THE LOCALLY popular Crazy Ray’s restaurant in Fayetteville represents a family tradition spanning four generations. Devan Ray Bean is the newest owner of Crazy Ray’s; he recently bought it in February of this year from his father, Billy Ray Bean. It is a business that he knows well, and with which he shares a name.
“My grandpa’s name is Jacky Ray, my dad is Billy Ray, I am Devan Ray, and my son is Athens Ray,” Devan said. “We are all a little crazy, so hopefully there will always be a ‘Crazy Ray’ in this restaurant.”
Devan married his wife, Kelli Bean, nine years ago, and they currently live in Lynchburg with their two children — Athens, 5, and Kollyns, 3. Still, the town has never felt far away.
“Even though I don’t personally live in Fayetteville, my family has a lot of ties that bring us here,” Devan said.
Devan’s dad and Kelli’s parents all graduated from Lincoln County High School. Growing up here in Middle Tennessee, he saw firsthand what it means to be a good person with Southern hospitality. His dad taught him that.
“He taught me how to always treat people with respect, give back when you can, and help others in need,” Devan said.
That generosity, he said, often goes unnoticed by the public.
“I think that is one thing a lot of people don’t hear about him — he has given a lot to other people without asking for any type of recognition or a pat on the back.”
Those character-building lessons from his father helped shape who he is today as a husband, father, and business owner.
Devan’s history at Crazy Ray’s started in the kitchen, where he cooked for those he cared about.
“I have always enjoyed cooking for others, whether it was for family, friends, or co-workers.”
Helping his dad during events and filling in when staff ran short gave him a glimpse of something bigger.
“It opened my eyes to a future I could have,” Devan said.
Now, as the owner of the restaurant, his work begins before most people are out of bed. It takes quite a bit of early-morning prep for breakfast service. Devan and his dad are the main cooks, but the whole family and staff pitch in.
“On the weekends, you may see me, my wife, and kids walking into the restaurant to clean and prepare for the week ahead,” Devan said. “We have additional employees who are great and really care about what they do and serving our customers.”
It is truly a team effort by the Bean family and the staff at Crazy Ray’s that has kept the business successful. Since taking over, Devan has kept changes minimal in an effort to preserve what his family has built. He did add some merchandise, such as hats and tumblers, but the menu and the feel of the place have stayed largely intact. His philosophy is straightforward.
“I’m a believer of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.'”
Crazy Ray’s team effort is not limited to the staff and family — even customers have contributed ideas that have landed on the menu.
“Some of the menu items are named after customers who have customized their own meals, and then those meals turn out to be top sellers,” Devan said.
Other dishes were derived from family memories, such as the catfish nuggets, born from the family’s tradition of having fish fries growing up and cutting the fish into smaller pieces rather than fillets. The restaurant added steak tots and steak wraps after that. The ever-growing menu and laid-back atmosphere attract crowds looking for a fun, unique, but down-to-earth venue.
“Our main vision was to have a space everyone feels invited in. Most days, you will come in and hear ‘80s music. We want our customers to have a good time when dining with us because we are all here to have a good time with each other,” Devan said.
Devan’s dad, Billy Ray, still works alongside him as needed, and said it has been an amazing experience sharing his dream with his family.
“My youngest son, Bladyn, now 16, was cleaning tables and washing dishes at 6 years old,” Billy Ray said. “Now my oldest son and his family have taken the leap into the business, and Bladyn helps as needed. We couldn’t be happier with all the support we have had. It’s been an incredible experience!”
Devan shares his father’s enthusiasm and vision for the restaurant and hopes that, maybe someday, his young children will as well.
“I hope as my kids get older, they enjoy being in the restaurant and want to work with me. I would love to have them beside me,” Devan said.
Athens Ray already carries the name, so it looks like Crazy Ray’s may be just getting started. GN
