STEP INTO Freddie’s — the epitome of camaraderie, sports, and all the feels of enjoying fantastic food and fun. As you enter, the scent of delectable barbecued brisket and warm, salted french fries envelop your senses, immediately making you feel right at home. It’s as if you’re watching the Super Bowl and chomping down on nachos with your friends in your living room — right in your neighborhood.
Freddie, the mastermind behind this haven, discovered his passion for cooking mouthwatering barbecue meals and serving spirits at the tender age of 20 until he passed away years ago.
He infused his heart and soul into the restaurant, creating a home-like environment that
attracted friends and strangers alike.
Ben and his lovely wife, Mallory Laine, have since taken the reins and are now Freddie’s official owners and chefs, putting their own spin on the famous barbecue and meat dishes. The oysters and wings have been a staple since the ‘80s and continue to reign supreme today.
After Freddie’s passing, the couple made it their mission to carry on Freddie’s legacy of feeding the people and providing good ole Southern fun.
Ben has been whipping up delicious barbecue since he was 15, working as a barbecue cook until he was 18. He has been cooking for small events for 22 years and counting. He initially established a career in cabinetry and later gained valuable experience by working for the school system for a few years.
While working for the county, he obtained the necessary permits and successfully launched his own business, establishing a brewery in the charming town of Hillsboro.
He later resigned from his county position to work as a manager at Freddie’s. After three months of managing the restaurant, Ben and Mallory took the reins, and Freddie’s legacy has been serving delicious meals since the 1980s.
Ben and Freddie were close friends. Ben recalls often clocking out of his job at the cabinet shop and stopping by the restaurant to share a couple of beers with Freddie before heading home.
“He was just an all-around fun, great guy. Everybody liked him,” said Ben.
Ben and Mallory strive to give back to the community by pitching in at charity gatherings, putting together ramps for differently-abled people, and supporting many regional activities.
The restaurant aims to provide a safe space where everyone can gather, indulge in great food, watch sports, and have a great time together.
“You get to see your buddies every day. It was the bar I hung out at, and now we’ve taken and changed it into a family-friendly restaurant. But still, all my buddies I’ve been hanging out with for the past 10 years will come and visit, so that’s really fun. We get to talk to people and meet people, and feed folks. It’s always good to see smiles on people’s faces.”
Ben’s unwavering commitment and dedication to curating a welcoming environment where folks can revel in good food and vibes will keep his friend’s legacy blazing on for years to come.
Ben and Mallory met in Manchester when he was 18 and she was 16. And three kids later, they are still going strong.
Ben remarked, “We’ve just got a happy life.”
The journey to restaurant ownership presented several challenges, and the process was a learning curve for both of them. But with their hard work paying off, the couple strives daily to create a welcoming environment for everyone.
Impressed by Ben’s hard work and dedication, the city crowned Freddie’s as Manchester’s Finest Wings, a staple of Freddie’s since the ’80s. When they purchased the restaurant, they added steaks and barbecue to this beloved list.
Freddie’s has garnered high praises from miles and miles away, with folks traveling from Alabama and even Kentucky all flocking for a taste of Freddie’s finger-licking, home-cooked barbecue.
The restaurant has even catered events at The Caverns, crafting tasty meals for famous artists like the VIPs. They have graced various festivals, like “Cave Fest” and other event vendors with their presence.
Though Freddie is no longer with us, his legacy of camaraderie and quality food lives on through Ben and Mallory at Freddie’s, where you’ll always find a warm welcome, great vibes, and delicious meals.
Ben remarked, “It’s a lot of fun. You come to work every day, and your friends come to visit. You sit around, cook food, talk to people, cut up, and laugh. It’s just a heck of a fun job.” GN
