Congress helping his hometown grow with new Huddle House

Josh Congress has come home – at least for a little while.

Congress is general manager of the new Huddle House Restaurant opening Sept. 9 on U.S. Hwy. 80 West. He has been preparing for this time ever since he graduated from Demopolis High in 2008.

Although he has been with Huddle House only since December, Congress is not new to the food and beverage service industry. He has opened nine $2 million Jack’s Family Restaurants, including the one in Linden.

But when he had the opportunity to put his mark on his hometown – and be close to his father, the Rev. James Congress – he jumped at the chance. The opportunity also is a step in his career. He will leave the local restaurant to become the regional manager for 10 Huddle House locations, which will include Demopolis.

Since joining the company Congress has worked at a number of different Huddle Houses, troubleshooting problems and learning how the company operates.

He also went through training so he can step in to cook should the need arise.

Not only has he been supervising the set-up at the store, he has hired an initial 80 full time and part time employees, primarily from Marengo County. Trainers from the corporate headquarters in Atlanta will be in town Aug. 30 through Sept. 4 to conduct training. The staff then will have a chance to show off their skills when the restaurant hosts a Family and Friends Night Sept. 5 and an invitation-only VIP Night Sept. 6.

One of those hired is fellow classmate Jessica Jordan, who will become the general manager when Congress moves on.

Once the doors open to the public, the hours are expected to be 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, even holidays, and eventually will be open all night on the weekends, Congress said.

Until the coronavirus pandemic is over, Huddle House will follow guidelines, including masks, social distancing and sanitizing stations.

As Congress showed off the restaurant, he spoke of his vision for it and its growth and popularity in Demopolis.

“We’re a small town with a big heart,” he said. The restaurant will reflect that by giving back to the community through fund-raisers and other activities. He said Huddle House has a “good, home-feeling atmosphere” that will welcome patrons.

Already decorating the windows of the Huddle House is a large painted sign cheering on the DHS Tigers. One wall inside the restaurant will have photos of the DHS football, baseball and soccer teams and the cheerleading squad. Another wall will feature hometown heroes — first responders and others who are outstanding in their community.

“I’ve always considered myself as a leader,” Congress said. That has led him to start a group he calls Purpose Pushers.

“Everybody has a purpose. Everybody has a destiny,” he said. “We can achieve the impossible if we apply ourselves to work together.”

Purpose Pushers is a young group – only four months old. Congress said the Facebook following now has reached 220 and extend to Los Angeles. He is live every Thursday and has a television program