This is the kind of place that is a legend in small-town America. Staggs Grocery, an East Florence landmark since moving to what used to be the heart of the textile mill district in 1937, is going strong. Originally, it was a "Mom & Pop" grocery store that fixed cold cut lunch sandwiches for the mill workers. Through the years, as the textile mills closed and larger grocery stores appeared, their main focus moved from groceries to food service.
In September of 2005 they suffered a devastating fire that put them out of business for two months while they remodeled and updated the interior. However, they retained all of the old-time charm of the building's interior. Modernization included a new exhaust hood, furniture, tables, chairs, and other fixtures. Back also is the renowned "Liars Table" in its place of honor near the grill area. It's presently owned and operated Lynn and Pat Staggs, the sixth generation of the Staggs family to do so. The Staggs and their staff, several of whom are family members, continue to prepare the burgers the way they always have.
Using the freshest ground beef, they fry the burger patty on a flattop griddle right before your eyes. This allows the hamburger patty to retain its juiciness, while the outside of the patty turns a golden brown. I've always heard this method referred to as a "Pool Room" burger because most pool rooms cooked theirs this way.
When you come in, walk to the grill area and place your order, then grab a drink and find a seat. Seating is community style at long tables. The cooks will bring your order out to you; just tell the guy at the register what you had. It's the Roadfood honor system at it's best. Cheeseburger, fries, and drink for around $7. They're only open from 5 am till 2pm Mon-Fri, so come early.
