PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – This weekend marks the 50th year of business for Ms. Newby’s on Thomas Drive. In a celebration cookout to show employee and customer appreciation, friends and family gathered around to show their support. The family-run business is now in its third generation of owners and said they take pride in their family legacy and the hard work that goes into the everyday operations. “Well, you know, in the 70s, almost everyone in business named things after themselves. So, when we first went into business, Newby’s is just naturally what we used, and my mom wanted to have one named after her. I don’t blame her. She was, you know, the real go-getter in the liquor and bar business. We chose Ms. Newby’s, and it’s just become iconic through the years.” “I grew up in this business. I’ve worked here since I was 18. I’m 37 now. To say that we’re celebrating our 50th anniversary this weekend, it’s somewhat hard to believe. I enjoy coming here every day and spending time with the employees that I essentially grew up with. I’ve seen them have children, now they, of course, have seen my wife and me have a child. It’s really like a family business, or it’s really like a family here,” said Will Pickenpaugh, a third-generation owner of the Thomas Drive location. The owners say Ms. Newby’s name is now up to four locations in the area, and they look forward to continued success.
