July 2019 Caroliner

With sweat on his brow and a smile spread from ear to ear, Isaac Collington Jr.  cheerfully greets every patron at Simply Southern Smokehouse. The energy and joy that he exudes as he bounces from table to table, is the finest example of southern hospitality.

Dinner and a Show

Collington began his career in the restaurant industry at the Filling Station, a Myrtle Beach landmark restaurant that was around for over 50 years. Collington was hired by owner, Grady Brown, and worked at the filling station for 30+ years until they closed in 2011. It was here, that Collington’s work ethic and care for his customers helped him to become the established server that he is today. However, he didn’t really start to gain a following until he began singing for his patrons.

The Power of Positivity

After overcoming a difficult time, Collington had a new outlook on life and the power of positivity. He began thinking of ways that he could spread his joy with others and help lift the spirits of those who came into the restaurant. He began singing country music while he worked to help brighten the day of the patrons he served.

“Anytime someone came in and looked like they were having a rough day, I would sing them a song just to put a smile on their face,” he said.

Hymns for the Heart

Over time, Collington’s gesture to uplift others became his life’s mission. He began using his platform to spread his faith with others by singing Christian hymns. His first hymn was “Amazing Grace” and over time he started to add other popular hymns like “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “This Little Light of Mine” to his repertoire.

“Singing hymns seems to touch peoples hearts’ the most. Occasionally I sing new songs if God lays it on my heart, but it’s really all about touching the hearts’ of those I come in contact with.”

It’s undeniable to anyone that steps into Simply Southern Smokehouse that Mr.Collington touches the hearts of his patrons while he works each day. As they smile, clap, and sing along the restaurant fills with warmth and positivity.

It’s this infectious positivity that Collington hopes to overflow into the Myrtle Beach community.

“Whatever you do in life, stay positive,” he said. “ Don’t allow your problems to overcome your joy, and allow God to shine through you.”

It’s undeniable to anyone that steps into Simply SouthernSmokehouse that Mr.Collington touches the hearts of his patrons while he works each day. As they smile, clap, and sing along the restaurant fills with warmth and positivity.

It’s this infectious positivity that Collington hopes to overflow into the Myrtle Beach community.

“Whatever you do in life, stay positive,” he said. “ Don’t allow your problems to overcome your joy, and allow God to shine through you.”