HUNTSVILLE LIVING / BEST OF HUNTSVILLE | MAY 2024 27
Treasure
Smoke was rolling and the couple was deep into preparation . Bennie loading the pit and Diana taking charge of the counter , while their oldest son BJ seasoned and deepfried freshly cut fries .
Bennie J ’ s has been a family affair ever since its inception in 2009 .
Diana says that after her many years at Sam Houston ’ s Library and Huntsville Independent School District , it was refreshing to , “ Finally get to do things my way .”
“ I don ’ t know if we ’ re successful , all I know is that when we walk in the door , we ’ re trying for 100 from zero . And some days we fail miserably , but other days we get something right . That ’ s not every day , and we probably grade ourselves the hardest ,” said Diana .
Diana reflected on the example her father , Henry “ Dude ” Smith , provided , and credits him with teaching her what it takes to thrive being self-employed .
“ For my father , it was feet hitting the floor at 4 o ’ clock in the morning , giving thanks , then everything after that is pedal to the metal ,” said Diana .
Bennie saw being restaurateurs as feasible , following a full career in information technology in the oil industry . He
HUNTSVILLE LIVING / BEST OF HUNTSVILLE | MAY 2024 27