Rumble: What inspired you and your husband, Nathan, to open Southern Porch? 

Michaela: Nathan graduated with a degree in entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University with the hopes of owning a small counter-service restaurant. When the previous owner of the Imperial Restaurant called and asked if we would be interested in purchasing the restaurant, I laughed him off. It was only a couple months later he got Nathan's phone number and the rest is history! I must admit that I was a bit reluctant to jump into owning a business. It began with me just wanting to support my husband's dreams, but it didn't take long for me to go all in! It's an easier buy-in when your husband cooks delicious food for you every day. We love Canton and we hated feeling like we needed to go outside of our hometown to sit down and grab a bite to eat, so we strived to change that. We wanted to keep people in town. The options in Canton were very limited before we opened, but it's been such an honor to become "that spot" for our town.

Rumble: Tell us a little about the restaurant.

Michaela: We operate out of the old Imperial Hotel. The building alone (built in 1876) will catch your eye. We wanted to make sure we gave people a reason to come back. We want everyone, whether you're a mill guy on your lunch break, a family leaving the ball field or if you're spiffed up for date night, to always feel welcome and like family when you're here. Southern Porch is certainly known for our southern food with a modern flare, taps of only craft beer and a vast bourbon selection. Our porch and patio are perfect spots for warm weather, especially to enjoy some live music. The bar area has a bit of that "Cheers" feel and you'll find a large party gathered nearly every night of the week, whether it's to celebrate something special or just to get together and share wings.

Rumble: What do you enjoy about owning a business in downtown Canton? 

Michaela: The people. Canton is such a special place. When COVID hit, our town showed up in full force, ensuring we made it through because they wanted to still come eat once that phase in our lives was over. It spoke volumes to us. Then with the flood, just to see everyone band together, to make it together.It’s the athletes who come in and request sponsorships, then seeing our names on t-shirts as those same people coming in to celebrate their win. We love being part of people's special days. It may be serving families for their rehearsal dinner, then them coming back and holding a baby shower or a birthday party. For me, it’s Thanksgiving at the restaurant. At first, I was a little bummed to not have a traditional Thanksgiving with my family, but I soon realized what an impact we were making on families by being open that day. Sure, we are making it easier so they don't have to cook or clean up, but it was also a change for the families who lost someone that year, especially if it was the matriarch who did all the cooking, or for that single person who may not have someone to celebrate with. We love gathering with our regulars at the bar and giving them the opportunity to share the holiday with their Sopo family for the day. These are the moments that make it extra special. Plus, our customers have literally watched our own kids grow up. They've been a part of all aspects of our lives.

Rumble: What are your concerns in the wake of the mill closure? 

Michaela: My great grandfather was recruited to work at the mill after World War I by one of the soldiers he fought alongside. It's the reason my family called Canton home long before I was born. Most of the men in my family have worked at the paper mill, grandfathers, uncles, my brother. It’s just been ingrained in who we all are and who we have become. Personally, things will feel so different. I'm thinking about all the families who will feel these changes. As a business in downtown Canton, the smokestacks have been the backdrop for Southern Porch. We've been proud to tailor our restaurant to the mill employees. Our lunches are packed with mill workers who walk up on their break, to the point our bar area is dedicated to just them at lunch. We seat most other customers in the dining room or outside. It's bittersweet for us. They'll certainly be missed each day, but we have also seen an influx of people from just outside the area who are looking forward to the changes in Canton. We are optimistic about our future, the future of Canton and are ready to embrace the changes to come.

Rumble: What is something people can do to help brighten the spirits of those affected by the situation at the mill?

Michaela: At Southern Porch, you can send a "Cheers" to a mill employee by buying them a beer. You could also buy a dessert instead! Either will certainly brighten their day.

Rumble: Since this is a women’s newsletter, we like to offer advice and inspiration. If there is a woman out there reading this who has a goal of opening a business, what would you say to her? 

Michaela: Just take the leap of faith and go for it! Lean on your support system to help you along the way. So many times we have said we were dumb to have gone into this business. Yep, I said it! We had no idea what we really were doing. But we learned, we listened, we persevered through the challenges and have kept going. Owning a business is never easy, but it can certainly be rewarding.

To learn more about the Southern Porch and view their menu, click HERE.