The Sandwiche Castle has been a staple in the Manning community for several decades. After 35+ years serving Clarendon County, their doors closed for the last time Saturday.
"We went out with a bang," said owner Tammye Tidwell.
Tidwell owned the restaurant for 36 years in total, buying it from the previous owner, who only had it for a year at the time.
"It was owned by Lonzo, Beverly, and Terry Brown when I bought it in 1984," said Tidwell.
This closing caused sadness in the hearts of many.
"We all are going to miss you and eating at the Sandwiche Castle," wrote one customer on Facebook.
However, according to Tidwell, the restaurant has been good to her family for her entire life.
"It raised my child, and kept all of us fed," said Tidwell. "But, it is time to move on.
The decision to shut down the restaurant came after some personal inventory by Tidwell. She was working long hours, seven days a week, and wanted more time to spend with her family. She wanted the same for her son, who has worked at the restaurant alongside his mother for many years. Her son now has a "little family of his own," and Tidwell wants him to have more time for them.
"I have grandchildren, and I'm going to put my family first," said Tidwell. "My son works here as well, and it wasn't something for him to do either, he had to put his family first."
Tidwell plans on working at her husband's jewelry shop, Big T Jewelers, in the future. This will allow her to work a smaller schedule, something she hasn't done in a long time.
"I'm going to be working a 40-hour week, and I have never done that before," said Tidwell. "It has always been much more. I'll have three days off a week. We were only ever closed on Sundays at the restaurant, and I had to submit payroll on those days."
The restaurant has changed drastically over the past 36 years and gotten bigger every year.
"We struggled in the beginning," said Tidwell. "But, every year since we opened my business has increased. All I can say is that I have been very blessed."
The restaurant closed its doors for the last time at 9:45 Saturday night, according to Tidwell. Following this, the staff sat down for a while and recounted their favorite memories over the years.
"It was sad," said Tidwell. "But we sat around and had a really nice time afterward."
Tidwell is grateful for the community's open arms during her years as a restaurant owner in town, and her heart is full of the outpouring of love they showed during the business's final days.
"I have been blessed," said Tidwell. "The community showed how much they cared this past month. Our sales probably tripled during our final days, and It just fills me with joy."
