The formula

Billy Jack’s, a local wing and draft shack, opened in 2012 on South Main St. in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Founders Aaron Ludwig and Mike Saban decided to create the restaurant because there was a building for sale next to Jack Brown’s, another business they owned. Over the last 12 years, Billy Jack’s has expanded to three locations

Pat Williamson, Billy Jack’s General Manager, has worked at the restaurant for almost seven years. Williamson said he was unhappy at his old job and wanted a change, and a friend who worked at Billy Jack’s enjoyed their job. Through the years, he has worked his way from bartender up to general manager.

“As soon as I started working here, it was pretty much from Day One, I was like, ‘Oh, yeah, this is a good fit,’” Williamson said.

Vibe/Environment

Williamson wants patrons to feel comfortable when they visit Billy Jack’s.

“The main vibe we want people to feel is like your friend’s basement bar. We want you to feel like you’re at home here. You walk in and you know everyone that works here and at the bar,” Williamson said.

Customers agree with Williamson.

“You feel like you could just come in here and just have a conversation and leave the world behind,” Mouna Karas, a customer, said.

Rob, Mouna’s husband, enjoys his visits to Billy Jack’s. 

“The waitresses and people here are always friendly and nice. I like the dollar bills up on the wall,” Karas said

Not only do customers like the bills, but customer Sydney Coffman enjoys the atmosphere. 

“I like all the music. I like all the decor and everything, with all the stickers and stuff. It just gives it a good feel,” Coffman said

Community outreach

According to Williamson, Billy Jack’s values community outreach and wants to make a positive impact on Harrisonburg.

“We’re not doing it to make us money, but it’s to give back to the community and it seems like everyone’s really coming down the support system when we do that,” Williamson said. 

Some ways they give back is by partnering with organizations like the Rockingham County SPCA where they raised over 200 pounds of food for dogs. They also partnered with the Boys and Girls club for a charity named “Healing Waters,” where they took war veterans to go fishing.

“Basically just to help them with mental health and just give them a fun opportunity to get a day out on the water,” Williamson said.

Williamson said Billy Jack’s has events often.

“Every couple of months we will donate all of our sales on a certain food item like I said, that we sell all to different charities,” Williamson said. 

Williamson said community outreach feels like a responsibility. He also feels it’s a way to give back to Harrisonburg.

“We feel like it’s part of our duty to not only provide a good time for everyone but also give back to the community,” Williamson said.

Four customers share their opinions about their experience at Billy Jack’s on S. Main Street in Harrisonburg, Virginia.