By Paula Pyzik Scott

Two Bluffton families have forged a new business partnership on Vine Street. Liz and Bob Gordon-Hancock have become partners with Jonah Agner, chef-owner of Greenhorn restaurant at 112 Vine St. 

Liz Gordon-Hancock owns the building opposite from Greenhorn and has collaborated with Agner to promote Vine Street as an outdoor venue closed on weekends and for special events. Now she and husband Bob will work with Agner on promotion and management. 

Bob noted, “You don’t want me in the kitchen!” and emphasized that the menu and food philosophy will remain the same. He works in the credit card processing industry and brings a data background to the partnership.

The new agreement, which follows partnerships with Agner’s longtime friends Ryan McCullough and Bob Bell–grew out of a conversation at a Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours meeting at the restaurant. Greenhorn has also hosted a variety of other events including block parties and Blaze of Lights after parties on Vine St. 

On August 31, Greenhorn will host two stages for the first Porchfest/Play Music on the Porch Day event in Bluffton.

Greenhorn opened in 2020 and initially survived with just carryout service. It now offers a four course chef’s tasting with wine on Wednesday nights, lunch and dinner Thursday-Saturday and brunch on Sundays. Sunday night wine classes are also on the restaurant’s calendar.

Agner’s menu has a base of Middle Eastern items including falafel, hummus and tabbouleh, as well as plant-based dishes such as a barbecued tofu sandwich and tempeh TLT. Whenever possible he uses locally sourced and organic ingredients, some of which are sourced from The Food Store, which is owned and operated by Agner's wife Nancy Corle Agner. The emphasis is also on scratch cooking. Examples include cashew queso and ravioli made by hand. 

For more information, visit Greenhorn on Facebook.