Meet Hester General Store’s Katie Chaney

7 questions with Hester General Store’s Katie Chaney

Katie Chaney, owner of Hester General Store in Easley, South Carolina

Meet Katie Chaney | Photo by Christin Clinkscales

“A comforting place where people can come and rethink what tradition looks like.”

That’s what Katie Chaney, owner of Hester General Store (1735 Hester Store Rd., Easley), says the new store will be. Officially open as of today, Friday, Dec. 16, the pie shop + general store was once an just an idea.

We asked Katie seven questions about how she got her start, the store + her team, and more.

GVL_Hester General Store_ Dec 2022 — This Sunny Mullarkey mural is what the store is all about. | Photo by Christen Clinkscales

What got you into baking in the first place?

I got into reading food blogs + cookbooks about different food ways, how people were thinking about their culture’s food, and female chefs’ stories of their path to finding themselves through food.

I started reading this cookbook by Erin Jeanne McDowell, “The Book on Pie” and I obsessed over it. I baked every pie of that book + started making riffs on what she was doing and thought, “This is something that the Upstate area really doesn’t have, a niche pie shop.”

There were a lot of paths I could have taken, but when it came to what I enjoyed baking, what I felt like I had the most skill in + what would have the most impact on tradition and people’s lives— it was pies.

Where do you find inspiration for your recipes?

My grandmother, Neva — my daughter’s namesake — was big in the kitchen. I have huge stacks of her recipes that I’ve poured over + integrated into the work we’re doing here.

I also looked at what I enjoy eating. Many people think pie dough shouldn’t have sugar in it because the pie that you’re putting into it is sugary. I totally disagree. I think it should taste like a sugar cookie + should be part of the experience.

I’vebeen really excited about the way that my team views food as well. It’s important to me that we’re doing something that they love.

Click below to read more about Katie’s team, the store + the future.

5 MORE Q'S WITH KATIE

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Friday, Dec. 16

Indie Craft Parade Holiday Pop-Up Shop | Friday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Dec. 18 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Makers Collective, 2909 Old Buncombe Rd., Greenville | Free entry | Shop a mix of handmade art, home goods, jewelry, and children’s items from 25+ makers.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever | Friday, Dec. 16 + Saturday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Simpsonville Arts Center, 110 Academy St., Simpsonville | $7 | See this holiday story adapted from the best-selling young adult book play out on stage.
Tetrad Brewhouse Christmas Comedy Series | Friday, Dec. 16 | 6-9 p.m. | Tetrad Brewing Co., 603 E. Stone Ave., Greenville | $15-$150 | Laugh the night away with comedians SCOOTER and Brandon Rainwater + enjoy craft beers at this holiday comedy show.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party with The Abbey Elmore Band | Friday, Dec. 16 | 7-9 p.m. | Fireforge Crafted Beer, 311 E. Washington St., Greenville | Free entry | Don your ugliest Christmas sweater and bring a new winter clothing item to donate to Safe Harbor.

Saturday, Dec. 17

Holly Jolly Brunch | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Modal Coffee & Hostel, 813 Augusta St., Greenville | Feast on brunch dishes like hot cakes, fluffy quiche, or a parfait — includes gluten-free, dairy-sensitive, and vegan options.
Holiday Laser Show: Mannheim Steamroller | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 6 p.m. | Roper Mountain Science Center, 402 Roper Mountain Rd., Greenville | $8 | Catch a holiday themed laser show set to songs by Mannheim Steamroller, like “Deck the Halls,” “Silent Night,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and more.

Sunday, Dec. 18

Chanukah on Main | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 4 p.m. | NOMA Square at the Hyatt Regency, 220 N. Main St., Greenville | Free | Join Chabad Greenville and the Upstate for the annual giant menorah lighting + enjoy festivities like a magic show, crafts for the kids, and a BMX stunt bike show.
Rigs and Coffee | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Thomas Creek Brewery, 2054 Piedmont Hwy., Greenville | Free | Connect with those passionate about adventure, exploration, and off-roading.

Monday, Dec. 19

Skating on the Big Ice presented by Duke Energy | Monday, Dec. 19-Friday, Dec. 30 | 12-5 p.m. | Bon Secours Wellness Arena, 650 N. Academy St., Greenville | $15 | All ages are invited to lace up their skates and hit the big ice.
Trailside Blazers | Monday, Dec. 19 | 6-9 p.m. | The Commons, 147 Welborn St., Greenville | Free | Grab your roller skates for a ride down the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Arts

Season’s greetings from New York City

Presented by a GVLtoday Partner

Greenville Symphony Orchestra Article: Winter Concert Img

Feel the holiday spirit all the way from Rockefeller. | Photo provided by Greenville Symphony Orchestra

Skip the plane ride (and the cold) and take a musical journey through New York City with the Greenville Symphony at Holiday at Peace, featuring soprano and Broadway star Rachel York and dancers of the International Ballet. Conducted by Edvard Tchivzhel and hosted by Jamarcus Gaston, tickets are available for $20-$55.

Performances are tonight (Friday, Dec. 16) at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m.Pro tip: Grab a table at Genevieve’s Theater Lounge at the Peace Center to enjoy bites + sips when you go.*

PURCHASE TICKETS + SEE SHOWTIMES

Weather

53º | Sunny | 10% chance of rain

Civic

The City of Greenville is offering free parking Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18 in garages downtown — including North Laurens, Broad Street, and Richardson plus parking lots like West Washington, West End, and the Main Street lot. Peep the parking map. 🅿️

Development

A rezoning request for The Yard, a food hall concept proposed for downtown Simpsonville (210 and 216 NE Main St.), was approved by Simpsonville City Council this week. Proposed features of the venue — similar to Gather GVL — include 10 food vendors and a center courtyard with seating. (Greenville Journal)

Edu

Greenville County Schools has released calendars for the next two school years. The 2023-2024 school year starts Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023 and ends Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Changes from previous years include testing (midterms, finals, and state) prior to winter break. See more details + FAQs. 🗓️ (FOX Carolina)

Arts

Calling all visual arts instructors. The Greenville Center for Creative Arts is seeking art school instructors for its spring 2023 session (Wednesday, April 10-Sunday, May 12). Submit your proposals for five-week classes and one-, two-, and three-day workshops here by Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023.

Drink

Grateful Brew (501 S. Pleasantburg Dr.) is celebrating the winter solstice with its seventh annual Darkest Night event on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 4 p.m. The evening will feature 5 oz tastings of select dark craft beers from local and regional breweries (think: Southernside Brewing Co. + Liability Brewing) and dinner from Black Thai food truck. 🌑

Eat

Are you a food truck or trailer owner in the Greenville + Upstate area? Thomas Creek Brewery (2054 Piedmont Hwy.) wants to add you to its new food truck schedule. Owners can email Randy for details and to get on the schedule.

Number

$60,000. That’s how much Greenville County Chamber received from Power:Ed, a philanthropy of the SC Student Loan Corporation. The funds will go towards hiring a Career Navigator for the Greenville Chamber to support adults pursuing education, changing career paths, and more. 💼

Shop

It’s ok if you waited until the last minute to shop this season. There’s still time to shop items from our online shop Six & Main. We’re talking cocktail glasses, shirts, candles, mugs, and more. Our gift guides make shopping easy. 🛍️

Health

We’ll call this a win for humankind. After years of collaboratively researching a procedure conceptualized by MUSC Health pediatric cardiac surgeon T. Konrad Rajab, MD, Duke Health performed the first-ever human partial heart transplant. The surgery saved 5-month-old Owen’s life, and is revolutionary for children with congenital heart defects. Find out why. 🫀*

Real Estate

DYK Greenville was home to a bustling cotton mill during the blooming industrial era of the textile heyday? Over a century later, The Lofts at Woodside Mill have woven history into luxury. The one-of-a-kind contemporary residences + loft-style apartment homes reflect character-rich, timeless design. See for yourself. 👀 *

Travel

Calling all globetrotters. If exploring bucket list destinations while meeting like-minded travelers is one of your 2023 goals, consider booking a small group trip with Encounters Travel. See one of the seven wonders of the world on the Jordan & Egypt Explorer Trip or snorkel among diverse marine life on the Maldives Uncovered Tour.*

Finance

This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement — its free tool can match you with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area who can help you work towards financial freedom. Try it out for yourself.*

Outdoors

Still shopping for the hunter or angler in your life? Sportsman’s Box, the leading gear discovery service for outdoorsmen, is adding a free $100 credit for all new members through Saturday, Dec. 31. Choose from nine leading brands with your first Sportsman’s Box and claim your free gift. 🎣 *

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Shining a light on upcoming SC Jewish Federation events

Jewish Federation of SC members walk on the street

The events were designed to help spread the light of the season. | Photo provided by the Charleston Jewish Federation

This December, as the Jewish Federations of SC gear up for the celebration of Hanukkah, aka the Festival of Lights, they’ll also be shining a light on growing antisemitism, racism, and hate in all its modern forms.

Greenvillians are invited to two upcoming events hosted by the organization — one in-person, one virtual — designed to help spread the light of the season and dispel the darkness:

Chanukah on Main in Greenville | Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. | Hyatt Regency, 220 N. Main St.
Statewide Virtual Menorah Lighting and Solidarity Event | Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. | Zoom*

SEE THE EVENT SCHEDULE

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Kyle.

Editor’s pick: Craving pie now? Order one for your holiday feasts (or donate one to a local family) through Hester General Store’s Christmas pies and cakes pre-order. Pickup starts today and runs through Saturday, Dec. 24 at Hester General Store (1735 Hester Store Rd., Easley).

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We shared a sneak peek and dim sum of Sum Bar’s new downtown restaurant.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Kyle Steadings, Danielle Johnson, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Anne Hazard | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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