A Family-Style Business
story by Jordan Pupa | photos by Viridiana Photography
If you mention Hartsville, SC to anyone, it is likely they will ask if Yogi Bear Honey Fried Chicken is still around. The establishment is, of course, known for its crispy, tender fried chicken with honey, but the overall experience comes with so much more. The only existing Yogi Bear establishment has a sense of family pride that is unlike any other quick-service restaurant today. The nostalgic draw has brought in visitors from both near and far for years, making the restaurant a popular Hartsville hot spot.
Back in 60s, Yogi Bear Honey Fried Chicken originally was going to be Minnie Pearl’s Honey Fried Chicken, but she wasn’t interested in the opportunity. A new idea came along with the popularity of Yogi Bear during that time. Eventually a chain of fast-food fried-chicken restaurants licensed by Hanna-Barbera Productions started. Yogi Bear was a popular chain with a total of 20 restaurants up and down the east coast. The first ever restaurant was located in Myrtle Beach with others nearby in Charlotte, Rocky Mount, and even various locations in Florida. Unfortunately, they all eventually shut down after going broke, except for the location in Hartsville, which is still in business today.
George Atkins took over Yogi Bear about 15 years ago when the current owner approached him ready to sell. George was the owner of Chick A Ray Poultry where he sold chicken to Yogi Bear for many years, developing a relationship with the previous Hartsville Yogi Bear owner. George was familiar with the business and agreed to buy, keeping the historic landmark alive. Yogi Bear Honey Fried Chicken has been given permission to continue to use the character, but only for the remaining Hartsville establishment.
While chicken is what started the restaurant, the menu has diversified over the years. The menu includes boxed fried chicken meals such as the commonly known “Boo Boo Basket” and “Picnic Basket,” but also offers wings, chicken strips, seafood, pork chops, livers and gizzards, and soups. But, that’s not all. They also offer a plethora of sides and desserts including batter fried corn on the cob and apple turnovers. In fact, Yogi Bear’s online ordering system and drive by pick-up window makes the dining process more convenient for everyone. Of course, the family-friendly setting makes for a great place for a sit-down meal as well. “People come from out of town just to eat,” explains George. “We have a lot of Charlotte business and people stopping in on the way to beach. Most know about us, and some even remember the other locations. We’re an institution around here.”
The food isn’t all that the people come for. Yogi Bear wouldn’t be what it is without its dedicated, friendly staff. While there may be some changes here and there as time goes on, many of the restaurant’s employees have been long-term, providing customers with a sense of comfort and familiarity every time they enter the doors. With about thirty employees, George’s values revolve around running the business family-style. Angie Johnson, Yogi Bear employee, describes George as “Papa Bear” and says he is a great boss that really makes the Yogi Bear team a true family. “Some employees have been here over 30 years,” says Angie. “There are many sisters who work here, and some that we may as well call sisters because they’ve been working side-by-side for so many years.” Yogi Bear is also grateful for their loyal and returning customers who they consider to be like family. Angie shares, “We had a fire once and closed down for twelve weeks. People were going into shock and once we opened back up, we had record sales for weeks!”
Visiting Yogi Bear Honey Fried Chicken is a “must do” for friends and family in town for the holidays. You can’t miss the large, iconic sign featuring Yogi Bear on South Fifth Street in Hartsville. In fact, George even has the sign from the old Charlotte location stored in the warehouse. It’s a simple place, but a Hartsville specialty and tradition, the only remaining Yogi Bear Honey Fried Chicken restaurant!
514 S 5th St, Hartsville (843) 332-7031
Facebook: @yogifriedchicken
Open every day from 10:30am-9pm.
Check out the menu and place your order now at www.yogifriedchicken.com.