WS Chronicle

One of Winston-Salem’s most historic eateries is closing. Jan. 13 will be the last day customers will be able to enjoy their famous hot dogs from The Peanut House. 

According to management, they have lost the lease on the property located at 3100 N. Patterson Ave.

 “Thank you for all the support over the years and allowing us to feed generations of your family,” said management on a social media post last week. 

The legend of The Peanut House began in Philadelphia when the late R.T. Watson bought 25 pounds of peanuts and a roaster. After being turned down for jobs because he was Black, Watson made the decision to start a business that would take care of his family for generations to come.  

In 1960, just a year after he bought the peanuts and roaster, Watson moved his family and his business to Winston-Salem. Watson originally opened his business at a shop on Patterson Avenue. Over the years, the shop moved to Trade Street and then to 30th Street in their family home, before moving to its current location on Patterson Avenue in 1988.

In the late ‘90s, R.T. Watson’s children, Joe, Tim, and Marian, took over the business. 

Joe is known throughout the community as “The Peanut Man.” He sells peanuts, drinks and other snack foods at local sporting events, barbershops, beauty salons, and other businesses. Marian runs the restaurant, which offers some of the best hot dogs in the city. Tim makes the business decisions. 

During an interview with The Chronicle in 2020 for a profile piece, Joe Watson said, “The legend is really my father, R.T. Watson. He is the legend – our family is just standing on his legacy.” 

While The Peanut House may be closing its doors, The Peanut Man will still be making his rounds throughout the community with all your favorites.