It might be different, he said, if The
Barn stood in a more visual location along the city’s “restaurant rows” of McPherson Church or Skibo roads. Instead, it occupies its original site on Bragg Boulevard, and the neighborhood has changed a great deal since the restaurant opened in 1961. “People ask, ‘Why are you in this
location?’ You just can’t pick up a historical landmark and move it,” Bryant says in response. But long-time residents have
remained loyal, he said. “It has survived a number of years, thanks to so many loyal customers who support The Barn.” In earlier years, the restaurant had
little competition and was a favorite place for dinner. One can’t help but wonder how many people have come to The Barn through the years to mark special occasions – marriage proposals, anniversaries, job promotions. One Fayetteville man remembers bringing his date to The Barn on prom night, and seated nearby was comedian Red Skelton. In town for a performance, Skelton graciously chatted with the students and signed autographs for them. The Fasul family built the restaurant
and operated it until around 1990, Bryant said. It closed for a short period
26 | Food & Wine • 2008
But long-time residents have remained loyal, Bryant said. “It has survived a
number of years, thanks to so many loyal customers who support The Barn.”
