Interview with the Village Bakery

On the morning of November 16th, 2021 we visited Mr. Abdul Karkour, the owner of the beloved local Village Bakery in Pendleton, SC. We were welcomed by him as if we had known each other for years. With no hesitation, Mr. Karkour brought us coffee and a few pastries to make us feel at home. 

With our emphasis on stories of refuge, detention, and hospitality, our interview shed light on a fresh perspective related to hospitality within our own community. His beautiful words encompass the joys of being a business owner and the influences of his background, his homeland, and his values. We hope that his story resonates with you as much as it did with us.

-Mary Ann and Ana Luisa

What's your personal connection to cooking? Do you have any specific food memories from growing up?

You know, I grew up eating healthy. I'm from a small town on the coast of Syria with mountains and an ocean that are connected. My grandparents used to have several olive trees and we would press the olives for oil. We grew up knowing everything about olives and olive trees. So when I took over this restaurant, I would call it Syrian food, eastern food, Mediterranean style. We did a lot of things from grape leaves, different mixes of olives, a lot of homemade cheeses, cauliflower, and other different vegetables. At one point, I made cabbage rolls and people loved it! When they would come here, they would take pictures and say 'we'll be back for this dish!'

What was your time like in Syria while you were growing up?

As we all know, Damascus, the Syrian capital, the oldest capital in the world. We are all saddened by what has happened themre and in Syria, today. The killings, the refugees, the people running for their lives. I was in Syria at a time when all of this happened. My family was too, and I had to bring them back. However, all of my kids were born here. There are no words for it. I don't know what to say, even to those who live there. But, I do have to say this to everyone, including my employees. When I want to tell anyone here, to educate them or just tell them about my own experience. 

We never realize how lucky we are here in the U.S. compared to so many! other places in the world in other places, especially in the Middle East, it's sad to say that we have many brutal dictators. The country is under extreme pressure. Syria is one of the richest countries in the region, we have so many resources and yet, people still live in poverty!

I grew up in a very small town, with about 50,000 people. It's called Baniyas on the coast of Syria. was there until I was a teenager, so left at about 18. I had a great life, a great family. We grew up with everything. We studied geography and we saw the way cars were made and all of the offerings here, I said without even thinking that's where I'm gonna be. This was so unique about this country. You see people from all over the world, all ethnic backgrounds. They come, immigrate. They say 'Bring your own food with you', that's why it's so unique! You know, people have the option today to go anywhere and say today I want to eat Chinese, or Mexican or Greek or Italiar food! It's a blessing, you know food brings people together and it gives you a new experience.

How has owning a bakery made you feel like you have a piece of home with you while also creating a sense of community within the Clemson area?

This is a never-ending career. Every day, no matter the experience. you learn something new and you meet someone new! One thing, when I see someone I know, most of the time people are recognizable from Clemson or anywhere around the community. I greet them. Especially if they seem new to the area. I make an effort to introduce myself. It is always worth it to make a new friend. I answer any question they have and make them as welcome as possible, even if they ask for a recipe- I will give it to them! Also, the people who work here, they're very nice people. A lot of customers would ask me, where do you find these kinds of people?' I tell them that I just got very lucky.