WSMV Channel 4 Swett's Restaurant owner continues late parents' legacy

With nine children and only a second grade education, Walter and Susie Swett beat the odds and created one of Nashville's most popular restaurants.

Their son David Swett now runs the family business, proud to be following in the footsteps of his mother and father, who proved you can turn adversity into opportunity.

Step into Swett's Restaurant, and you'll probably step out stuffed.

It seems everybody who's anybody is sports, music and politics has eaten at Swett's, but owner David Swett knows his late parents are the real stars.

"She was the number one cook. She was really good at what she did. Look at me. I've been like this all my life," he said.

In 1938, Walter and Susie Swett became black business owners, running a gas station, then a grocery store that doubled as their home.

And in 1954, they beat the odds by opening Swett's Dinette in north Nashville.

"They taught me how to work hard, pay attention, make sure you count your money and make sure you get your money," David Swett said.

While so many mom and pop restaurants have come and gone, the popular soul food spot has expanded.

"We got barbecue ribs, smoked chicken, and we're also selling hot chicken," Swett said.

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