HeyDay Sandwiches & Cocktails is the newest restaurant concept from KO Restaurant Group, including owners Sarah and Paul Klaassen and Michael Olbrantz. The three owners met while working at various restaurants in North Carolina’s Biltmore Estate and bonded over their passion for cooking and creating new dining concepts.
Nearly a decade later, the group owns four counter-service restaurants at Gather GVL (HenDough Chicken & Waffles, Mercado Cantina, the Lob Father and KO Burger) in addition to its original HenDough Chicken & Waffles in Hendersonville, N.C. In May, the team opened HeyDay in Greenville, N.C. and Auction House Food & Drink Hall in Fletcher, N.C. The new 6,600-square-foot food hall features five restaurant concepts and a wine- and bourbon-focused bar.
“We’d been kicking around ideas for a new restaurant but weren’t really looking for a location, and then we were driving around one day and we saw this house,” says Paul, whose Heyday location formerly housed Oak Hill Cafe. “The restaurant concept was a perfect fit for the feel of the house and the timeframe of what we were working on.”
More info: HeyDay Sandwiches & Cocktails opens in former Oak Hill Cafe location
Driving up to the cute white house just off Poinsett Highway, your mood is instantly lifted – with a name like HeyDay, you know you’re in for a good time.
“The sandwich concept is fun, approachable and allows you to personalize your dining experience,” says Sarah. “Families seem to enjoy the flexibility of having a play area in the back, while others enjoy the quieter atmosphere in the front.”
The outdoor space in the back is packed with charm, featuring patio 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 capable of streaming a host of sports.
“We have two kids, ages 6 and 9, so a place like this has always been appealing,” says Sarah. “We want them to come for the relaxed, easy-going atmosphere and just hang out.”
Operations Manager George Workman and Executive Chef Wilbert Sauceda recently joined the team as partners and will oversee all KO Restaurant Group locations.
“Wilbert was a huge contributor to the Hay Day menu and made it happen,” says Paul.
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The menu includes handcrafted sandwiches, snacks, salads and homemade desserts.
One of the most popular sandwiches is a rendition of the classic Croque Madame: this smoked ham sandwich served on grilled sourdough features fried potato croquettes, Swiss cheese, creamy Mornay cheese sauce and is topped with a fried egg. Other favorites include the double patty smash burger, grilled mortadella on sourdough and the Sunday special, prime rib with horseradish cream, provolone and caramelized onion.
All sauces, spreads and garnishes are made in-house, and most of the freshly baked bread comes from Annie’s Bakery in Asheville.
Snack options include wings, soft pretzels, Cajun-flavored boiled peanuts, and truffle fries, and if you have something sweet, key lime pie sundaes, banana pudding, and giant churros are dessert staples.
Located on the back lawn, our retro Airstream converted bar serves fresh craft cocktails, wine, beer, specialty frozen drinks and kid-friendly slushies.
“We keep it simple but put a twist on classic cocktails to make them our own,” Michael says of cocktails like the Tangerine Mezcal Margarita, a properly shaken Piña Colada, and a Gin Basil Smash.
HeyDay is open for lunch and dinner daily. For more information, visit heydaygvl.com. For the latest updates, follow @eatheyday on Instagram.
