About JW & Friends Restaurant....

JW & Friends is the culmination of the entrepreneurial vision of Jerry Stone (J) and Wayne Counts (W).

These two successful businessmen had long dreamed of establishing a local business that would satisfy a need in the community.  After considering other options, they decided that Springfield deserved a venue for fine dining without having to venture into Washington, D.C. 

They combined their financial resources and talents, successfully enlisted other investors (the Friends) who endorsed the plan, and embarked on the adventurous task of turning their vision into reality.

Jerry tragically lost his battle with cancer before the restaurant was completed, but his wife, Karen, was determined to carry out his vision.  The red lights above the bar pay tribute to Jerry and his inspiration by accenting the restaurant with his favorite color. 

The restaurant is in the building known for years as Gus's.  The interior of the building has been completely renovated.  Removing interior walls exposed the concrete black walls accented with diamond-shaped designs that formed the exterior of one of the original businesses on this site, a Tastee Freeze, which is where the kitchen is now located.

Drivers Lounge is named in recognition of (1) the guys behind the steering wheels of NASCAR race cars, and (2) the longest club in the golfer's bag.  During the fall football searson, it provides a great venue for watching the scoring drives of your favorite team.  The leather jacket behind the bar is from Super Bowl XXVI and is signed by members of both teams who played in the 1992 game:  The Washington Redskins (37) and the Buffalo Bills (24).  It was Joe Gibb's third Super Bowl victory and featured players such as MVP Mark Rypien, Gary Clark, Art Monk, Earnest Byner, and Chip Lohmiller.