By Kerri Parker

Owning a small business is more than just fulfilling a dream—it’s an unrelenting commitment to hard work, late nights, and a passion that often goes unseen by the outside world. For Tammy and Jimmy Henderson, the journey to open Sweet Southern Comfort in DeFuniak Springs has been nothing short of a labor of love, showcasing the resilience and determination of small business owners everywhere.

The Hendersons made the bold decision to close their beloved breakfast and lunch diner in Freeport, uprooting their lives to plant new roots in the Historic Downtown of DeFuniak Springs. Their new venture, Sweet Southern Comfort, is not just a restaurant—it’s a reflection of their tireless dedication to serving their community. Now offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even a full bar, Tammy and Jimmy are putting in more hours than ever. But like many small business owners, they wear countless hats, juggling everything from cooking to marketing, all while maintaining the soul of their restaurant.

Tammy & Jimmy Henderson

“We’re here seven days a week, and there’s no slowing down,” Tammy says with a smile that hides the exhaustion behind the long days. “Running breakfast, lunch, and dinner is a whole new rhythm, and it’s been a challenge to adjust.” This new cycle of business has required more than just determination—it demands careful balancing of their time between service, ordering, scheduling, budgeting, and the inevitable behind-the-scenes grind that keeps the wheels turning. On days when the restaurant is closed, Tammy and Jimmy are often found deep cleaning, placing orders, strategizing marketing campaigns, or tweaking the menu, knowing that every detail matters.

Garrett Henderson, son of Tammy and Jimmy, working tirelessly to help the family business thrive.

Like many small business owners, staffing has been a hurdle. “Finding reliable employees who understand the level of service we expect has been difficult,” Tammy admits. “We want every guest to feel like family when they walk through the door, and maintaining that experience is our top priority.” Despite the challenges, the Hendersons have persevered, ensuring the same level of quality and warmth their patrons loved in Freeport carries over to DeFuniak Springs.

One thing that has really taken off in their new location is their dinner menu, particularly the steaks, which have quickly become the talk of the town. “Our smoked meats and country favorites will always be at the heart of our menu, but our steaks have been a real hit,” Tammy notes proudly. It’s the type of success that reminds small business owners why they put in the long hours—knowing their hard work is landing on plates with satisfied smiles.

Shrimp & Grits

But beyond the food, it’s the community that sustains Sweet Southern Comfort.

Customers from Freeport regularly make the trek to DeFuniak Springs just for a taste of their favorite dishes, and new faces continue to discover the restaurant through Facebook posts and glowing reviews. “We’ve had people tell us they stopped in DeFuniak Springs specifically to try our food, just from what they’ve seen online. That’s the kind of support that keeps us going on the toughest days,” Tammy says, her voice thick with emotion.

The Hendersons’ journey hasn’t been all about the grind, though. With family ties to the music industry through Tammy’s brothers, Tim and Tommy Jackson, Sweet Southern Comfort has hosted national recording artists in intimate, private performances, bringing a touch of magic to the small-town restaurant. “Live music has brought an entirely new energy to the restaurant,” Tammy beams. “It’s been amazing, and we love giving our customers something truly special.”

Lollipop Pork Chop

For Tammy and Jimmy, Sweet Southern Comfort is much more than just a restaurant—it’s a testament to the spirit of small business owners everywhere. They face long hours, tough decisions, and days where the to-do list feels endless, but their love for what they do, and the community that stands behind them, keeps them moving forward.

“We’re just getting started,” Jimmy says, the pride in his voice unmistakable. “It’s been an incredible journey so far, but there’s a lot more to come.”

In the end, it’s this kind of Southern grit and unwavering commitment that makes small businesses like Sweet Southern Comfort the heartbeat of communities. They may wear many hats and face countless challenges, but the joy they bring to their patrons, day in and day out, is worth every moment of effort.

Sweet Southern Comfort is open Tuesday- Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Firday & Satruday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Follow their Facebook for updates and specials. 

PRO TIP: Dining at Sweet Southern Comfort before attending the 7 p.m. showtime of the Tim Jackson’s Storytellers Tour makes a great Friday night outing in Historic Downtown DeFuniak Springs!