Story by Katrice Williams | Photos by Shelia Scott

In a time where there is a fast food venue on every street corner and iPhones, iPads, Facebook, email, Twitter and overbooked schedules consume many individual’s lives each day, there is an obvious void in many families. Several aspects of the family unit have changed over time, along with many of the non-negotiables of the yester-years-a time when good food and family came together around the table.

Joe and Jennifer VanGiller were determined to do something about that. The two opened the doors of their shop, South Fork Provisions (SFP), on May 14th, deciding to leave the corporate life behind in order to embark on their entrepreneurial dreams. Indeed, they took a real leap of faith.

“It was something that was placed on our hearts to do. We have our faith in the right spot, as we put all of our trust in God. We know that whatever we go through, He’ll sustain us. God gave us the gift to serve people and that’s what we aim to do,” Jennifer said.

In fact, whether opening a farmer’s market style shop or a traditional barbecue restaurant, the couple entertained several ideas. “It just kept coming back to good, home-cooked food.” 

Joe and Jennifer have been big foodies for a long time. Whether experimenting with new recipes, vacationing at food-centric destinations or just cooking

for others to enjoy, they have a true appreciation for good food. Both have always been in the food/customer service industry, so they certainly have a lot of beneficial experience.

In today’s busy times, where fast food is often the most convenient option,

Joe and Jennifer wanted customers to have convenient yet “homemade” dishes where quality is never compromised. They decided that “prepared meals to go” would be a phenomenal option for the community.

“We put so much love and so much effort into our dishes. Our biggest mission is bringing families back together around the table. We just want to make life a little bit easier for someone. I like knowing that we can help others with the service that we provide,” Jennifer stated.

An array of tasty dishes, prepared each week, are made for customers right in the “shop’s fully-equipped commercial kitchen.” The dishes are packaged and labeled; heating suggestions and ingredients are on each label. The dishes are, then, refrigerated and ready for customer pickup. A large container feeds approximately 6-8 people for about $30 and a small container feeds about 3-5 people for an average of $15.

There is actually no fixed menu or specific “genre of food,” as the couple prides themselves in creatively changing the selection for customers week-to-week.     

Each Saturday, a new menu variety for the upcoming week is “released online,” available to view on the restaurant’s website, Facebook and Instagram. Popular dishes include: Chicken Pot

Pie, Shepherd's Pie, Baked Spaghetti, in addition, SFP offers catering for both “small groups and corporate occasions.” Hot menu items are available for special events and can be delivered. Catering menus may be “customized” to meet each customer’s specific needs.

Interestingly enough, the “shop has a cute little ‘Food Market’ that is filled with an array of Southerner’s favorite items from around the low country; some foodie favorites include pickles, jellies, salsa, kettle chips, cheese straws and more!” Going forward, Joe and Jennifer have several goals for the near future. They plan to offer various additional items for their customers to enjoy. The couple also plans to extend their hours Fall of 2019 to better accommodate customers.

In addition, they are excited about their new “2nd Saturday BBQ Smoke-Out”, taking place each month.

Actually, barbecue has always been their passion. They often competed in barbecue contests while they lived in Atlanta “prior to moving back to the Savannah area in 2014.” “People are able to come in and get hot barbecue plates that will include two side [items],” Jennifer stated. What is more, the couple plans to “donate a part of the proceeds each month” to a local charity.    “It’s our way of giving back to the community,” Jennifer remarked. The SFP Team appreciates all of their customers in the community.

“People and the relationships we build are the biggest part of our purpose,” Jennifer stated.

SFP has experienced amazing growth in a really short time. Jennifer and Joe are incredibly thankful to all their customers and all the community support.

“Effingham has been amazing. The community has embraced our concept and shared it. I can’t begin to express our gratitude,” Jennifer said.

South Fork Provisions 169 Commercial Drive Rincon, Georgia 31326

(912)-675-4253

Tuesday-Friday: 4 p.m.-7 p.m. www.southforkprovisions.net