Automatic for the People

Shelly got to meet a legend, and was reminded why he is so legendary

By Michael Ertel

October 16^th, 2025

The History

Michelle will attest she has been an avid fan of the rock act R.E.M. since "well before they were famous."

The group, based out of Athens, Georgia is iconic, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nearly 20 years ago.

As a struggling artists in the eighties, the group would convene at the local soul food restaurant, Weaver D's. They were such big fans of the place e, and the owner/proprietor/cook/host/waiter Dexter Weaver they named their monster hit album Automatic for the People after the slogan at the bottom of Weaver's sign.

Since then, visitors from throughout the world have trekked to this small, lime green diner in this Georgia college town.

The Experience

As soon as we exited the No Cure Caravan in the small parking lot, we could hear whom we would later learn is Mr. Weaver training an unseen youngster on the finer points of opening for the day.

Since we were arriving just a bit before opening, the sounds were coming from an open window in the kitchen.

Some may believe a legend like Mr. Weaver would have someone else conduct the training. But we'd learn he wasn't the kind of man to outsource his actions.

Slinking in the front door a few minutes before the official opening, we were greeted by the famous Mr. Weaver himself. Already in the place were a few regulars who clearly are allowed in before official opening hours. Mr. Weaver was chatting them up, while also giving us the utmost of attention.

Being so early, and the food made fresh daily, we obviously has a limited menu, as the items which took longer to make weren't quite perfect yet. We asked for his advice on what the best available items were, and he guided us to an amazing brunch.

Yes, the food was great. And, of course people watching as the locals all came in, chatted it up with their friend Dexter made for a joyful experience. As we got up to pay, the woman in front of us was a little short on her bill. While we were about to offer to pay her bill, Mr. Weaver beat us to it.

The Legend

After we settled up, we began to have a deeper chat with Mr. Weaver, who insisted we just call him Dexter.

We learned a lot about his history, his restaurant, his philanthropy, and how he has used his accidental fame to better his community.

But, the bulk of the conversation wasn't about him, as I learned he wasn't a talker, but a listener.

As the conversation travelled to Shelly's cancer and the purpose of the No Cure Caravan, this legend's eyes began to well up.

Mr. Weaver stopped me mid-sentence, then grabbed my hand as well as Shelly's. In this moment, he bowed his head down, and with a tearful voice began to pray for Shelly's health.

Others in Weaver D's followed his lead, and what was moments earlier a loud gathering of customers laughing and enjoying a meal became a community of faith.

Our friend Dexter then walked us to the only open area in the restaurant, and we took a photo together. We didn't need a photo to remember this man; this legend, but having it is now one of our prized possessions.

What started as two tourists reminiscing about music of our younger days became an affirmation our future would be blessed by a true southern gentleman, Mr. Weaver.