Our Story: A Legacy of Taste and Tradition
At Rays Country Ham, our story is one of bold innovation rooted in southern tradition—two family legacies, now joined, committed to bringing the finest country ham to tables across America.
 
The Roots of Rays Country Ham
The journey began with Ray and Geneva Goad, who, a decade after Ray’s honorable discharge from the Navy following World War II, opened their first Ray's Restaurant in 1952 near Mount Airy, North Carolina—Ray’s hometown, known fondly as “Mayberry USA” in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Parkway, now designated as part of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. Ray and Geneva’s venture quickly became famous for “Country Ham & Biscuits,” a tagline backed by generations of secret-curing know-how and Ray’s mother’s southern biscuit recipe.
 
Little did they know that, in 1948, less than 50 miles west, as the crow flies along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Goodnight Family was also beginning to make Country Ham history.
 
American Fast-Food Pioneer
As Ray’s acclaim grew, so did his vision. By 1962, at Ray’s Starlight Restaurant, he cemented his reputation for crafting unforgettable country ham. Ray’s innovation didn’t stop at the table—he became an American fast-food pioneer. As the first to serve breakfast at his fast-food outlets, he brought his signature Country Ham and Sausage Biscuits to dozens of Ray’s Kingburger locations across five Mid-Atlantic states, making the southern breakfast sandwich a beloved staple.
 
Though Ray’s original restaurants are now part of history, the taste lives on—Ray Jr. and his sister Susan have continued their father’s tradition, making Ray’s Country Ham a household name through their eCommerce store. The Goad family’s commitment to quality and taste has remained unchanged for over 70 years.
 
The Goodnight Brothers Heritage
The Goodnight family’s ties to North Carolina agriculture date back to the 1930s, when they began selling fresh produce from their Perkinsville basement in Watauga County. After WWII, the brothers expanded beyond the mountain and, in 1961, built a modern warehouse in Charlotte. As their operations grew, so did their reputation for quality and reliability.
 
In 1967, JC Goodnight opened a new facility in Boone to keep up with growing demand. By 1970, Jim Goodnight took the reins of the country ham business, and in 1985, his cousin Bill Goodnight joined to lead sales. Together, they brought Tony Snow into the family and ushered the company into a new era—expanding facilities, growing operations, and building on a proud family name that, while now leading the industry, the name Goodnight still stands for integrity and excellence in every slice.
 
A New Era: Goodnight Brothers & Rays Country Ham
Today, Goodnight Brothers is honored to carry forward the Rays Country Ham tradition as its Premium Brand with the legendary “Rays” name, recipes, and legacy are now part of our family—ensuring that Goodnight Brothers crafts every ham bearing the Rays mark with the same dedication and care that made it a classic.
 
We invite you to enjoy the unique flavor of Rays Country Ham, now delivered to kitchens and breakfast tables nationwide—crafted by families who made North Carolina country ham a beloved tradition. Together, Goodnight Brothers and the Goad family legacy bring you tradition, taste, and timeless southern hospitality for generations to come.