The Shepherd Hotel in South Carolina aims to deliver an upscale hospitality experience while providing secure careers in hospitality for people with disabilities.

This innovative scheme illustrates the power of hospitality to change lives for the better.

Making a mark in Clemson

Boutique hotel development and hospitality group Shepherd Hotels, which strives to increase employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, has struck a deal to partner with Avocet Hospitality on The Shepherd Hotel in Clemson, South Carolina. The project is expected to open in spring 2022.

Having taken an investment position in the newbuild property, Avocet will assist with the pre-opening, as well as ongoing hotel and restaurant operations.

“This partnership with Avocet Hospitality allows our current one-hotel concept to leverage a deeply talented hospitality organisation that shares our values,” said Rick Hayduk, Shepherd Hotels co-founder. “With Avocet’s help, The Shepherd Hotel will deliver an upscale, inspirational lodging and dining option to the Clemson community that welcomes visitors from all over the country.”

Jon Weitz, founder and president of Avocet Hospitality, added: “We could not be more excited to work with the co-founders of Shepherd Hotels, Rick Hayduk and Rich Davies, as well as the entire Shepherd Hotel team to bring this purpose-driven hotel to life. One of our core beliefs is that a hotel must tell a story and be authentic. Nothing is more authentic than providing real and lasting employment opportunities for people with disabilities.”

Upscale hospitality and inclusivity

On opening, the Shepherd Hotel will host guests in an upscale environment distinguished by uplifting design with 67 guestrooms, along with the Delish Sisters restaurant, the indoor-outdoor Thomas Bar overlooking College Avenue and a rooftop event space.

The Shepherd Hotel is expected to employ more than 40 people with intellectual disabilities across its restaurant and hotel operations, representing approximately 40% of the total hospitality team. In particular, the property will provide training and employment opportunities to students and alumni of Clemson University’s ClemsonLife programme, which helps to prepare people with intellectual disabilities for the challenges of competitive employment and independent living.

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