OUR Story
Innovating for the lowcountry palate since 2013.
Across the street from Minero and nestled in the corner of the shopping center on Maybank Highway in Johns Island, is an unassuming spot with a little something for everyone. Especially the hungry. Most of us are pretty familiar with the ins and outs of your average sandwich shop, however since 2013 The Southern General has been serving up the expected and much, much more. And trust us, it's well worth a taste.
The main focus of the menu features a double shot of amazing house sandwiches, some traditionally refined and others adventurous and unique. Each of the General's eight tasty classic-style sandwiches are paired with eight equal "Craft" versions. The result: a two story food throw down between the classic sandwiches we all know and love, tried against an alternative contemporary version, uniquely and tastefully implemented by its artisan creator for a reasonable price.
Chef Tim Erwin is responsible for the good grub piping from the Southern General's kitchen windows, and you will find him there cooking it, every day and most every hour the kitchen lights are on. His dedication and love to inspiritingly simple foods presented in unique way represents the great American state of mind: always remembering who you are yet constantly moving forward. Each menu item is prepared and often delivered by Tim himself, a unique touch to a now fast paced world that ads a warm John's Island touch.. A man in the business for over 35 years, his feet are placed firmly in the roots of the classic staples from the world of cuisine and with his hands always reaching forward for something new to introduce to the palette.
LEAD STAFF
Tim Erwin
Owner/Executive Chef
Denis Blyth
Chef De Cuisine
Tim would like to personally send his welcome to a delicious take out lunch on the go or a candle-lit evening in the General's shop for a local beer, some local friends, and some of the best food our own John's Islanders have to offer. When asked what inspired Tim to put together his menu at The Southern General, he responds, "I wanted to create something that would preserve the traditional foods that everyone is familiar with while offering special alternatives for people who want to try something new.
A statement to the nature of our island preserving tradition while trying to buffer coming change. Either way they will have something for the old-fashioned and the young at heart." This isn't just a sandwich shop. Tim's great sandwich menu is bolstered with a House Specialties section with appetizers like John's Island Sweet Corn Fritters with Spicy-Sweet Potato Cream Cheese or entrees like a generous portion of Beer Battered Fish and Chips. As any good chef knows, it's all about ingredients. With a nearly empty freezer and not a canned item in sight, the menu stands up to any test of freshness. Not only is everything made from scratch and delicious. It is put together in ways the island has yet to give a home to, promptly meeting the challenge of filling the bellies of an area full of diversity and familiar with good food. Tons of tasty house made treats are not only spread across Tim's sandwiches, but they are all is available for sale, home-bound in a mason jar. The environment at The Southern General surely resembles its food. The word "General" in the title implies so. it feels very much like an old-timer general store or larder, stacked with shelves of Tim's own pickled creations, snacks and nostalgic candies.
From jars of home-made sweet tea BBQ sauce and spicy house vegetable giardiniera, to old favorites like chick-o-sticks, moon pies and house candied nuts. It is very much in that sense like a normal sandwich shop where people love to stop in for a quick pick up with a cashier immediately ahead through the front door. But don't be fooled. He or she doubles as a bartender. Perfect for the cozy, naturally lit dining room seating for dinner with a glass of wine, or a night of friends and appetizers at the bar to watch the game.
