Chic Suggs of Lee’s Sandwich Shop – Kannapolis’ Oldest Restaurant Since 1949 | EP 11

Chic Suggs of Lee’s Sandwich Shop joins the Rough Talk Cousins for the story of Kannapolis’ oldest continuous restaurant — from Joe’s in 1949 to Lee Griffin’s move in 1964, the mill deliveries that built it, and the day Chic and his wife took over in 2005 after Cannon closed.

Ralph Earnhardt stopped in almost every day for a BLT. Generations of mill people, ball players, and locals have walked through those doors. Chic talks about growing up in Enochville, South Rowan Class of ’80, coaching and sponsoring baseball, surviving COVID, and why the burgers still taste the same.

Recorded in the historic WRKB studios in downtown Kannapolis.

Hosts: Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault

0:00 Cold Open – New Digs & the Desk
0:54 Cannon Mill Cotton Warehouse Tin on the Desk
2:30 Kannapolis Events & Local Updates
6:00 Welcome – Episode 11 with Chic Suggs of Lee’s
8:25 Growing Up in Enochville & South Rowan Class of ’80
9:52 History of Lee’s – Joe’s Sandwich Shop 1949 to Lee Griffin
15:08 Taking Over in 2005 After the Mill Closed
18:30 Old Lee’s, Glenn’s BBQ & Local Memories
22:33 Fighting Through COVID to Keep the Doors Open
30:11 Ralph Earnhardt’s Daily BLT Runs
33:00 Why the Burgers (and Tradition) Stay the Same
37:14 Thoughts on Kannapolis Growth
43:47 Best Sellers – Burgers, Hot Dogs & Tuesday Pot Roast
44:58 Original Kannapolis vs New Development
57:10 Chic’s Closing Words – Come On Down to Lee’s
1:01:41 Closing + Outro

If you’ve ever grabbed a burger or hot dog at Lee’s, or your parents and grandparents did, this one’s for you. Share it with somebody who still calls Kannapolis home.

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Hardee’s Biscuits Got Him Inside the Mills: Chad Mitchell’s Untold Story | Ep 75

In Episode 75 of the K-Town Connection, lifelong Kannapolis photographer and artist Chad Mitchell opens his archive of more than 25,000 photographs that document the demolition of Cannon Mills — the place that built this town. As the massive mill complex disappeared, Chad decided someone had to record what was being lost. What began as a personal mission became one of the most important visual records of Kannapolis history ever created. He takes us inside the abandoned buildings, shares how he gained access (Hardee’s biscuits helped), and reveals the stories behind some of his most powerful images — including the fall of the iconic water tower, a once-in-a-lifetime balloon ride over the complex, and the unforgettable photograph of his late father standing in the partially demolished mill, looking out at the rubble of the place where he had worked for decades. Chad also looks back at an incredible creative career that includes photographing Appalachian State football during its national championship years, serving as team photographer for Kannapolis professional baseball, working with NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, and creating artwork connected to Dale Earnhardt. His guiding philosophy has always been simple: Tell as much of the story as possible in one shutter click. Today, as a new generation grows up in a Kannapolis that looks nothing like the mill town their parents and grandparents knew, these photographs have become even more valuable. They don’t just preserve buildings — they preserve the people, the work, the memories, and the identity of a community that was forever changed. This episode is exactly what the K-Town Connection is about: preserving Kannapolis history by telling the stories of the people who lived it. 📸 Browse and purchase Chad’s photography and artwork: ChadMitchell.com 📍 Filmed at Historic Dayvault’s Dyno Tune-Up & Brake Service Garage in Kannapolis, North Carolina 🎙️ Hosted by the #RoughTalkCousins Chris Hughes & Ryan Dayvault, along with Chuck “Dr. Dave” Irvin and David Steele Chapters 0:00 – Intro & Local Updates 5:32 – Welcome to Episode 75 5:52 – Introducing Chad Mitchell 7:02 – Growing Up in Kannapolis 12:00 – How Chad Began Documenting the Mills 14:00 – Getting Access with Hardee’s Biscuits 17:18 – Inside the Abandoned Mill Buildings 19:24 – Over 25,000 Photographs 25:10 – The Darkest Place in the Mill 27:20 – “Lifeline” – The Railroad Light Painting 37:15 – Where to See & Buy the Photos 38:21 – Kiln-Dried Maple Floors & the Sign 39:49 – Baseball Photography Years 43:45 – The Dale Earnhardt Artwork 46:06 – The “Quality Work Means Job Security” Sign 53:45 – The Balloon Ride Over Cannon Mills 56:15 – The Photograph of Chad’s Father 59:48 – Closing Thoughts & Thank You

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