By Kerri Parker

Sweet Southern Comfort has rooted their reputation at their diner along State Road 20 in Freeport. Their praised home-cooking has patrons lining out the door. “We know about 90% of our customers by first name,” says Tammy Henderson, co-owner and operator of Sweet Southern Comfort. “We like to make people feel like they are welcome, whether they are stopping in to check out our progress here in DeFuniak Springs, or dining with us in Freeport.”

Having been married for over 38 years, Tammy and Jimmy have worked together on many successful service-oriented businesses for decades. They fell in love with the quaint Main Street of DeFuniak Springs while visiting Tammy’s brother, Tim Jackson. “I told Tim to let me know if he came across an available space downtown. The minute I got the call, we were on our way to check out the space,” says Tammy. The couple laughingly shared their banter while driving to Main Street. “He kept saying no, and I kept saying oh yes, indeed,” Tammy says. Jimmy wasn’t convinced about opening a second location until he walked through the doors of the space formerly named Embers. He immediately committed to the vision and has been working seven days a week ever since that defining moment. 

Patrons can expect the same friendly atmosphere as their Freeport location, but should be prepared for some elevated aesthetics and mouth-watering additions. Having hailed from the music industry, Tammy’s family connected her with extraordinary music memorabilia to adorn the walls of the new location. The impressive decor will be matched with an expansive menu.

“We will still have our country charm – serving our country fried steak and collard greens, but we plan to add even more smoked meats, a raw oyster bar, and fine steaks to our new menu,” says Tammy.

Though their renovations are coming along faster than they expected, opening will be some time before or after Thanksgiving 2023. The operation hours will also be an adjustment for Sweet Southern loyalists who are familiar with their “breakfast and lunch only” operation in Freeport. In their new location the family intends to be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, six days a week. With friendly service being their authentic mantra, they know finding the right service staff will be essential. “We make quality food and service our first priority, but we are looking forward to adding live music to the Sweet Southern Comfort experience,” says Tammy. 

You can catch Tammy, Jimmy and their nephew Dusty working on the transformation at 756 Baldwin Avenue almost any day of the week. You can stay connected with them by following their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SweetSouthernComfortGreatFoodAndCatering