Prosperity, SC – Celebrating 30 Years of Hawg Heaven: A Pillar of the Community
On March 17, 1994, a small, family-owned barbecue and country buffet restaurant named Hawg Heaven opened its doors on CR Koon Highway in Prosperity, South Carolina. Little did its founders know, this humble venture would become a beloved community staple for the next three decades.
The Family Legacy
William Long, the father of Penny Hamm, the current owner, first toyed with the idea of opening a restaurant back in the 1970s. In 1987, Long and his brother finally established a barbecue joint in Clinton. A few years later, a similar restaurant was opened in Mauldin. Throughout these ventures, one thing never changed — the family-oriented atmosphere that patrons would come to associate with the Longs and then the Hamms.
Around this time, Penny and her then-husband decided to continue her father’s legacy. The couple opened their own barbecue and county buffet restaurant named Hawg Heaven, which continues to be family-oriented to this day.
Navigating Through Challenges
Being able to sustain a family-run restaurant for 30 years, especially amidst a global pandemic, is no small feat. Hawg Heaven has made difficult yet crucial decisions to ensure the wellbeing of their staff and customer base, which they consider as an extended family. For instance, Sunday restaurant hours were reduced to allow employees quality time with their families.
Over the Years: Building a Buffet Together
The success of Hawg Heaven wouldn’t have been possible without the continued support and suggestions of a loyal customer base. From its early days serving a limited amount of food to becoming the only buffet in the region for a certain period, patrons have played a substantial role in shaping the menu over the years.
Today, nearly 90% of the items on the menu at Hawg Heaven are a direct result of customer feedback and requests. Their suggestions have also helped shape the popular salad bar and various menu items.
“A lot of our customers have been regulars from the start,” says Penny Hamm. “They have all been a part of our extended family, and we have experienced major life events together — it’s truly been a communal journey of three decades.”
Looking Ahead
As Hawg Heaven moves into the future, Penny and her team plan on sticking to their core principles. Putting family, employees, and community at the forefront, Hawg Heaven is committed to maintaining the warm and familial environment that has been its trademark since day one.
“We couldn’t have done this without them,” says Penny Hamm referring to the community and customers. “We are immensely blessed and thankful.”
The charming, family-run Hawg Heaven restaurant is located at 11375 CR Koon Hwy, Prosperity, SC 29127. If you’re in the vicinity, make sure you stop by and enjoy a comforting meal that’s been three decades in the making.
source: HERE News Network
