Neighborhood Dishes
Mr. Bunky's 10441 Garner's Ferry Road, Eastover + 783-3501
Story and photos by Natasha Derrick

The view from the second level of Mr. Bunky's

Eclectic may be too tame a word to describe Mr.Bunky's. A community staple since April 1981, the hardware store/grocery store/meat market/restaurant has captured the hearts and bellies of several generations of patrons. Upon entering the barn-like structure, the senses are met with a smorgasbord of products. Rows of tomatoes and onions are stocked next to the bait and tackle section, which is right next to the fresh meat market. The second floor is stocked with a dizzying array of gardening tools, rubber boots, saddles, and handmade crafts.

On the left of the ground floor in the far corner is Mr. Bunky's Grill & Garden Spot, which serves home-cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Where else could you buy a cast iron skillet, fishing lure, and a country-style lunch without ever leaving the building?

Mr. Bunky's takes its name from the owner, Bunky Carter, who moved to Eastover from Great Falls, S.C. as a horse trainer. His easy-going demeanor and accommodating nature are seen throughout his business. The large variety of items in the store is a direct result of his desire to serve his customers. "We get two calls for a product, and we get it," he said.

Bobby Stachora orders lunch off the hot bar.

This theory extends to his restaurant as well, where the menu is full. The hot bar boasts several types of meats and vegetables. There are hamburgers, sandwiches, fish, and chicken. Dinner entrees include steak, which can be purchased from the meat counter and cooked to order, fish, and pork dishes. Carter's customers appreciate the variety.

"It's all good," John A. Miller said. "It's convenient, the food's good, and the price is right." Miller, a CW4 helicopter pilot with the U.S. Army, has been coming to Bunky's for over 20 years. Mr. Bunky's draws crowds from all the nearby military stations including: McIntyre Air Force Base, S.C. National Guard Armory, Fort Jackson, and Shaw Air Force Base. The restaurant often caters meals for military personnel. "He helps us out on short notice," said Msgt. Richard Hansen, who is stationed at the S.C. National Guard Armory. "He'll even bring his grill over to the armory and cook it there."

Bunky Carter explains the workings of an antique washing machine on the second floor of his store.

Over the past 25 years, Mr. Bunky's has become a community tradition. Jason Hill's family has been eating there since he was a child. "My parents are good friends with Bunky," Hill said. "I used to come here with them." Now, Hill eats at Bunky's with his co-workers from Rose Electric.

Among Bunky's variety of customers are also the firemen from the Columbia Fire Department Station adjacent to the restaurant. "There's probably someone from the fire department over here every day," said firefighter Robert Joyner. According to Joyner, Bunky gave the land to the county to build the fire station. "He's even fixing to build us a landing zone for the helicopter out there," Joyner said. "He's really good to the fire and emergency services in the community."

Besides the human guests and employees at Mr. Bunky's, Carter keeps his loyal dog, Turnaround, on duty as official front door greeter and messenger. Turnaround will even carry the bank envelope for his master. Up until February of 2005, Sunshine, Carter's 18-year- old white cockatoo, would entertain children with her antics. He has yet to find another "good bird" to replace her.

The unique atmosphere at Mr. Bunky's coupled with the friendly staff has created a loyal following. Head cashier Betty Talbert, who has worked at the café for seven and a half years, has had the opportunity to watch customers interact. "Everybody knows everybody here," Talbert said. "It's a great place for conversation." Because of the dining room layout and larger family-style tables, even people who do not know one another will share a country meal with a stranger.