To their astonishment, 80 people awaited them when they returned. The morning after landfall, they checked the store for damage and put a sign on the door, promising to open the next day. When Hurricane Matthew hit Hilton Head in 2016, David and his wife remained on the island. For families that were unable to pay, Gene simply told them to pay him back when they could. However, during the economic downturn of the mid-1970s, this was more than just a convenience, it was a lifesaver to many area families who struggled to put food on the table. Throughout their years, the Martin’s have extended in-house credit to island residents. Gregg was never sure who had left it, but “I had a sneaking suspicion, with it coming in a Red and White grocery bag.” By summer’s end, Fraser permanently hired Russell, and the rest is history. Every few days, he would find a bag of sandwiches and drinks on the front seat. It was the summer of 1976 and Charles Fraser had just offered him a temporary job entertaining at Harbour Town.Russell couldn’t afford to stay in a hotel, so, with Gene’s permission, he parked behind the grocery and ran an extension cord from his van to the store. Last year, when Gene was inducted into the Hilton Head Island Hall of Fame, entertainer Gregg Russell recalled a story of how Gene had personally helped him. “We are just doing what he’s always done.” “My dad taught me that you lead through action and not words,” he said. And, while he is quick to admit he has never actually been on the boat, “You could call me Forrest,” he said with a grin.įor all of his contributions over the years, David is quick to turn the focus back to his father. In fact, David is part-owner of a shrimp boat that ensures a ready supply of quality, fresh shrimp. Locals and visitors alike praise the store for its fresh seafood from local suppliers in Bluffton and Beaufort. Piggly Wiggly is not just for out-of-towners, however. But his gamble paid off, and the Perrier flew off the shelves. Years ago, he took a chance by being the first store in the state to sell Perrier water, a product that other groceries simply hadn’t considered. David has also learned the value of listening to his customers, many of whom hail from the Northeast and seek items not normally seen in these parts. Such improvements include changes in merchandising, adding a beach goods section and, of course, ‘Pig Corner,’ a popular section devoted to all things Piggly Wiggly. “He’s done things that I would never have thought of doing.” “He’s done one hell of a job,” Gene proudly remarks about David’s tenure at the store. Listening to David and his father speak, it is apparent the two men share a strong, mutual respect for each other. In 1999, Gene began transferring ownership to David, who now owns the store outright. He and Chris settled down and raised a family of their own-a daughter Kayla and son Austin, both now grown. “Out of the four children, I was (at the store) the most, and I always liked it,” David said. The decision to work for his father after graduation was a natural one. And, with the exception of his college years, in which he earned a finance degree -and, more importantly, met his wife, Chris-he has remained rooted to Hilton Head ever since. Remarkably, Gene takes inventory and reorders items relying on memory alone.ĭavid Martin was 10 years old when he moved to the island. He isn’t sidelined by his limited vision, however. These days, despite macular degeneration, Gene continues to work summers at the store, where he is responsible for its popular beach goods department. But that’s only part of the story.įor Gene, who is originally from Allendale, SC, “life is what you make of it.” Unable to finish college himself, he is proud to point out that all four of his children graduated college and his ten grandchildren have, or are poised to do the same. Today, “The Pig” remains the longest continuously running grocery store on Hilton Head. Over time, he would expand the store, franchise the Piggly Wiggly name and survive the openings (and closings) of many competing groceries. When its former owner retired, Gene jumped at the chance to buy it. In its early years, the store, now known as Piggly Wiggly, was half its current size and the only grocer serving the island. And while they couldn’t have known it then, it would set the stage for a 50-year family legacy. Yet, one store-a small Red and White Grocery-was their reason for coming. When Gene Martin and his family arrived on Hilton Head Island in 1969, there were only 2,000 permanent residents, Harbour Town was just being built, and Coligny Plaza was little more than a collection of stores supplying the basics. By Suzanne Eisinger Photography Christian Lee
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