WLOS: Creativity A Key Ingredient in HenDough’s Pandemic Survival

To say that 2020 was a hard year for restaurants is an understatement, but in a recent segment with WLOS-TV (ABC Affiliate) in Asheville, Paul and Sarah Klaassen, HenDough’ s co-founders, discussed how the unforeseen circumstances of the past year helped the two grow their business.

"We just started pivoting and doing everything that we could to make changes,” said Paul.

Small changes made a big difference, the Klaasens said. After adding a walk-up window when lockdown restrictions were first implemented, it’s since become a permanent feature.

“It works really well so that people who place their orders online can just pick up at the window instead of having to come in and get in line,” said Sarah.

Using federal government relief programs including PPP and EIDL, the Klassens said they were able to add more outdoor seating, create an app for ordering and even maintain their staff during unprecedented times.

As HenDough expands with additional hours and new menu items, the Klaasens are helping their loyal customers push through the hardships of the pandemic by providing a much-needed commodity — comfort food.

"You’ve gotta be creative right now to make it work, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” said Paul.

HenDough Chicken and Donuts offers a superior, made-from-scratch menu paired with down-home Southern comfort food. After successfully launching a second location in Greenville, South Carolina, HenDough is officially launching franchising opportunities for qualified entrepreneurs. For more information, visit hendough.com