LORIS, SC (WBTW) – While almost every business shut down in anticipation for Hurricane Florence, a few were prepared to ride out whatever the storm brought to South Carolina.
Allsbrook Grocery and Grill on U.S. Highway 701 is one of only a few businesses in the small Horry County community of Allsbrook.
The business has been passed down through three generations.
“My grandfather started here in the ’30s and he ran it until the ’60s,” said Russ Allsbrook, who owns Allsbrook Grocery and Grill. “Then, five years ago, I had the opportunity to take it and I did.”
It’s also survived several hurricanes, so owner Russ Allsbrook says he was prepared for Hurricane Florence.
The center of the storm crossed into South Carolina over Loris on Friday evening, bringing heavy rain and vicious gusts.
“As you can tell in (the kitchen), you really can’t tell what’s going on outside, but trips back and forth, taking food up there, I knew the wind was pretty bad,” Allsbrook said.
Other than a power outage for a couple hours Friday, the store stayed open during Florence, serving the rural community.
“Everything else was closed down and if somebody needed ice or cold drinks or milk for their kids, they could have came here,” Samantha Oacman, who lives in Loris.
Russ Allsbrook says Hurricane Matthew in 2016 especially prepared him for Florence, making sure his generators worked as long as possible.
“I wanted to be here for the people, he said. I know when Matthew came through, the lights stayed out a little longer.”
Even with more rain and flooding likely for the Loris area as Florence leaves, Allsbrook and his store will stay.
