HeyDay Sandwiches & Cocktails is the latest restaurant concept of KO Restaurant Group, which includes owners Sarah and Paul Klaassen and Michael Olbrantz. The three owners met while working at different restaurants at North Carolina’s Biltmore Estate and connected over a passion for food and creating new dining concepts.
Almost a decade later, the group owns four counter-service restaurants at Gather GVL, including HenDough Chicken & Waffles, Mercado Cantina, the Lob Father, and KO Burger, along with their first HenDough Chicken & Waffles in Hendersonville, N.C. In May, the team launched HeyDay in Greenville and Auction House Food & Drink Hall in Fletcher, N.C. The new 6,600-sq-ft food hall features five of their restaurant concepts, and wine and bourbon-focused bars.
“We were playing around with the new restaurant idea but weren’t really looking for space until we came across the house while driving one day," says Paul of the HeyDay location, which formerly housed Oak Hill Cafe. "The restaurant concept fits the feel of the house and the timeframe of what we are doing.”
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Driving up toward the cute little white house off Poinsett Highway, your mood is instantly lifted. I mean, with a name like HeyDay, you’re bound to have a good time.
“The sandwich concept is meant to be fun and approachable, where you can curate your own dining experience,” says Sarah. “Families seem to enjoy the flexibility of the back where kids can play, while others enjoy the quiet atmosphere at the front of the house.”
The back outdoor space is a draw and features terrace seating, plenty of Adirondack chairs, a stage for live music, a variety of games like cornhole and a giant checkers set, and a new video wall that can stream plenty of sports action.
“We have a 6- and 9-year-old, and places like this have always appealed to us,” Sarah says. “We want people to come for a relaxing, easy-going atmosphere and just hang out.”
Operations manager George Workman and culinary director Wilbert Sauceda recently joined the team as partners and will oversee all of KO Restaurant Group’s locations.
“Wilbert had a big hand in HeyDay’s menu and bringing it to life,” says Paul.
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The menu highlights handcrafted sandwiches and a mix of snacks, salads and house-made desserts.
One of the most popular sandwiches is a take on the classic Croque Madame. Served on grilled sourdough, this smoked ham sandwich features fried potato croquettes, Swiss cheese and a creamy Mornay cheese sauce, all topped with a fried egg. Other hits include a double-patty Smash Burger, grilled Mortadella on sourdough and Sunday specials like prime rib with horseradish cream, provolone and caramelized onions.
All sauces, spreads, and relishes are made in-house, and most fresh-baked breads are sourced from Annie’s Bakery in Asheville.
Small bite options include wings, soft pretzels, Cajun-seasoned boiled peanuts and truffle fries. For something sweet, key lime pie sundae, banana pudding and giant churros are dessert mainstays.
A retro Airstream-turned-bar located on the back lawn serves up fresh craft cocktails, wine, beer, signature frozen drinks and slushies for kids.
“We’re keeping it simple but putting a twist on classic cocktails and making them our own,” says Michael, about cocktails like the Tangerine Mezcal margarita, a properly shaken Pina Colada, and Gin Basil Smash.
HeyDay is open daily for lunch and dinner. For more info, visit heydaygvl.com, and for the latest updates, follow @eatheyday on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Upstate Parent: Dining Out: HeyDay, the latest KO Restaurants concept, offers good food, drinks and fun
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