The Wild Ones: Barnyard Betsy, Paulique M. Duson Horton
“The Wild Ones” interviews local entrepreneurs and community members who call Washington County home.
A descendent from Somerset Place, Creswell has always been in embedded in Paulique M. Duson Horton’s DNA.
Growing up in Philly, Paulique would spend summers and holidays in Creswell, but she missed the taste of city life — cheesesteak style. Now she offers the best cheesesteaks and hoagies in Northeast North Carolina at Barnyard Betsy in Creswell.
Make it stand out
Tell us about yourself and your business.
I am a Financial Services Expert with the additional titles of being a Serial Entrepreneur, Best-Selling Author, Social & Community Justice Advocate and my favorite ones yet—Child of God , Mother & Granddaughter.
With over 27 years of Hospitality Industry experience, I knew early on that the community of Creswell in Washington County deserved to be a destination for something I knew a lot about — great food with amazing service. Growing up in the city of Philadelphia, it made sense to me to bring what I knew truly to my hometown. I would spend summers and holidays here, in Creswell, and the one thing I missed about being here versus Philly was a Good ole’ Cheesesteak or Hoagie.
Barnyard Betsy Cheesesteaks & Hoagies is named after my Grandmother who is my hero and raised me into who I am today! I am forever grateful for God’s grace, mercy, and granting additional strength to my grandmother in order to provide security, love, and encouragement during my journey of this road called life! And she continues to do so at this current day and as we speak!
Why Plymouth/Washington County?
I was offered to open businesses in major cities in NC and different states—I refused! I opened my first 4 businesses here, in Washington County, before opening in other areas. The community connectiveness, togetherness, opportunity for growth and unity are all an integral part of this area and my purpose! And extremely important to me!
“Growing up in the city of Philadelphia, I would spend summers and holidays in Creswell and the one thing I missed about being here versus Philly was a Good ole’ Cheesesteak or Hoagie. ”
- Paulique M. Duson Horton
And our bonus question that we ask everyone: Bears, Birds or Water?
We are blessed to have Bears, Birds, and Water! My vote would not exclude, but to say the “beauty” Washington County has to offer.
The driving force of Ecotourism in Northeast North Carolina, but—If I had to pick it would most certainly be water.
