Don Dungway

Welcome to The Dungway, a proud staple of American tradition, where hearty, homestyle meals meet generations of family heritage. Founded in 1982 by Don Dungway in the heart of Indiana, our roots stretch deep into the soil of small-town America where meals were made with love, and every recipe told a story passed down around the dinner table.

 

Our Roots

Don Dungway grew up on a Midwestern farm, surrounded by honest work, open skies, and the rich culinary traditions of his ancestors. He spent his childhood tending fields, collecting eggs, and watching his grandmother prepare wholesome meals from scratch. It was in that simple farmhouse kitchen where he first fell in love with the power of food—how it could bring people together, heal old wounds, and preserve family legacies.

After serving in the National Guard and working as a butcher in his early twenties, Don returned to his roots with a new vision: a restaurant that honored those early traditions while daring to challenge the modern palate. Inspired by the communal spirit of Sunday suppers and barn-side cookouts, he opened The Dungway in a converted grain mill with just six tables, a grill, and a whole lot of determination.

 

The Dungways

The Dungway Vision

From the beginning, The Dungway has stood for more than just good food. It has become a symbol of resilience, craftsmanship, and the belief that true flavor comes from authenticity—not just in ingredients, but in the people who prepare them. Every dish on our menu reflects a commitment to time-honored methods, handcrafted sauces, and quality ingredients sourced from trusted local partners, many of whom we’ve worked with for decades.

 

The Dungway Legacy

Now in its third generation, the Dungway family proudly carries forward Don’s mission. With the same passion that fueled him, we continue to serve unapologetically bold American comfort food—meals that are unpretentious, nourishing, and rooted in the land and love from which they came.

 

 

“At The Dungway, we don’t just serve food—we serve heritage, the Dungway.”