16 17 www.htcinc.net | Winter 2018 Winter 2018 | www.htcinc.net “People need to be able to trust a name, and then they will pay for quality,” says Devin. “We don’t want to be this massive mill with millions of dollars in equipment just so we can put out enormous amounts of product and not really spend a whole lot of time on it. For the fact that people are willing to pay for quality, we can maintain a somewhat small-batch operation and use these bags.” And that, he explains, is why they outsell the competition every time. “The bag is why most people buy it the first time. And then what’s inside is why they buy it a second time.” That, and the fact that stone-ground grits produced in a certified gluten-free facility are actually pretty rare despite corn being naturally gluten-free. “Our facility is entirely wheat-free,” David explains, “and not because being gluten-free has become somewhat trendy.” Even though selling wheat products could add to the business’s bottom line, the decision was made from the start because some of their own family members are very sensitive to gluten. After all, providing for friends and family members is how the farm got its start. “We care about this community,” says Devin. “We care about the local market and the people that have always sustained us.” Even though selling locally doesn’t line the Dormans’ pockets, they love to do it anyway. They even have a refrigerator in their barn where community members are welcome to come help themselves and make a purchase — all based on the honor system. “We like to pay homage to the people who helped us get where we are — and that includes a lot of people in Charleston, at the market, and from here to Hilton Head and on up. We call that the ‘run South,’” says Devin. To that end, the Dormans are proud to be a part of a local cooperative. “I value HTC as a cooperative," says Devin. “I admire their business model, and if it came down to it, I’d choose HTC every time.” Palmetto Farms still produces a lot of volume and sells through local vendors, but the bulk of their business now comes through wholesale distributors for grocery stores (like Lowes Foods and Fresh Market) and through online sales. They’re far and away the biggest seller in the grits category on Amazon, but that doesn’t stop them from reiterating that they aren’t geniuses or marketing mavens — they just produce a good product. The Dormans acknowledge that if you grew up around here, there were probably grits on your table. Southerners appreciate the higher quality of Palmetto Farms stone- ground grits, but the novelty of the item isn’t the same as it is with folks in California, for example. In a way, this little gristmill from Galivants Ferry has made a piece of the South available to the world — and they’ve shared the stories born right here in our own backyards. And that’s a success in any book. Stop by the honor-system refrigerator for yourself at 2285 State Hwy. 1115 in Galivants Ferry. Or, place an order online at www.palmettofarms.com today! You can also read up on how local restaurant, Rivertown Bistro, incorporates Palmetto Farms grits into their menu (see article on page 9). “The bag is why most people buy it the first time. And then what’s inside is why they buy it a second time.” A Dorman family classic Serves 4 Ingredients FOR GRITS 1 ½ cups chicken broth 1 ½ cups milk ¼ tsp. salt (more to taste) ¾ cup Palmetto Farms Grits 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese FOR SHRIMP TOPPING 1 cup diced bacon ½ cup thinly sliced onion 2 tsp. hot pepper sauce 1 lb. medium peeled shrimp 1 cup thinly sliced green bell pepper Sliced green onions for garnish Grated cheese for garnish Directions FOR GRITS: Bring chicken broth and milk to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in grits and salt, and then return to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cheese. Keep warm. FOR SHRIMP TOPPING: Cook diced bacon in pan until crisp. Remove bacon and drain all but 2 tbsp. of fat. Add peppers and onions to pan. Cook until tender. Add cleaned shrimp and cook until pink. Return bacon to pan. Stir in hot pepper sauce, salt and pepper to taste. Serve shrimp mixture over warm grits. Garnish with green onions and cheese. GrandmaHilda's Shrimp&Grits Stop by the brothers’ tactical and outdoor equipment store located in the heart of Aynor — it even has its own section dedicated to Palmetto Farms products and merch! Featured in October Southern Living Magazine https://www.southernliving.com/ news/best-selling-grits-amazon-online-supermarket-horry-county# BYTHENUMBERS: In a good month, Palmetto Farms puts out an extraordinary amount of product. 1case=12bagsofgrits 150casesperday 500casesperweek TheArtBehindCookingwithGrits Below are some quick tips on making a delicious dish of grits. • Never add sugar to your grits. • Continuously stir while cooking. • Add salt at the beginning and while the grits are cooking. • If time is a luxury, presoak in their liquid for a few hours to improve the texture and enrich the flavor. • From veggies and meat, to cheese and fish, pair your grits with toppings such as bacon, cheese, shrimp, tomatoes, scallions and much more.