Bradley Stewart, Unsung Hero

Unsung Hero: Brad Stewart

Covington business owner exemplifies humility, servant’s heart

By MASON WITTNER

mwittner@covnews.com

Brad Stewart doesn’t prefer the term “hero.”

The founder and owner of Bradley’s Bar-B-Que is apprehensive as I inform him he’s been nominated as one of The Covington News’ Unsung Heroes. When I explain that the reason for the recognition is his selfless service to the community over the past year, he still isn’t convinced.

He assures me there are countless others in the community more deserving of the honor. He downplays the significance of his contributions, insisting he was simply doing his job. In the end he accepts the nomination and agrees to an interview, under one condition: he’s allowed to focus on the community he serves rather than the service itself.

It’s not long into our second conversation that I assess Stewart’s initial hesitation wasn’t a false showing of humility. He’s firm in his belief that the role he and the staff at Bradley’s Bar-B-Que played in providing food for Newton County front-line workers and residents was simply business as usual.

Ironically, his refusal to view himself as an unsung hero is part of what makes him one.

“Just to be open and used as part of the whole operation was gratifying for both me and the people that work at Bradley’s Bar-B-Que,” Stewart said. “But it’s also why I have a hard time thinking that I did anything all that heroic.

“For us, we tried to do the things we were supposed to do to not put ourselves around people that either knew to be or were suspected to be

1160 Church Street 770-786-1140

www.bradleysbbq.com

Monday-Wednesday 11am-8pm Tuesday – Saturday 11am-9pm

sick. We stayed out of harm’s way. But we considered ourselves fortunate to be able to, in some way, support the people who were putting themselves in harm’s way.”

As Newton County endures the fight against COVID-19, Stewart’s restaurant has provided countless meals over the past year for local doctors, nurses, police and firefighters, among others.

“It would be hard to count the number of meals provided, but none of it would have been possible without the financial support of our community or from our employees,” Stewart said.

So, what makes Newton County a special place for Stewart?

The selflessness of its citizens.

“This pandemic really allowed the community to kind of showcase how important it was for the people that could take care of people to take care of people,” he said. “Everybody was doing their part to try to take care of people that were putting themselves out there on the front lines. That just showed me that our community puts others first.”

The Rotary Club of Covington honored Stewart in January by naming him the Lee Arrendale Vocational Excellence Award recipient. Established in during Rotary year 1990-91, the award is presented annually to a Rotarian believed to have displayed vocational excellence by upholding and furthering the club’s ideals.

“You and your Bradley’s Bar-B-Que team keep us fed every week,” the Rotary Club stated in a Facebook post. “You truly show exceptional vocational service.”

As COVID-19 vaccines become more widely available, and Gov. Brian Kemp continues rolling back state-wide mandates and restrictions, it stands to reason the light is beginning to emerge on the other side of the proverbial tunnel. But regardless of what the future may hold, Stewart and his staff will remain committed to serving the community at large.

“This past year has been tough for everyone, and it’s not over yet. I really want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our customers and workers,” Stewart said. “We are blessed to serve this community and we can not imagine making it through tough times anywhere else.”

Congratulations Sheriff Ezell Brown and Clerk of Courts Linda Hays from the Newton County Board of Commissioners for moving the vision of Newton County forward.

#ONENEWTON

thejoint.com

Thank you for voting

The Joint Chiropractic the BEST Chiropractic of Newton!

Covington

(404) 531-7704 3168 US-278 NW, Suite #2 Covington, GA 30014

*Restrictions apply, see clinic for details. Initial visit includes consultation, exam and adjustment. NC: IF YOU DECIDE TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL TREATMENT, YOU HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO CHANGE YOUR MIND WITHIN THREE DAYS AND RECEIVE A REFUND. (N.C. Gen. Stat. 90-154.1). FL: THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED OR REDUCED FEE SERVICES, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT. (FLA. STAT. 456.02). Subject to additional state statutes and regulations. See clinic for chiropractor(s)’ name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary. © 2019 The Joint Corp. All Rights Reserved.