Today we’d like to introduce you to Tasha O’Neal.
Hi Tasha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Being a sales representative with Verizon Wireless for over 10 years, I could have never imagined moving across the country, let alone opening a restaurant. In 2015, I decided it was time to follow my dream of “living somewhere with palm trees.” I packed up my 3 daughters, 2 dogs and our belongings and headed on a 27-hour road trip from South Dakota to South Carolina. One day, while working on Hilton Head, I stopped into a little bar/restaurant for lunch. I talked to the bartender for a while, and she asked if I had ever bartended before. I had absolutely no experience in the food industry, aside from working at a Wendy’s when I was 14. But being new to town, I thought it would be a great way to meet new people a couple of nights a week. My job with Verizon was relocated to Charleston so I made the decision to stay in Beaufort County due to my daughters just starting at new schools and left the company to start bartending full-time. The food and service industry taught me so much. Mostly in hospitality and customer service. I found myself thinking about what I would do if I owned a restaurant. I wanted to treat my future employees well and create a healthy work environment for everyone. I wanted to have great food that people talked about. I wanted every guest that came in to feel welcome and have a wonderful experience. In March 2023, my opportunity came. What was a dark, hard-to-find Speakeasy at the end of a strip plaza in Port Royal Plaza became the Sundown Saloon. After 4 months of renovation and making sure everything was just about perfect, the doors opened on August 1, 2023. Sundown Saloon, often referred to as a Cheers type bar, became a place where locals gather after work, celebrate birthdays, Saturday football, and we even had a marriage proposal! With food quality and consistency being our main priority, we have received constant praise for our menu and our reasonable prices. Over the past year, we have placed 2nd in the Beaufort County School District Chili Cook-off and 3rd in the 1st Mac and Cheese festival on Hilton Head. The Saloon has become a favorite restaurant for locals and tourists. Many claiming that we have the best burgers on the island!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a new business had many obstacles and challenges. Just creating the menu and description was a challenge! I have the new found respect for every menu that I come across now. I had never managed before, let alone had 11 employees of my own now. Juggling the our online presence, scheduling, ordering, keeping track of expenses, payroll – so many things to learn and execute every week.
It’s been just over 2 years now and I am still learning new things, trying out new ideas and trying to give the best hospitality to every person that walks through our door.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sundown Saloon?
Sundown Saloon is a cozy bar/restaurant located on Hilton Head Island. We are known for our burgers and our laid back atmosphere.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Hospitality is the most important aspect of this industry. When a guest has a great experience, they tell others. They come back again and again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesundownsaloon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sundown_saloonhiltonheadisland?igsh=MThteWo4enUyY3Zxdw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EmR4n9uWp/?mibextid=wwXIfr
