Jonathan Dickson is a biochemistry major turned actor turned businessman. Initially, Jonathan was pursuing a career as a doctor and found himself in show business in New York City where he worked as an actor and comedian, proving that laughter truly is the best medicine. He would return to Charleston every year to help work the Volvo Car Open (formerly The Family Circle Cup) where he would see his good friend who happened to be a Chick-fil-A operator. Jonathan absolutely loved the business principles of the company so he moved back to Charleston to work with his friend, learn the business, and pursue his own franchise. Jonathan also enjoys scuba diving, sky diving, playing the saxophone, marathon running, Carolina Shag dancing, emceeing events, and giving ghost tours downtown.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
We are a close knit family…until football season! And then we’re still close but give each other a hard time when Carolina plays Clemson.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
In my acting career I have performed in over 500 commercials and have worked with HBO, NBC, History Channel, Bravo, and more. I love people and making them smile! Chick-fil-A allows me to do that every single day.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Grocery, Muse, Lenoir, Basic Kitchen, Renzo, Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
5 and 1/2 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Tom Worsdale. Retired Lt. Colonel in the Air Force and their liaison to HOLLYWOOD. This man has so many cool stories! I could listen for hours.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Paris, of course! Nothing compares to the most romantic city in the world with all of the outdoor cafes and beautiful architecture and history. Plus all the French bread you can eat!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Every James Bond movie and the show 24, the Jack Bauer Power Hour
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind and make someone’s day every day.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Go to outer space!
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Andy Grammer
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Boulevard Diner, Bert’s on Folly, and of course Jestine’s…the best!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Academy Award winner Tom Hanks. Would love to hear how he picks his movies and develops his characters. We would definitely hit up Poe’s Tavern for a burger!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
How resilient Charleston is no matter the circumstances! I love this town!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully running a Chick-fil-A in the Charleston area and generously supporting our local homeless shelters.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m shag dancing next to Rachel McAdams and James Marsden in the romantic movie, The Notebook. I made the trailer too!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Underwater scuba diving off the coast of Bonaire. Absolutely stunning down there!
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
All the warm months, ha! Favorite holiday is Thanksgiving and the best single day on the calendar is the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Yummy, delicious, thick, southern banana pudding (sigh)
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Jesus and my mama
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
#1 The way “she” smells. #2. Christmas trees
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
My sweet, wonderful family! The Palmetto State. Boiled peanuts!
