We are shining our Member Spotlight this week on John Bragg, owner of UnWined on the Water and soon-to-be owner of White Oak Manor!
John began his career in the restaurant business from the bottom up. “I started out washing dishes at a Chinese restaurant at age 13. From that I learned a lot about what transpires behind the scenes. Then, through high school and college at the U of D I worked at the Post House restaurant on Main Street in Newark. I did everything – food prep, grill, serving the counter, bussing, washing dishes. It got into my blood and I really enjoyed it.”
After college John worked as general manager at both Cracker Barrel and Cheesecake Factory. “I really learned the inner workings of how large corporations operate,” he relates. “They were really high on customer and guest service, which became ingrained in me.” Additionally, managing Lee’s Landing and the Chesapeake Inn gave him a vision of someday owning a waterside restaurant.
In 1995 John went into business as owner of three Dunkin’ Donuts, believing that “if I can do this for someone else I can do it for myself.” When the opportunity arose to buy UnWined in North East, he sold the donut business and embraced it. Within six months a fire damaged the building, but John remodeled and opened in 2019. That same year John fulfilled his vision of purchasing a waterside restaurant which became UnWined on the Water. He ran both restaurants in 2020 while navigating COVID restrictions.
In November 2025 a fire destroyed UnWined on the Water, but it didn’t stop John. Fundraising by chamber and community members, along with county administrators assisting with permitting, helped tremendously in rebuilding. As reconstruction progressed, John moved the restaurant business to White Oak Manor, which he is in the process of purchasing. Meanwhile, John says “at UnWined, we will be able to operate the Tiki Bar this summer along with offering some concession foods and possibly food trucks.” Complete reconstruction is slated for spring 2027.
John states that the primary focus of his business is community; providing a destination where families can relax and enjoy the open space, picnic areas and the sandpit for kids. When asked his biggest challenge, he sites rising costs and unexpected changes and variations in market pricing. “Keeping our menu affordable but still profitable, sourcing our product at a price that keeps standards high but allows guests to enjoy an affordable meal is a challenge.”
John states that being a North East Chamber member is important in helping to meet these challenges and others. “The Chamber lends credibility and provides a great network of business leaders at your fingertips. I learn a lot from conversations with other highly skilled and competent business owners. It’s just a great community.”
