homes in Gainesville just east of Main Street.  The original Sweetwater Branch Inn started its restoration in 1992 and celebrated 30 years in business this year.

The village you see today encompasses all that teamwork, lots of effort, community support, and a vision and passion can make happen. Keeping the homes together has meant that Cornelia Holbrook, Owner, can provide event space, the offering of private dinners, specially-prepared picnics, graciously decorated rooms and of course their famous chef made breakfast during your stay.  

Frank McGeown wanted better for himself and his family and in 1984 decided to start his own business. As one of the few Mercedes Benz technicians around, Frank knew he had a clientele. So, with a vision and determination, he started in the garage of his house, using cigarette boxes as parts containers and created Star Import Service.Truly a family business, Frank’s father was one of his first investors and his wife of over 50 years, Dot, has always worked to keep things together.

As Frank's health has declined over the years, the need to pass the business “down” has become apparent. Grandson, Tyson Fisher, is currently working with Frank on the succession and will become the next owner of Star Import Service.

Leonardo's Pizza of Millhopper has been a local, family-owned restaurant since 1976. The Millhopper Shopping Center staple for over 47 years has kept the recipe the same, providing a unique atmosphere, mouthwatering Chicago-style pizzas, and their famous hand tied garlic knots. The consistency of their signature deep dish pizza pie and wonderful nostalgic atmosphere has meant that generations of customers return year after year.

In 2018, when Gregg Brannan and Tina Spinney were ready to retire, Kyle Cohan purchased the iconic business. Kyle didn’t mess with the “recipe”, he knew he and his incredible team were selling memories, not just amazing food.

  • Frank McGeown, Star Import Service
  • Gregg Brannan, Leonardo's Pizza of Millhopper
  • Mary Kate Walker, Walker Furniture
  • The Walker Family in Waycross, GA
  • Benny L. Walker and Ledger K.  Walker, Walker Furniture
  • Benny L. Walker and Ledger K.  Walker, Walker Furniture
  • Carmine DiCandia, Pomodoro Cafe
  • Pomodoro Cafe
  • Pomodoro Cafe
  • Carmine DiCandia, Pomodoro Cafe
  • The Han Family
  • Yu (Amy) Yang, Mr. Han's Restaurant
  • Alexander Han, Mr. Han's Restaurant
  • Kyle Cohan & a few of the Leonardo's Pizza of Millhopper team members
  • Kyle Cohan, Leonardo's Pizza Millhopper
  • The Cousins Family
  • John Cousins, Southeast Car Agency
  • The Cousins Family
  • The Cousins Family
  • Sweetwater Branch Inn
  • Cornelia Holbrook, Sweetwater Branch Inn
  • Giovanna & Cornelia Holbrook, Sweetwater Branch Inn
  • Cornelia Holbrook, Sweetwater Branch Inn
  • Tyson Fisher & Frank McGeown, Star Import Service
  • Tyson Fisher, Star Import Service
  • The Walker Family in Waycross, GA
  • Benny L. Walker and Ledger K.  Walker, Walker Furniture
  • Benny L. Walker and Ledger K.  Walker, Walker Furniture
  • Bob & Tom Cousins, Southeast Car Agency
  • Carmine DiCandia, Pomodoro Cafe
  • Pomodoro Cafe
  • Alexander Han, Mr. Han's Restuarant

Core principle for Walker Furniture, “Good, Better, Best, Never Let It Rest, Until Your Good Is Better And Your Better Best.”

Leading with a strong faith and Rotary system of beliefs as their foundations, the Cousins’ family leads their business to this day taking care of their customers first. Tom noted that, “My dad always did things the right way, he always had good things in mind, and he made sure that everyone was treated fairly. My dad is the most honest man I know.”

Eric Han passed away in 2009, survived by his wife, Yu Yang (Amy), and their son, Alexander Han, who now represents the third generation of Mr. Han.

On your next visit to Pomodoro Café, look around at the beautiful hand-painted ceiling and walls. Painted when the store originally opened over 25 years ago, these landscapes showcase the Campania region and Portofino North Italy, with a stunning blue cloud sky. Another way this family brings Italy to you and to your table.

Carmine explained, “It takes a lot of work and effort, but more than that it takes a lot of passion. You have to be passionate about what you do. You have to put yourself into it every day.”

When asked what keeps this stunning Gainesville boutique inn growing, Cornelia Holbrook answered, “Keep your eye on the goal, you cannot let the valleys take you down and always stay positive.”

“Specialize in something. It’s better to do one thing extremely well than several things adequately. Specializing costs more in experience and equipment, but saves far more time and provides higher quality,” remarked Frank McGeown.

“I have worked hard to create a great culture, team, and consistently the best food. So far, my formula has worked pretty darn well.”