Don Shawl, Owner

Originally from the San Francisco Bay area in California, Don Shawl graduated from the University of California at Berkley, with a BS and MBA. After several management positions he moved with his family in 1971 to Bristol, Tennessee as President of a specialty textile company.

In 1982, Don became a founding member and President of Arbico East LLC, an Arby’s Franchisee in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. He served on the Arby’s Franchisee Board of Directors for over eight years.  The company currently owns and operates 12 Arby’s restaurants in that area.  Arbico East LLC was named Franchisee of the year in 1989. Don served as President of Arbico for over thirty years.  Don is also a founding member of Peak Restaurants LLC and was integral in the growth and development of both companies.  

​Over many years, Don has developed and owned other businesses including seven Arby’s restaurants in Raleigh, NC and shopping centers in northeast Tennessee.  He has served numerous community roles including Chairman of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Bristol and the Paramount Theater.  Don resides with his wife, Ginia, in Bristol Tennessee and Scottsdale Arizona.  He enjoys spending time with Ginia and his family, playing golf and hiking.  Currently he is Co-Chairman of the United Way of Bristol Endowment Campaign and is a volunteer Steward in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Don has two adult children, Lisa Jardina and Jeff.  Lisa, resides with her husband and three children in Louisville, Kentucky.