Published in partnership with WS Today

You likely know the histories of Reynolds Tobacco Company and Hanesbrands: two of Winston-Salem’s most iconic, longest-standing institutions.

But they’re certainly not the only homegrown companies with deep roots and a long history in our city. We are taking a look at just a few of the local businesses that have been established here – and members of the Chamber of Commerce – for at least 50 years (many for decades longer), helping shape the community we love today.

Built to Last

Blum Construction (est. 1923) has been behind some of Winston-Salem’s most recognizable landmarks for more than a century, including Kaleideum, the Stevens Center, and the War Memorial Coliseum. The very first project completed by Blum in 1923 is still in use by students to this day – the tunnel under Northwest Boulevard connecting Reynolds High School to its gymnasium.

Brick by Brick

Founded in 1922 by Flake Steele, Sr., Pine Hall Brick is still owned and run by the Steele family’s fourth generation.

“For over a hundred-years, Pine Hall Brick has been part of the fabric of Winston-Salem. We started as a small local company delivering brick packed in hay to local jobsites and have grown into one of the largest brick manufactures in the country. Despite being a much larger company that we were a century ago, nothing brings greater joy to our team than working with local Winston-Salem homeowners to select brick and pavers for their dream homes”, says Walt Steele, President and CEO.

Sweet Tradition

Dewey’s Bakery (1930) was founded in downtown Winston-Salem during The Great Depression, where it became famous for its crisp Moravian Cookies. Dewey’s remains an original tenant in both shopping centers where it has locations today – in Thruway and Reynolda Manor.

“Our roots in Winston-Salem run deep, and we’re honored to support the same community that has supported us for 95 years. Of the many community partnerships over the years, we’re most proud of our fundraising program. Since it began in 2012, this program has helped raise over $4 million in partnership with schools, churches, and nonprofits across North Carolina. It’s a privilege to work alongside our neighbors to strengthen our community together,” says Mike Senackerib, Dewey’s CEO.

Shopping Strong

Hanes Mall opened in 1975 and still hosts several original tenants, including Belk, JCPenney, and the Cookie House.

“For the past 50 years, Hanes Mall has been more than just a shopping center. It’s where teenagers got their first job and people have built lifelong retail careers. From first dates to holiday traditions, countless memories have been made here over the last five decades. We appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the community for as long as we have, and we look forward to many more years of creating new memories here,” says Brad Gaither, the Marketing Director for Hanes Mall & Cross Creek Mall.

Honorable Mentions

Smith Phillips (1880), Quality Oil Company (1929), Garner Foods (1929), and Flow Automotive (1957).

Explore all Current Members

Author Credit: Dalton Phillips
Photo Credits: Blum Construction, Pine Hall Brick, Dewey’s Bakery, Hanes Mall