Greenville Chef Leads Community Relief Efforts After Hurricane Helene

Greenville Chef Takes Action Following Hurricane Helene

On a quiet Wednesday morning, October 2, the city of Greenville was buzzing with purpose, thanks to a local chef who’s making waves in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Chef Conner Hinderks, who recently made the leap from New Orleans to the Upstate, was on his way to Asheville, hauling supplies and food to aid those affected by the storm. “As soon as you get on to Interstate 26, you stop sharing traffic with most people,” he said, reflecting on the journey filled with trucks and trailers, all carrying much-needed goods.

The winds of change blew Hinderks to Greenville just six months ago. After spending much of his career in New Orleans, he and his partner Christina decided it was time for a fresh start—somewhere closer to family and nestled in the beautiful mountains. They opened their Asian-inspired eatery, Little Secret, within the kitchen of Eighth State Brewing in August. Just a few weeks later, the brewery shut its doors due to unforeseen circumstances, and then Hurricane Helene struck.

Making a Difference One Trip at a Time

For Hinderks, helping out in times of crisis is a deeply personal commitment. Having experienced Hurricane Ida in New Orleans, he witnessed how catastrophes can disrupt the fabric of a community. “Seeing the community come together and really help protect even its most vulnerable people just kind of stuck with me,” he shared. This first-hand knowledge of the havoc hurricanes can wreak inspired Hinderks to step into action.

Once he loaded his truck with supplies, Hinderks made the mission clear through social media. He posted his plans on September 30, highlighting his intention to carry supplies from Chai Pani in Decatur, Georgia, to its sister restaurant in Asheville. Fortuitously, Christina hails from Decatur, adding a personal touch to their goodwill journey.

Upon arriving in Asheville, a new opportunity arose when they found out that Firestorm Books, a beloved local bookstore and coffee shop, was in need of supplies. Quickly switching gears, the couple assessed what the shop required and headed back to Greenville for a big restock at Costco and Restaurant Depot.

Joining Forces with Fellow Eateries

The community spirit didn’t stop there. Hinderks rolled up his sleeves and volunteered at free cookouts, including an event at Comal 864 on October 1. “You get enough people that do that and then suddenly you have an entire mutual aid organization growing out of nowhere, and people are getting the resources they need,” he said about the power of collective effort.

It’s impressive to see how many Upstate eateries have banded together to support those impacted by the hurricane. Hinderks has been keeping busy, totaling about 100 miles each day, collecting supplies in Greenville and shuttling them to our North Carolina neighbors. The dedication from him and others reminds us how resilient and caring a community can be in times of need.

In challenging times, it’s often the small acts of kindness that make the biggest difference. And with the support of Greenville’s vibrant community, Conner Hinderks is not only helping to heal the wounds inflicted by nature but is also knitting together the very fabric of human compassion.