New Flavor on Hilton Head: Dave Peck’s Jarvis Creek General Store
Hilton Head Island has long been a tropical paradise for many, but for Dave Peck, it’s been home for a remarkable 51 years. If you want to talk about someone who knows the ins and outs of the restaurant scene around here, just mention his name. Peck, a self-admitted serial entrepreneur, has recently taken on an exciting new food venture that has locals buzzing: the Jarvis Creek General Store.
From Advertising to Restaurants
So how did a guy who started his career in advertising make his leap into the world of food? “The long, short story is I worked in advertising for many years,” Peck recalls. After working with Island Communications and later the Anderson Group, he met the owner of the Salty Dog. After some banter and beer, he was recruited into the restaurant business. “I had no experience,” he says with a chuckle. “But I thought it might be fun!”
Flipping the Script
Fast forward almost three decades, and Peck found himself with quite a restaurant portfolio already. His first solo venture came with the opening of Low Country Backyard, which he started on his own. “After that, Bad Biscuit came next,” he explains. And then, there’s Pool Bar Jim’s—a collaboration with Jim himself that started when he “just happened to ask.” Across all these years, you could say that Peck has been quite busy.
Why the General Store?
So, you might wonder, what sparked his interest in opening the Jarvis Creek General Store? “To be honest with you, I sold Low Country Backyard because I was finding it difficult to find help,” he admits. With the restaurant industry hitting some rough patches, it was a tough decision to step back. However, the notion of slowing down didn’t sit well with him. “I was getting bored!” he laughs. “I think my wife was tired of me pacing around the garage.”
His boredom led to his phone ringing with an opportunity. A group was looking to fill a gap they felt was missing in the community. “They asked for advice, and I thought it was a great opportunity to collaborate.” In a classic Peck twist, he jumped back into the fray with an innovative approach to dining at the General Store.
A Dining Experience Like No Other
Currently, they are firing up food out of a trailer six days a week, but Peck has bigger plans. “We’re working with the town to turn that trailer into a bit more of a permanent fixture,” he shares. The goal is to create a beautiful, functioning outdoor dining experience complete with waitstaff and the hopes of clearer kitchen arrangements.
The Menu Delight
When it comes to food, Peck is sticking to what he knows best: Low Country and Southern cuisine. “We have some really cool stuff on the menu,” he shares proudly. One standout is the Low Country Boil Parfait, a creative twist on the classic dish, featuring red rice, potatoes, and the gem of the dish—a double crab cake—topped off with garlic shrimp. Of course, there’s the hearty burger the kids want and an incredible five cheese mac and cheese, making it family-friendly too!
A Chill Atmosphere
Now, let’s talk about the vibe at the General Store. “It’s very low key and laid back,” Peck describes. Imagine dining outdoors under a massive oak tree, with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs under an awning. “Sure, you can hear the sound of the traffic, but when the live music starts or the game is on, you forget all about that,” he adds.
Join the Fun!
As Hilton Head residents and visitors alike explore these fresh offerings, one can be sure that Dave Peck’s knack for business combined with his passion for good food will make the General Store a go-to spot on the island. So if you’re in the area, grab some friends and come check out what the buzz is all about at the Jarvis Creek General Store. Who knows? You might just become a regular!
