05/04/2026
Time is a weird thing, it only goes in one direction, and it waits for no one. This picture was taken on March 1st, 1996. Two month's later on an uncharacteristically hot, humid Saturday in May, May 4th 1996, Waterman's Grill was born. These 3 youngsters had just signed a lease to take over the unoccupied building that had been among other things, Michael's Restaurant, The Pilot House, Topin and Tynch Fish Market and a few other enterprises. You might not be able to tell, but we were both elated and scared. We could never possibly thank or pay back all of the people that helped us along the way. But, if Kermit and Lainey Layton had not decided to take a chance on us then I would not be posting this. I have told this story before, but we met at Edenton Office Supply on the day of the photo as we were on our way to meet the notary public. Laney asked where we were going, and Kermit said that , "We were going to sign the lease to the building for the last time." That was a huge confidence boost to us. Waterman's was essentially a concept of Katy's that Rick and I went along for the ride on. She was the driving force and visionary behind Waterman's Grill. It is my most fervent hope that if Katy could see Waterman's today, that she would be pleased and happy with how we have turned out. I think that she would be particularly happy to know that so many of our past employee's children have also come to work here. When their children come looking for a job, I will know that it is time to go. At Katy's memorial service, as it concluded, her father, ole T.B., Mr Barnes turned to me and put his hand on my shoulder, he said, "You have to take care of Rick now." I said , " Mister Barnes, we will have to take care of each other." And I must say that in that regard, Rick has done most of the heavy lifting. Thank you Rick for keeping me going.
These last 30 years have gone by so fast it just makes your head spin. Not sure what that means but my Mom used to say it a lot. Anyway, I may not be around to see all of the next 30 years but I certainly hope that Waterman's Grill will be here for that and many more. We have been unbelievably blessed with the support of our great community, and the long line of Wonderful Waterman's Workers and I just want to Thank all of you and all of them. It is, I hope, a Happy 30th Anniversary.
