New Owners of Winder Huddle House to Show Customer Appreciation Today

Larry Lewis always had an interest in owning a Huddle House, and he and his wife Betty took ownership of the Winder location on April 12. 

While meeting friends at last December, Larry Lewis expressed an interest in franchising the then-company-owned store. At that moment, a company representative walked in, and Lewis jumped on the opportunity. 

The couple began the process of taking corporate classes and started spending a lot of time in the restaurant. Based on their observations, they chose Michele Barnes to be the store's new manager when they took over. Barnes has worked for Huddle House since 2007 and began working as a cook at the Winder location after moving to the city in October of last year. 

 "The community has been great and so supportive," Barnes said.

In the six weeks the Lewises have owned the store, sales are up compared to last year's figures. Larry Lewis feels fortunate and hopes to give back to the community in the future by sponsoring sports and school events.

"If you give good, you get good," he said. 

With their new store, their mission is 100 percent customer satisfaction.

"When you enter the place, it will be clean. People will take care of you. If they don't, see me," Lewis said.

Winder's Huddle House will soon begin holding weekday events and promotions. Mondays will be bingo night from 7 to 8 p.m., and karaoke will be held on Tuesday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. On Wednesdays, kids eat free from 5 to 9 p.m. (with an adult purchase). Senior citizens — those older than 55 — get a 10 percent discount every day.

Today, Huddle House will host a customer appreciation day to say thank you to the community. There will be a cookout from 5 to 8 p.m. with free hamburgers and hot-dogs, and waffles will be specially priced at $.99 all day long. Damon Hendrix, an Elvis tribute artist, will perform from 6 to 7 p.m. There will also be free karaoke and pony rides for kids. 

is located at 84 W. May Street in Winder. It is open 24 hours. The store can be reached at 678-425-0177.