After serving more than 20 years in the United States Marine Corps, First Sergeant (Ret.) Joseph Benton has embarked on a new mission—serving up smiles and breakfast favorites as the proud owner of the new Eggs Up Grill in Jacksonville, North Carolina along with his wife, Tomeka Benton, and business partners Estrella Rogers, Sammie Rogers, and Shanta Cooks. The new location officially opened the doors on September 3, 2025.
A native of Cross Plains, Tennessee, Benton grew up in a small town with just one four-way stop. After graduation he sought a path that would challenge him and provide purpose. At 19, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, looking for a career he couldn’t simply walk away from. Over the next two decades, he dedicated his life to the military, where he worked his way through the ranks and took on multiple leadership roles. His extensive experience leading Marines and executing complex logistical operations prepared him well for his next chapter in business ownership.
Benton had always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit, which led him to pursue a degree in business administration while still serving. “I knew I was in the right field because every business class held my attention, and I worked hard to earn top grades,” he recalled. His passion for leadership, logistics, and problem-solving translated seamlessly into small business ownership. “The military prepares you for just about anything. Leading Marines from different backgrounds taught me how to manage diverse teams, and handling logistics in the field prepared me for the operational challenges of running a restaurant.”
The idea of opening an Eggs Up Grill was mutual. The ladies were out of town and discovered the restaurant while attending a women’s retreat and discussed the idea of having a location in Jacksonville. Tomeka called Joseph excited about the delicious food and suggested it could be a good opportunity for their next venture. After careful research and planning, the Benton’s teamed up with their friends and business partners to bring the popular breakfast and lunch concept to Jacksonville.
The journey to opening day was not without its challenges. “Everything has been a challenge—construction being the biggest,” Benton admitted. “Before this, I had never read a blueprint, so getting through the construction phase was a huge accomplishment.” Despite the obstacles, he found the experience both challenging and rewarding, as each hurdle brought the team closer to realizing their dream.
Now that the doors are open, Benton looks forward to making an impact in the community, not just by serving delicious food but by creating opportunities for others. “Small business ownership has given me a sense of purpose beyond the military. It’s allowed me to prove to myself that we can succeed in a new arena,” he shared. His goals are clear: “Keep God first, keep my family second, and grow our business to its full potential.”
With the support of his family, friends, and the Jacksonville community, the team’s Eggs Up Grill is set to become a neighborhood staple—a place where great food and great service bring people together. For Benton, this is just the beginning of another fulfilling mission, one plate at a time.