About Willie

Contrary to popular belief, rumor and innuendo, the legend of Roadside Willie is actually based on a real live person. The developers of Roadside Willies Smokehouse & Bar invested a great deal of time and energy creating the character and a cozy quirky theme to match. After many think tank sessions and, just before the launching of an artist's rendition of "Willie", we discovered the authentic "Willie" right in front of our proverbial noses (minus the "e" on the end). What an epiphany indeed! This was truly a case of not being able to see the forest for the trees. The Willi(e) we had been working so hard to invent already existed. The fact that he was a friend of the family made it even more special. If only the man had been blessed with the ability to spell, even the name would have been spot on!

William Layton Teed, known only as "Willi" to his friends, fills the role of talisman at Roadside Willies. Born a poor boy in Belmont, Nova Scotia, and more than just a few years ago, Willie would surely agree that he fits the definition of "redneck" quite nicely. Globetrotting indulgences with the military and a potpourri of lifetime experiences carved Willie into the gentleman he is today … life-educated, charismatic, loyal, humble and a lover of great food, drink and song, at an affordable price mind you. You might say the long and winding roads less traveled transformed Willie into, well, a semi-sophisticated redneck, for lack of a better term. This down-to-earth man represents the very essence of who we envisioned Roadside Willie to be. The wonderful décor, food, music, and ambience at our establishment reflect the influences of a life well lived.