H&H Restaurant facts for kids

Sign in front of the building

The H&H Restaurant is a famous place in Macon, Georgia, known for its delicious Southern comfort food and soul food. It's located right in downtown Macon on Forsyth Street. The restaurant first opened its doors in 1959. It was started by Inez Hill, who everyone called "Mama Hill," and her cousin, Louise Hudson, known as "Mama Louise."

H&H became super famous because of The Allman Brothers Band, a well-known rock group. Other bands like Molly Hatchet and the Wet Willie Band also loved eating there. But it wasn't just musicians! The restaurant was also a meeting spot for civil rights activists and leaders from groups like the NAACP. Even Georgia state presidents and officers would visit. The restaurant closed for a short time in 2013 but reopened the next year. Now, a local company called the Moonhanger Group owns it.

What's on the Menu?

Inside the H&H Restaurant

H&H Restaurant serves classic soul food in a style called "meat and three." This means you pick one meat and then choose three side dishes, usually vegetables.

You can find yummy meats like:

• Roast beef
• Fried chicken
• Smothered chicken (chicken cooked in gravy)
• Fried pork chops
• Stew beef
• Baked ham
• Bar-B-Q Ribs
• Fried fish

The vegetables change each day, just like in old-fashioned Southern diners. For example, on Mondays, you might find collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and lima beans. On Fridays, they often have okra, squash, and rice with gravy. For dessert, H&H offers sweet treats like peach cobbler, apple cobbler, sweet potato pie, and bread pudding.

A Look at H&H's History

"Mama Hill," whose real name was Inez Hill, was born in Georgia in 1913. She moved to Macon in 1950. In 1959, she opened H&H Restaurant with her cousin, Louise Hudson. The restaurant moved a couple of times before finding its permanent home at 807 Forsyth Street.

The walls of H&H are covered with cool stuff, especially things related to The Allman Brothers Band. There are posters and even an award from one of their famous albums! The Allman Brothers Band used to record music nearby. When they were just starting out and didn't have much money, they would sometimes share two meals at H&H. Mama Louise felt bad for the hungry musicians. She would give them their own meals and tell them to pay her back later when they had money. This kind act started a special friendship. The band always knew they could count on Mama Louise. After they became famous, they even invited her to join them on tour in California in 1972!

Oprah Visits H&H

In November 2007, the famous TV host Oprah Winfrey came to Macon. She was there to film an episode of her show, "Oprah's Favorite Things." While in town, she made sure to stop by H&H Restaurant. She met both Mama Louise and Mama Inez.

When Oprah arrived, many security guards and fans were around. She went through the back door and into the dining area. She chatted with Mama Louise and Mama Inez, signed autographs, and took pictures with fans before she left. It was a very exciting day for the restaurant!

Celebrating Mama Louise

On July 8, 2007, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate Mama Louise's birthday. The party was held at the Macon Armory Ballroom. Gregg Allman, a member of The Allman Brothers Band, was there. He shared many fun stories about the band's times at H&H and on tour with Mama Louise.

A politician named Jim Marshall also gave a special announcement from Washington, D.C.. It honored Mama Louise as "Lady Mama Louise." A representative from the Mayor's office announced that July 26 would be "Mama Louise Day" in Macon. She also received a brick that would be placed in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame walkway. This brick called Mama Louise the "Mother of Southern Rock."

The evening also included a slideshow of pictures of Mama Louise with The Allman Brothers Band and other famous people. There was also a video of people wishing her a happy birthday. To end the celebration, several musicians, including Gregg Allman, played songs like "These Days" and "Melissa." They also played "Midnight Rider," which was Mama Louise's favorite song.

Mama Hill's Passing

Inez "Mama" Hill passed away on December 18, 2007. She collapsed while working at the H&H Restaurant. She was taken to the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon. Doctors found that she had a brain aneurysm. Mama Hill was a mother of seven, a grandmother of sixteen, and also had many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Her funeral service was held in Macon.