Eva's on Main - New Owners, Same Southern Hospitality

Whitney Easler - co-owner

“We have big shoes to fill” she said with a warm smile.  I met with Whitney Easler on a Wednesday morning that was much like most mornings around Eva’s on Main.  There was a bustle of wait staff, plates of food, and people.   Tables held a variety of patrons young and old, singles and couples, some working and some visiting.  There was even a local men’s group meeting at a large table in the middle of it all.  She greeted each new face as an old friend and asked if they wanted to sit at their usual table.

About the Owners

Ray and Whitney Easler took ownership of Eva’s on Main in January 2019.  They brought with them a tremendous amount of depth and experience in the hospitality industry, and a heart for people.  The Easlers have lived and worked in a variety of cities in our beautiful state, but the Charleston area always felt like home.  Their careers had taken them to Florida, where they spent the last 18 years.  Their goal was to come back to the area to be closer to family and to be a part of this community.  Eva’s came on the market and it was a perfect time for a move.

Eva Hinson

Staying True to the Past

Eva’s Restaurant was originally opened by Eva Hinson in 1944 and has been located in the current building since 1952.  The new owners love that Eva’s is an iconic piece of local history. Whitney stated, “people feel like this is home and they are part of our Eva’s family”.  The mission is to carry on the legacy by providing southern comfort food at reasonable prices with southern hospitality.  The goal is to stay true to the roots of Eva’s Restaurant by sourcing produce from local farms, making food from scratch, and continuing to offer the staple of “Meat and 2” or “Meat and 3 vegetables”.  They would also like to infuse some of their own creativity into the menu and have done so with daily specials so far.  Breakfast Menu / Lunch Menu

One neat thing I learned is that they have kitchen staff who were trained by Eva herself.  The Kitchen Manager, Beanie, and her sister Tish, both began cooking for Eva Hinson when they were still teenagers.  Their niece has also joined the team, making her a 2^nd generation cook for the beloved restaurant.

Coffee!!

Gratitude & Southern Hospitality

Whitney expressed gratitude for the kind and generous welcome from long-time patrons as they transitioned to new ownership.  Her love for the people was evident as she spoke of patrons like family members who are dear to her heart.  She shared that a sweet older couple, who visit nearly daily, gifted her a set of Normal Rockwell plates to match the pictures that had recently been hung.  She was so touched by their sweet gesture and showed us where the plates currently reside.

If you have never tried Eva’s on Main, you may be new to the area.  Let me encourage you to taste a piece of our history.  It’s a place of community, where people find connection and great food!