SoWal People - Billy McConnell Makes Full Seaside Circle

By Joyce Owen, 08/16/12

Twenty-one years after opening Shades in Seaside, Billy McConnell is back where he began his South Walton adventure, in the same building which now houses the Great Southern Café.

Shades was the hub of the busy Central Square in Seaside for many years until it moved to Inlet Beach in 2006.

“Everyone says I’ve come full circle,” Billy says.

After running Billy’s, a pub in Tuscaloosa, Ala., he felt the call of the coast. When his first attempt – running a marina in Fort Morgan – wasn’t the right fit, he looked up and down the coast, combing the beach for a place he could run.

On a trip to Seaside, Billy found a vacant restaurant on Central Square. With a recommendation from Birmingham chef Frank Stitts, Billy received approval and opened Shades in June 1991.

All summer he watched as prospective customers walked right by his place to eat at Bud & Alley’s.

There were valid reasons besides the fact that the old house was haunted, he admits. The house didn’t look much like a restaurant and there was no money for advertising. The previous restaurant had closed, because, as Billy tells it, the food wasn’t all that good, so he had to fight misconceptions.

Add to that, development was not here yet, he says.

There were about 150 houses, and the commercial property was limited to Perspicacity, Bud & Alley’s, Modica Market and the Hall building.

Billy struggled all summer and when the season ended and the tourists were gone, he looked for a way to bring people in.

Wine festivals were popular in Sandestin, so Billy, Erica Pierce, Dave Rauschkolb and Scott Witcoski decided to hold their own wine festival in October.

“It was a scary weekend. We didn’t have a lot to spend,” Billy says. “We charged $8 to get in and just hoped to break even.”

He considered it a success when they made $20, but it was much more than that; the festival was the first of the popular Seeing Red Wine Festivals now held in November.

After Billy sold Shades in 1995, he and his wife Nancy spent about a year working on a boat in the Florida Keys.

“I’ve always found something to do,” he says. And the next few years when he returned to South Walton he proved his versatility.

Billy worked with Walton County Commissioner Van Ness Butler, handled public relations for Regional Utilities and even got his real estate license.

One day this spring while selling advertising for the Seaside Times at The Great Southern Café, owner Jim Shirley offered Billy a job.

Because Jim had the confidence to leave him alone and let him run the restaurant, Billy accepted.

“Working at the restaurant isn’t like going to work at all, because I love it here.”

As the day manager, Billy hears from many customers, “don’t change anything, everyone seems happy to be working here,” and he realizes he is doing what he does best and that folks are right – he’s right back where he belongs.

Read a SoWal Forum thread about the transition of Shades to Great Southern Cafe.

Comments

Submitted by SoWal Visitor on 08/17/12.

I loveee billy..he is an awesome addition to the GSC TEAM...

Submitted by Nancy McConnell on 08/17/12.

I think you have chosen a wonderful, awesome, fabulous man to feature!!! He's a very special man! If you want to know more about him, i.e., his love of music, his love of God, and his amazing ministry in the worship band at A Simple Faith Church....let me know! This message is from his adoring wife---you might have guessed! XXXOO I love you, Billy!

Submitted by Cindy Moskovitz on 08/17/12.

Billy is easy to love with his ready smile friendly ways. We have always loved Great Southern and now it is even better with Billy around!

Submitted by SoWal Visitor on 08/17/12.

When I walk past Great Southern in the morning, or anytime during the day and see Billy, he is always smiling.....no matter what! Great Southern is very lucky to have him as their manager. He is a great guy.
Bert Summerville

Submitted by Brenda Radtke on 08/17/12.

What a sweet,sweet man. Always has a smile on his face. He makes coming to Great Southern even more special!!!! Love ya Billy!

Submitted by Brenda Radtke on 08/17/12.

What a sweet,sweet man. Always has a smile on his face. He makes coming to Great Southern even more special!!!! Love ya Billy!

Submitted by Nina on 08/17/12.

Great Southern is one of my favorite places to take customers and enjoy seeing the people around Seaside, but the most impressive thing is consistant good food and wait staff! Everyone is friendly and seem to like working there!
It truly makes a difference when they want to work for a manager that knows what he's doing and loves being there, too!!

Submitted by Margie Jordan on 08/18/12.

Hi Billy from Margie Jordan, Bella Flora, now in the hands of my daughter Melanie. I just want to let you know that I went dumpster diving when Great Southern came in, and retrieved the red phone booth. I would be honored to return it to you if you want it for the front door again! E mail me at margieanne67@gmail.com, or facebook Margie Jordan. You are a rock star, and can't wait to see you there.

Margie Jordan
264 Via Largo
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

850-225-8028

Submitted by Susie Merrill on 08/19/12.

Billy, I will visit as soon as I can! Great Southern is lucky to have you.

Submitted by Nancy McConnell on 08/19/12.

From Marilyn Lloyd, Billy's mother-in-law---She said to post that she loves Billy, too!

Submitted by SoWal Visitor bruce on 08/26/12.

Thanks to Billy and his great love for helping people, my life is good in SoWal. Thanks Billy. PS put the phone down!

Submitted by SoWal Visitor on 08/27/12.

what a man, left st.louis in 94 as a fm disc jockey, and worked for billy as a discwasher,without a doubt the most caring and motivating boss/leader one could ask for! dont get to seaside much these days but ill sure drop drop my dinner budget soon if billys a part of it thanks for the job billy!!

Submitted by Jay Cook on 08/30/12.

For 40 years I've known Billy to be a great guy, musician, cook,host and friend.

Submitted by Joe & Jan Stanko on 09/01/12.

Love ya Billy and glad you're finally getting the recognition you deserve. Keep laughin' -- Joe & Jan

Submitted by Stuart & Faye Wood on 09/04/12.

We met Billy several years ago at "Simple Faith"..............excellent musician, great friend!!! He will excel at any endeavor!
We love you Billy, and treasure your patience & friendship.

Submitted by Terry on 09/07/12.

Well, I don't think of Billy as cute as the ladies say he is, but I will say he is a good man and a good friend to many. Keep on being Billy!

Submitted by SoWal Visitor on 09/08/12.

Billy is the best....and a true Blues and RnB musicologist...not a bad bass player as well
Meredith and I miss him as well as Nancy now that we are Californians....

GO BILLY!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted by Serena Robison on 09/08/12.

What a wonderful person Billy is! Like a fine wine he just gets better with age. Lots of wonderful memories from those early days! I always love seeing that big beautiful smile.

Submitted by Serena Robison on 09/08/12.

What a wonderful person Billy is! Like a fine wine he just gets better with age. Lots of wonderful memories from those early days! I always love seeing that big beautiful smile.

Submitted by Coby on 09/26/12.

Billy,

Nice to see your smiling face again! We'll see you in the Spring...Love to Nancy.
C&C

Keep on Rockin'