It’s a Friday night. A little boy, around the age of 8, comes into a restaurant craving ribs.

But the restaurant wasn’t serving ribs that night.

So, what’s an owner to do? Give the boy an apron and personally take him to the kitchen to cook him up whatever he desired, of course.

Located a mere five minutes outside of downtown Athens lies a hidden little spot: Harry’s Pig Shop. Perhaps owner Lee Epting was so quick to give the little boy a hand in things because he’s taken a hands-on approach to business for decades.

A University graduate, Epting started building his own company from scratch almost four decades ago.

Epting Events, or what was then called Lee Epting Catering, began in a restored dining car where the man himself began testing recipes and developing his distinctive Southern cuisine with a cajun twist.

Over time, the local catering company has grown into a large-scale event planning company that serves the whole Southeast.

Epting Events has a hand in everything from Sea Island functions to tailgates, and it has served former presidents, secretaries of state and Supreme Court justices.

“We can do everything,” Epting said with assurance in his voice.

Despite moving on to grander things, Epting always harbored a love for the Classic City, where his business began.

So in an effort to give a little something back to the community that helped him spread his wings, Epting embarked on his latest endeavor — Harry’s Pig Shop – which opened in March.

Restaurants benefit from having a clear identity and motto.

In Harry’s case, that’s having a comfortable vibe for people craving Southern-style homey food at a retro restaurant with a modern twist.

“We’re like an upscale barbeque restaurant. It’s comfy; you can sit on the couch and just relax,” said Michael Burwell, manager of Harry’s Pig Shop.

Harry’s Tavern, which was the restaurant’s original name, was first opened in the 1930s by Harry Epting.

However, the restaurant closed down during World War II.

It wasn’t until March that Harry’s son, Lee Epting, decided to give the restaurant another try, and renamed it Harry’s Pig Shop.

The updated restaurant is located in Homewood Village on Jackson Road.

And the owners are proud to say their restaurant has many strengths. Offerings reflect Southern influence, but the menu doesn’t just feature barbecue food.

Salads, sandwiches, pork and even a little Asian cuisine are included in the food selection.

Students can come here for a sizeable dinner without a sizeable check.

Epting also strives to make the restaurant as green as possible, with eco-friendly straws, plates and to-go boxes.

This fall, Harry’s will start something it has never done before.

The restaurant will allow large groups, such as fraternities or sororities, to come pick up their food for tailgating. Delivery will be available upon request.

“This is for any group that feeds,” Epting said.