The Shepherd Hotel has won Best Hotel in Clemson every year since its grand opening in 2022. Unique in its hospitality, The Shepherd Hotel partners with the ClemsonLIFE program to provide students the opportunity to earn their hospitality certification.
After ClemsonLIFE students have completed their first 2 years at the University, they have the opportunity to be invited back by ClemsonLIFE to complete another 2 years of schooling. In the following years, students can earn their hospitality certification through The Shepherd. After completing training, students are able to present their hospitality certification to any hotel across the country, widening the landscape of employment opportunities.
Co-founder Rick Hayduk was inspired to create this inclusive model by his own daughter with Down syndrome, Jamison. Hayduck envisioned a hotel where he could employ people with disabilities, helping to build hospitality skills and foster an inclusive environment for all.
“Showing that the only barriers or boundaries that people with disabilities face are set up by society itself, and here we do nothing but allow them a place to grow and do what they do best,” Luke Dotson, manager at The Shepherd, told The Tiger in an interview. “Anyone who has come to us through ClemsonLIFE has shown true hospitality, way better than any other employee in my opinion.”
The Shepherd plays a big role in Clemson’s local community, and yet there’s so much more to the hotel. From the rooftop to the Thomas Bar balcony, not only is The Shepherd the Best Hotel in Clemson, but it’s also the best view.
“It’s such a special part of Clemson to be able to see the stadium, the foothill over there and then also downtown Clemson, and it’s unique to the hotel itself,” Dotson told The Tiger.
The interior is designed to be warm and welcoming. Designers prioritized natural light and approachable luxury making the space a stunning, yet homey destination. Corridors and lobbies are enhanced with diverse art from local artists Charlie French and Parrish Hoag can be found throughout the hotel. Located on the seventh floor, the rooftop is a must-visit spot during the warmer months. Just below the rooftop sits the Thomas Bar, hosting an elegant interior with a terrace overlooking College Avenue.
Following the spiral staircase down from the Thomas Bar to the first floor, patrons find a common attraction for The Shepherd. The Delish Sisters outlet serves breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the week. Breakfast and lunch are served daily at Delish Sisters, with dinners being served in the evenings on Tuesday through Saturday during the week.
Visitors can enjoy anything from coffee and pastries to curated wine, bourbon and cocktails from experiences bartenders and chefs.
Delish Sisters is a common training environment for students working to earn their hospitality certification through the ClemsonLIFE program. The Shepherd not only gives ClemsonLIFE students an opportunity to earn their hospitality certification, but students also bring a one-of-a-kind hospitality to The Shepherd, flowing from the rooftop all the way down to Delish Sisters.
“One of the things that I love about hotels is the culture that gets created, and here at the Shepherd Hotel, there is a driven purpose to have hospitality that includes everyone,” Vicki Wicks, manager at The Shepherd Hotel, told The Tiger.
“And the joy that we’re able to extend to each other and the care that we take, it makes you feel like you have come home,” Wicks continued. “I’ve only been here two months, but I feel like I have a work family already.”
Address:
110 Sloan St.
Clemson, SC 29631
Phone: (864) 635-0100
www.shepherdhotels.com // @shepherdhotels (Instagram) // Shepherd Hotels (Facebook)
