We are chatting today with Chad Hutcheson, proprietor of the String Bean Fresh Market & Deli, in Downtown Belmont. Warmth is the word that describes the interior of this new venue, and there’s nothing like it in Gaston County. From the refrigerated cases of Boars Head deli meats and cheeses, to the extensive walls of wines and the charming restaurant/ bistro section, the owners passion for food, wine, and friends is evident.
GA: Are you from Gaston County?
Chad: Actually my Wife and I grew up in a small town in northeast Georgia. We moved to Belmont from Charlotte about 3 years ago because we fell in love with the small town and family oriented atmosphere. Belmont’s has so many great things to offer a young family like ours.
GA: The String Bean name seems to really stick out, how did you come up with the name?
Chad: For me its more of a concept…You see, I grew up on a small farm in north Georgia and my family had always had a very large garden and canned a lot of their vegetables. I look back and recall as I was riding my bike up and down that gravel road, my family would sit under this walnut tree and ‘string beans’. Almost any child would simple see this as work, but now that I have a family of my own, I recognize that they really enjoyed that time together. It was a time for them to sit, talk, laugh and just be a family…and that’s what I want The String Bean to be. Places for people to gather and sit, laugh, talk and just be family and I believe good food and good wine/beer helps bring people together again.
GA: Tell us about the market – the wines, beer and specialty items?
Chad: Our market is very unique. We have a full Butcher shop where our Butcher cuts Certified Angus Beef (the top 8% of black Angus in the world), receive fresh seafood twice a week and carry hard to find items such as veal and lamb. Our Deli case proudly serves Boar’s Head deli meats and cheeses. We boast over 150 specialty beers and one of our most popular ideas is the make your own 6 pack section where you can mix and match new beers.
We also carry over 400 wines from around the world. Every month we have a ’15 under $15’ section that is extremely popular. It’s 15 wines we have hand chosen and are all under $15! Last month I found one of the best Cabernet’s I’ve had in a long time…and it was only $13.99!
In addition to these sections we have bulk fair trade and organic coffee, pasta and pasta sauces, local honey, fresh bread, sodas and mixers, and much more!
GA: Someone told me that I could come in and buy a bottle of wine in the market and enjoy in the restaurant and no additional charge. Is that true?
Chad: YES! We understand that in this economy, everyone is counting pennies and we must show our customers value. So we have priced all of our wines at market prices and not the typical Restaurant mark up. So someone could come in and enjoy a $25 bottle that would cost them $75 somewhere else.
GA: I notice lots of yummy baked goods – including a monstrous coconut cake?
Chad: We use Depalo’s bakery here in Belmont. They supply us with fresh baked goods every morning. There’s something to be said about fresh breads and pastries. And it makes us feel good to know they are located here in Belmont. We make most of our desserts in house…if you enjoyed that coconut cake, you should try our homemade pumpkin cheesecake! We also sell whole pies and cakes to go!
GA: What is your favorite part of your job?
Chad: Aside from starting my own business, I really enjoy meeting new people and talking to people about food and wine. Last week I suggested to a customer to grill some Wahoo (which she had never tried) on a cedar plank for flavor. She actually came back after dinner to tell me it was the best fish she has ever had! That’s one thing that keeps me going!
GA: What do you do when you are not a work?
Chad: Spend time with my family, especially my 7 month-old little girl, Adeleigh Belle. I also like to work in the yard and watch a little football. When I’m fully rested, I do enjoy cooking…I’m always experimenting with new ideas.
GA: I have been to some events you have catered – great job! Tell us about your catering.
Chad: Thanks! I have a great catering staff and years of experience. I really enjoy designing custom menus to meet both our customer’s needs and budget. We love to do anything from holiday party trays to a full sit down dinner. Last year at one of our Christmas Caterings I came up with a Smoked Salmon carving station…people really enjoyed that!
GA: What is on the menu for dinner tonight?
Every night we do 2 or 3 ‘high’ end dinner specials.
Tonight we have:
Butternut Squash Ravioli in a Gorgonzola cream sauce
Pan seared Angus filet with fresh stone crab and asparagus
Fresh Halibut blackened and served with a mango apple chutney
GA: Your entree’s seem very reasonable for the quality- and the taste!
Chad: Thanks- Lunch menu items range from $6.99-$12.99 and our dinner specials range from $12.99- $21.99
GA: You have been open for how long? What is the response so far?
Chad: We’ve only been open for 3 months, and the community support has been wonderful! We look forward to being a part of Belmont and Gaston County for years to come!
