Denise Ferguson (left), known to most locally as "Sadie Mae,"and employee Danielle Henderson stand by the sign at the new home of Sadie Mae's Cafe. It takes a lot to keep a good woman down.

Left with only the clothes on her back after a fire destroyed her home in February, Denise Ferguson, known to most as "Sadie Mae," vowed she would get back on her feet.

The best place of refuge during the days following the blaze was her restaurant, Sadie Mae's Cafe, where she was able to satisfy two of her passions in life — cooking and serving others.

"Every day is a new day, and I'm blessed to be in a loving community like this one," Ferguson said. "After the fire, so many people chipped in and helped out even when they didn't need to."

A popular saying is that "before there is a rainbow, first there must be rain." For Ferguson, this could not have been more appropriate.

Months removed from one of the darkest days of her life, the woman known for her hospitality and tasty meals can finally breathe a sigh of relief, knowing the clouds have moved on and let the brightness of the sun shine through.

Long yearning for a larger location than her small diner nestled in the Cherokee County countryside, Ferguson's dream recently came true as the local favorite is now getting adjusted to her new digs on Meadow Street.

"I tell you, it's worthwhile to see the smile on her face," said Sadie Mae's Cafe employee Danielle Henderson. "(Ferguson) has wanted to do this for a while, so when she came to us and said we were moving, it was a moment of joy for all of us."

Sadie Mae's Wilkinsville location closed June 14. The restaurant is expected to reopen at its new location June 25.

Her old location had just seven tables. The new building has more than double the space for customers and food preparation.

"(Space) was our whole purpose of moving," Ferguson said. "When you have people coming in from Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg and Asheville, as well as local customers it is pretty hard to serve them all from seven tables."

Part of the Sadie Mae's experience that will remain unchanged will be the large portions offered at the restaurant, and the family like atmosphere customers have come to love.

"The people of this community have rolled out the welcome mat for me and treated me like I was at home," Ferguson said. "For that reason, it's only right for me to do the same, making this restaurant 'Home Sweet Home' for them."

Much work is still to be done in getting the facility ready for its opening next week. But Ferguson said the eatery's doors will open on June 25.

"I'm on a shoe-string budget, having to deal with renovations, paying my girls and other expenses ... I have to do it," Ferguson said. "But we'll make it. We're opening Thursday."

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