Greg Segroves – Rebuilding a Life with Great Food and Good Music

Greg Segroves – Rebuilding a Life with Great Food and Good Music

By Justin Geurin

A new Water Vallian sits down with the people that make this town special. Geurin and his wife, Robin, and twin daughters moved to town last July

First, he has a lot of great stories to tell, and second, operating a restaurant is not something he planned on. In fact, coming from a family of preachers (his father, three uncles, grandfather, and great uncle all served as preachers) his decision to drop out of school with dreams of becoming a rock star probably concerned his family and friends. But all of those decisions, good or bad, have lead him here, and that is something he seems quite happy with. 

When asked what brought him to Water Valley, Segroves mentions his father knowing several other preachers throughout this area, but also reconnecting with his high school sweetheart, Penneye Holder, native of Baldwyn who now lives in Oxford. 

You see, Segroves was involved in a horrific car accident in 1982, which he was not expected to survive, and though he did, he has a long string of health issues related to the wreck. He has had more than 20 surgeries in the years since his accident, and he credits Holder for helping him get some of the medical attention he needed. 

She also was the one who encouraged him to open a restaurant, as the physical demands of his landscaping business in Oxford were becoming too much for his body to handle. 

“I mentioned in passing that I would like to have a restaurant one day and for some reason she took that seriously,” jokes Segroves. 

After looking for locations in Oxford, Segroves came across the current location on Main Street in Water Valley and fell in love with the building and the people. He had no experience and was completely operating by trial and error, but it seems to be working out. 

“I really feel like it was meant to be for me to be brought here,” he explains. Hometown Pizza is a chain franchise, in fact Holder’s sister operates one back in Baldwyn, but Segroves raves at how much freedom the company allows him to have within his restaurant. He says he couldn’t ask for a better location and his favorite part is meeting people, including a couple this past weekend from Switzerland who stopped in on their way to Chattanooga, Tenn. 

Segroves will readily admit the transition to the restaurant business was a stressful one, and he says he sometimes struggles with staffing issues. 

“I am a workaholic, and I expect everyone to work at least half as hard as I do.”

The interesting part about Segroves’ role as a manager  is that he wants the restaurant to operate without him, so he can focus on all of the new entertainment ideas he has for the business. 

One of the first things he insisted on adding to the restaurant when opening was a stage for musical performers, and Hometown Pizza regularly hosts musical acts and karaoke nights. This is just the beginning for Segroves, though, as he hopes to bring in new options like a Sunday gospel brunch and even a open, jam-session type venue for local musicians to play together. 

He also wants to try new things to bring in families and students from the university, whether a movie or concert night, or adding a food challenge like a giant pizza or massive hamburgers, which Segroves cooks himself.  

Just this past weekend, the restaurant served plate lunches for Easter Sunday and they sold more than 50 plates of smoked pork loins, ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, and corn, which have been getting rave reviews around town. 

In terms of operating a restaurant, Segroves says he has always enjoyed hosting and cooking for friends and family, and he tries use that same mindset in dealing with customers. 

“We want to provide personalized, friendly service and make sure none of our guests leave unhappy or hungry,” he said. When asked to give advice to others who might be interested in food service, he recommended finding a mentor, asking a lot of questions, and reading as much as you could in preparation. He also loves eating at the other great restaurants around town, although he says the Auction Block near Pontotoc is his absolute favorite place for a steak. 

In terms of his own menu, Segroves favorite items are the thin crust Hawaiian pizza as well as the Italian beef sandwich. 

For Segroves, the best part of running a business in Water Valley is the size and family atmosphere. “My car wreck changed my thoughts on small towns,” he says. He described the amazing love and support he received from the people after the accident and raves about the neighborly mindset of Water Valley. 

“This is a small town with a lot to offer,” says Segroves, who also hopes to get the chance to move into Water Valley in the near future. He loves what the downtown community is providing in terms of entertainment and he hopes to continue to play a role in that growth. At the same time, he has a lot to offer the young people of the area in terms of advice about life choices. 

“I made a lot of choices as a kid that affected the rest of my life, and that is a message I want to share with students and youth groups.” 

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I took Robin and the girls by Hometown Pizza on Monday evening (you know…for research!) and judging by the squeals and the amount of pizza sauce covering the girls’ faces, I think they approved! Greg Segroves has taken a long, and sometimes difficult journey to get here, but Hometown Pizza Café is a great dining option (they have just put out a new, updated menu) and a good source for entertainment, as well. Segroves wants everyone to support local businesses and musicians, and his restaurant is a great place to start! 

Now for the rapid-fire questions to close the interview with Segroves

What was your first car? 

– 1966 Chevelle, it was gorgeous and in mint condition! 

You are stranded on a desert island, what three things do you want to have with you? 

– Guitar, hammock, and my girlfriend, Penneye

Is a hotdog considered a sandwich? 

– I guess so…I’ve never really thought about it

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? 

– To fly

It’s karaoke night, what is your go-to song to sing? 

– Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley.

Last meal, what do you want? Entrée, desert, and beverage? 

– Steak and fried potatoes, for dessert…more steak? Probably bread pudding, and Root Beer to drink.