Big blowout planned for 5th anniversary
By Lorne Chambers | Editor
The rapid evolution and success of Loggerhead’s Beach Grill has moved at anything but a turtle’s pace over the last five years. In 2010 Loggerhead’s owner Ed Iames began converting this humble little beach bar into something more than all of its previous incarnations combined.
Over the last half-decade, Iames has renovated the dining room, greatly expanded the kitchen and its offerings, and added a massive back deck, equipped with a fire table and a VW van bar. Whether you’re looking to grab lunch or dinner, watch the big game, or just soak up some sun while enjoying Folly’s largest selection of local beers on tap or Folly’s first wine “on tap,” Loggerheads has truly become a go-to hotspot for entertainment on the island.
“In some ways it seems like five years has gone by in a flash, in other ways it seems that we have been in the community forever,” says Iames. “One thing is for sure, it has been a lot of fun watching Folly Beach and Loggerheads grow.”
And on Sunday, April 19, Iames and company are upping the ante even more in celebration of Loggerhead’s fifth year in business. Starting at 2 p.m. there will be live music from Josh Roberts and The Hinges, The Travlin’ Kine, and Folly’s favorite native sons Dangermuffin. Then at 10 p.m. there will be an “All-Star Jam” led by the Sideshow Americans, featuring all three of the daytime bands.
Creating a small, local company that survives five years is no easy feat, particularly in the business environment of the last decade. But Iames has managed to not only survive, but thrive in these otherwise uneasy economic times. He attributes the success of Loggerhead’s to four simple things. — Hiring and keeping good employees, listening to people, always evolving, and having the support of a strong community.
“Our people are our greatest asset. We put a tremendous effort into the selection and development of our employees,” says Iames. “We believe that everything that we do can be improved and by listening to our employees and our customers. We get better at what we do daily.”
Iames is quick to point out that Loggerhead’s is “five years young.”
“We believe in constant evolution and embrace change. Like living things, businesses that grow old and lose their relevance perish,” he says. “In order to thrive, businesses need to constantly dip their toes in the fountain of youth. We invest in our growth, monitor trends, and benchmark best practices to stay relevant.”
Even with great employees and a sound yet dynamic business model, Iames knows that nothing matters without the support of the community you serve. That is why you will personally see the restaurateur at just about every community event, whether its judging last week’s Womanless Beauty Pageant at Planet Follywood, being active with Folly Association of Businesses (FAB), or running for City Council.
“Strong community involvement and philanthropy,” says Iames. “We believe in making our community stronger through caring efforts.” And putting his money where his mouth is, Loggerhead’s birthday celebration will also be a fundraiser for the non-profit Folly Angels, with raffles all-day long benefitting the local charity.
Loggerhead’s Beach Grill celebrates its 5th Anniversary with a Party on Sunday, April 19, starting at 2 p.m. For more information, call 588-2365 or visit www.loggerheadsbg.com.
