BRUNSWICK, Ga. – In a world of fast-food chains and changing tastes, Willie’s Wee-Nee Wagon stands as a testament to the enduring power of family-run businesses and time-tested recipes.
The beloved Brunswick institution is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, serving up the same quality hot dogs, burgers, and their famous boneless pork chop sandwiches that have made them a local legend.
“Everything is original. We like to serve quality food here, which we do. And I think that’s part of what keeps folks coming back,” says Michael Thomas, co-owner of the establishment.
Inside the bustling kitchen at 3599 Altama Ave., the sense of family is palpable.
General Manager Schaylar Eastman, who started working at Willie’s as a teenager, now oversees a close-knit team that includes several long-term employees.
“Basically, it’s like family,” Eastman explains while giving a tour of the kitchen. “Everybody works together. It’s a nice workplace. The environment is nice.”
One of the cornerstones of Willie’s success is Miss Sabrina, a veteran employee with over two decades of service. She works in the meat room, carefully seasoning and portioning the meat that goes into their famous sandwiches.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality and consistency is evident in every aspect of its operation. From the homemade slaw (the recipe for which remains a closely guarded secret) to their signature boneless pork chop sandwich, each item is prepared fresh to order.
“I used to work for Mr. Mike when I was 14 years old,” Eastman recalls. “He instilled a lot of standards inside of me.”
Thomas attributes the restaurant’s ability to retain employees to a simple philosophy: “Well, by being treated fairly,” he says.
This approach has created a stable workforce and consistent quality that customers have come to rely on.
Regular customers, some of whom have been visiting since childhood, speak of Willie’s as more than just a restaurant.
“I’ve been coming here since I was a kid; feels like home,” one customer shares.
The menu features 12 to 13 different varieties of hot dogs, but the boneless pork chop sandwich remains a standout favorite, even for the owner himself.
“I can eat them all. But my favorite would be that Boneless Pork Chop Sandwich,” Thomas admits.
Looking ahead, Thomas is confident about Willie’s future. When asked how long he thinks the establishment will continue serving the Brunswick community, he responds without hesitation: “For another 60, 70 years.”
As Willie’s Wee-Nee Wagon celebrates its golden anniversary, it stands as more than just a local eatery. It represents a half-century of family values, community connection, and the kind of authentic food experience that keeps bringing people back, generation after generation.