How two local leaders grew their roots, and their roles, at The Village
As we continue to celebrate 20 years of Freshfields Village, we’re shining a light on two beloved businesses that have been part of the story since day one: Hege’s Restaurant and GDC Home. More than just “tenants”, they’re rooted in the fabric of The Village, led by individuals who started in early roles and, over the years, rose to become the heart of their respective teams.
From a lone server who became co-owner to a high schooler who became a store leader in a family-run business, these are stories of heart, hustle and homegrown success.
Hege’s Restaurant: Growth, Grit and Genuine Hospitality
When Freshfields Village first opened its doors in 2005, Scott Hudson was the only server on the floor at Hege’s Restaurant. “We had one bartender, maybe three chefs. And I remember—it was still dirt roads back then,” he says. “Hege’s was the second place to open in The Village. I’ve seen the growth of this place firsthand, and I’ve been fortunate to be a part of it.”
Born and raised in South Carolina, Scott originally attended The Citadel before life and injury led him down a different path. That path led straight into the hospitality world, where he quickly discovered that the sense of service he admired in the military translated naturally to restaurants. “If one person doesn’t do their job, everybody falls,” he explains. That mindset laid the foundation for his career.
Scott began working under the leadership of Richard Hege, who became both a mentor and a guiding force in his life. “He taught me everything I know,” Scott shares. “What made the restaurant grow wasn’t just his vision—it was the tutelage and the way we all bought into it. We learned from him, and that helped all of us rise.”
And rise he did. From that first shift as the lone server to now standing as the restaurant’s co-owner, Scott’s journey is woven into the very fabric of Hege’s and Freshfields itself.
Southern Hospitality, Served Nightly
Today, Hege’s continues to embody everything it set out to be—refined, welcoming, and rooted in a spirit of genuine connection. “When you dine with us, we want you to feel like family,” says Scott. “We don’t believe in tourists, we believe that everyone is family, and we want to make them feel at home.”
That signature hospitality is paired with a French-inspired menu that highlights the season’s best ingredients, including longtime favorites and local gems. Scott’s personal pick? The sake and soy-marinated halibut, a beloved off-menu favorite. And in the summer, guests can look forward to their annual heirloom tomato and house-pulled mozzarella salad, finished with fresh basil and rich balsamic vinaigrette.
Scott’s favorite spot in the Village? Just outside the restaurant. “The courtyard behind Hege’s is one of the most peaceful places in the Village. When I need a moment to step away, that’s where I go. The breeze, the quiet…it’s just beautiful.”
GDC Home: Family, Familiar Faces & Fresh Design
Just a few doors down, GDC Home has also been a cornerstone of Freshfields since the beginning. “GDC Home is my family’s business,” shares Catherine Gregory, Manager of Operations. “When we came to The Village 20 years ago, I was still in high school. I didn’t work here quite yet, but I remember how excited we were to join a shopping center filled with primarily local tenants.”
Specializing in accessories and beautiful pieces to elevate the home, GDC Home has long curated a warm, welcoming environment for both new visitors and longtime clients. “We’ve been lucky to have so many team members with us for years,” says Catherine. “Our employees have grown with us, and we’ve really gotten to know the folks who live around here. Some of our customers have been shopping with us since day one.”
That continuity is part of what makes stepping into GDC Home feel so personal. “When people visit, they can expect a friendly and familiar face,” she says. “We love that.”
Designs That Feel Like Home
Right now, the store is stocked with fresh finds for the season—think outdoor pillows, spring and summer tabletop pieces and accessories perfect for barbecues and al fresco gatherings. “We’ve got something special for your next party,” Catherine adds.
Her favorite Village spot? Dolittle’s. “I have a one-year-old King Charles Cavalier named Honey, so I spend a lot of time and money there. I love it. They’re another local Charleston business, and everyone should go visit.”
The 20th anniversary feels especially meaningful for the GDC team, as they prepare to expand into a new space, still within The Village, this year. “It’ll be a really fun adventure for us to mark our 20 years here by growing our store and our presence. We hope to have a big celebration when we launch,” says Catherine.
As a third-generation, family-owned and operated business, GDC Home continues to welcome guests like family. “My mom, dad, and brother all work in the business. We love to greet our customers and bring them in as part of our family.”
As Freshfields marks two decades of community and connection, Scott and Catherine are more than long-time locals—they’re a reflection of what it means to grow alongside a place, to pour heart into work and to become family along the way.
While you’re out and about in The Village celebrating our 20-year anniversary and capturing photos of your experience, don’t forget to tag us on social media!
Enjoy this blog and want to read more Faces of Freshfields? Click here to read about two more original tenants, the jewelry store owners in The Village, or the women-owned businesses.
