Rooted in Stone

Mount Airy is a town built on granite, even its soil is mixed with residue of the stone. Long before anyone had even heard of “Mayberry," Mount Airy was already earning acclaim as “The Granite City” largely due to the existence of 40 acres of bare rock just a couple miles south of town. Known to locals as “The Rock”, the land was deemed “useless” by the farmer who purchased the parcel as part of a bigger tract. This “useless” portion of land is now home to the world’s largest open-faced granite quarry, owned and operated by North Carolina Granite Corporation, A Division of Polycor.

A view of the granite quarry from above is always impressive, as it’s even visible to astronauts viewing from outer space! Photo Courtesy of NCGC.

Above: A view of the granite quarry from above is always impressive, as it’s even visible to astronauts viewing from outer space! Photo Courtesy of NCGC. 

The Granite Quarry gave rise to many regional stone makers and several members of the Johnson family got their start at “The Rock”. Decades later members of that same family decided to start one of Mount Airy’s first countertop fabrication and installation companies. As second and third-generation stoneworkers, Larry and Brian Johnson knew plenty about working with stone products, but not much about owning their own business. In the beginning, they did all of the work themselves…relying on just a few tools of the trade, Brian and Larry’s strong backs, and a keen eye for bookkeeping from Linda, the family matriarch.

Cofounders Larry and Brian Johnson in red shirts standing outside original Johnson Granite Incorporated storefront sign

Above: Brian and Larry Johnson (L to R) standing outside their very first storefront in the early 2000s. Photo Courtesy Johnson Granite, Inc.

Aerial view of an Johnson Granite warehouse complex beside a road and parking lot, with trees and nearby buildings.

Below:  Johnson Granite’s Fabrication Facility in Mount Airy, NC

Photo Courtesy of Johnson Granite, Inc.


The company’s first big break came when a stranger entered the shop looking for a unique granite. The customer was so impressed by her experience at Johnson Granite that she paid IN FULL and UPFRONT for her countertop job! Her complete trust in them made a real impression on Larry, Linda, and Brian. Larry recalls how this single transaction served as a turning point for the small company and says they have never lacked for work since that day! He refers often to that client as “an angel” because of how she blessed them.

Johnson Granite, Inc. may have started in 2000 with Larry and Brian producing only 2-3 kitchens a week, but now the company averages 20-30 jobs in production on any given day! Johnson Granite has also expanded its reach to include two additional locations: one in Roanoke, VA, and the other just down the road in Winston-Salem, NC. With more than 100 employees and a distinction as the region’s only Natural Stone Institute (NSI) accredited countertop shop, Johnson Granite, Inc. has built a solid reputation for delivering high-quality custom stone, fabrication, craftsmanship combined with superior service all while maintaining a warm, family feel across North Carolina, Virginia, and even West Virginia.

Whether you are building your dream home, remodeling your forever home, or relocating to the region we welcome the opportunity to serve you! 

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  • Bright modern kitchen with marble island, gold faucet, white cabinets, and round window.

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  • Bright, elegant bathroom with twin vanities, freestanding tub, large window, and white-and-gold decor

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  • Modern kitchen with granite island, pendant lights, wooden stools, and stainless steel appliances

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  • Bright modern kitchen with a large white island, bar stools, wood floors, and a window view of the mountains

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  • Elegant vanity nook with floral chair, marble countertop, large mirror, and wall sconces

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  • Bright modern kitchen with granite island, bar stools, white cabinets, and recessed lighting

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  • Bright white modern kitchen with island, stainless stove, glass cabinets, and wood floor

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  • Bright modern kitchen with turquoise island, white countertops, pendant lights, and a vase of flowers.

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Originally published October 2023 | Last updated and fact-checked: July 2026.

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