SANTEE – A popular restaurant that began serving area residents and travelers in Santee back in the mid 1950s is going out of business.

Throughout most of its history, Tastee Food Shop was owned and managed by Harvey Peddycord, who recently retired to a family home in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Attired in his signature straw hat as he drove his golf cart around the grounds of his restaurant and motel, Peddycord was the picture of a Southern gentleman, exuding hospitality and kindness to everyone who ate at Tastee Food or stayed at the adjoining Mansion Park Motor Lodge.

The motel, now owned by a group of investors, Santee Ventures LLC, remains open for business.

Pat Shuler, who has worked as a waitress at Tastee Food for 30 years, said, “I’ve been here so long, I’ll be lost.”

The restaurant was known for its home-cooked meals that included hot turkey, roast beef or roast fresh ham smothered in gravy, with two vegetables, hot rolls and butter – just like mama used to make. Also remembered will be the Tastee Food burgers, fried chicken, liver and onions and the many sandwiches and other specialties of the house.

Tastee Food cooks Emma Clark and Alma Hezekiah have also worked at the restaurant for 30 years and say the restaurant is a second home. Waitresses Kay Wiles and Christine Ayers, who have both worked at the restaurant for about 15 years, were known for greeting customers with a smile and inquiring about their families.

Tastee Food served breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week and was a gathering place for locals who caught up with town gossip while they enjoyed their meals.

No longer able to compete with contemporary fast food restaurants or fine dining establishments, Tastee Food served its last meal Sunday before closing its doors for good.

When he operated the restaurant, Peddycord had a typed list of “Instructions For Waitresses” framed in the back of the restaurant. Some of his rules included: “You must get the food to the people before it gets cold” and “If a piece of equipment breaks down, don’t get excited and start telling everyone.”

Peddycord was also known for his framed prayers and poetry displayed on Tastee Food tables. On holidays, Tastee Food would be fully decorated, usually with ornaments dating back decades.

Tastee Food’s homey appeal extended not only to locals, but to travelers on U.S. 301 and Interstate 95 and the golfers who play at Santee’s three courses. The staff estimates the restaurant served more than a million meals.

Customer Wynona Genco, accompanied by Harold Ream, was relaxing at a booth awaiting her breakfast one day before the restaurant closed, and she lamented its departure.

“I’ve been eating here for 23 years,” she said. “It’s so informal and a great place to meet friends.”

Tastee Food Shop was recently honored by being part of a Smithsonian exhibit at the Elloree Heritage Museum & Cultural Center titled, “Key Ingredients – America By Food.” The traveling exhibit paid respect to the important role local restaurants and food traditions have played in the history of communities across the country.

T&D Correspondent Shirley Upton can be reached by e-mail at writer@ntinet.com.

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