HATTIESBURG, MS, October 01, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Haifa K. Huntsman has been recognized for achievement in the hospitality industry.

After nearly five decades of service in the hospitality industry, Ms. Huntsman realized her long-held on and off dream of owning a restaurant at age 62 with the opening of Haifa's Magnolia Grill & Pub in Sumrall, Mississippi, in 2026, where she now serves in the dual roles of owner and general manager. With a wide-ranging southern-style menu that includes options such as hamburger steak, shrimp skewers, fettuccini alfredo and Louisiana redfish along with soups, salads and desserts, Haifa's has quickly become a cornerstone of the community. She is deeply involved in every aspect of the business, from preparing food and overseeing kitchen operations to scheduling orders, managing administrative tasks and planning entertainment services.

Ms. Huntsman coordinates large events, books live bands and organizes trivia nights for the restaurant, all while maintaining a hands-on approach to ensure the highest standards are maintained for guests and staff alike. Her commitment to "unreasonable hospitality" is reflected in her daily practices, such as baking treats to share with both guests and staff and preparing fresh pastas and sauces from scratch. She believes that reinvesting in the business and prioritizing the satisfaction of her guests are both crucial elements of success.

Since 2024, Ms. Huntsman has also held the role of general manager at Benson's Steakhouse in West Hattiesburg, Mississippi. In this capacity, she operates the restaurant with a sense of ownership and dedication, applying the same principles, expectations and direct communication that guide her work at Haifa's Magnolia Grill. Her diverse expertise encompasses staff training and development, mentorship, restaurant operations, team building, hospitality leadership and employee engagement, all supported by decades of practical experience and a genuine passion for nurturing talent within her teams.

Prior to reaching her current roles, Ms. Huntsman built an extensive career across several prominent establishments. She spent six years with Darden Concepts Inc., working in Hattiesburg and D'Iberville in Mississippi as well as Lakeland, Florida, from 2017 to 2023. Earlier in her journey, she contributed to the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, Tennessee, where her exceptional service earned her multiple consecutive Server of the Month honors.

Ms. Huntsman began her management experience at Cracker Barrel, where she started as a server for eight months before being promoted to associate manager from 2008 to 2013. The mentorship she received from her general manager John Harmon during this period proved formative for her subsequent approach to leadership and training. Throughout her career, whenever she returned to serving roles at other establishments, she was frequently offered management positions within months due to her initiative and natural ability to connect with people.

Education has also played a significant role in Ms. Huntsman's professional development. She completed coursework in business early in her career before returning to school at age 50 to earn a medical billing and coding diploma from Penn Foster Group in 2015. To further her qualifications within the hospitality sector, she became ServSafe certified through the National Restaurant Association in 2017 as a Proctor.

Ms. Huntsman's dedication to exemplary customer service has seen her recognized with numerous accolades over the years. She was named Employee of the Month at various restaurants and received Server of the Year honors as well as certificates of recognition from other hospitality establishments. Reflecting on her storied journey to date, she attributes her success not to any extraordinary actions or talent but to consistently approaching her work with positivity and a sincere love for people.

Beyond her formal affiliations, Ms. Huntsman supports her local community through charitable donations whenever called upon. Though she does not volunteer formally due to the time constraints imposed by her demanding work schedule, she never turns down requests for assistance from neighborhood causes or individuals in need.

Ms. Huntsman began her remarkable personal journey in Amman, Jordan, before immigrating to the United States at a young age under deeply challenging circumstances that included periods of abuse and foster care. Despite facing significant adversity, including homelessness on three separate occasions, she overcame these obstacles and more through perseverance and faith. Achieving sobriety stands out as her proudest life accomplishment; after three rehabilitation stays, she credits the Lord and her husband Bobby with guiding her toward lasting recovery more than 25 years ago.

Ms. Huntsman met her husband Bobby later in life after both had endured difficult relationships and personal challenges. The two first connected through a dating site when Ms. Huntsman was 44 years old, and they married on August 1, 2009, after a whirlwind courtship that quickly became the longest relationship either had experienced. She considers marrying Bobby to be her equivalent of winning the lottery and credits his love and support as a central factor in her success and happiness. They enjoy quiet days at home, reading or spending time together rather than seeking outside entertainment, though they occasionally travel when someone can oversee the restaurant.

Looking toward the future, Ms. Huntsman hopes that Haifa's Magnolia Grill & Pub will remain financially self-sustaining while providing joy for herself and those around her. She values simplicity above material gain and aspires only for continued contentment with Bobby by her side — perhaps traveling more together if circumstances allow — while ensuring that everyone who walks into her restaurant feels welcome and valued by being themselves.

Throughout every chapter of her life and career, Ms. Huntsman has remained steadfast in her belief that hardship can be overcome with determination and support from others. Her journey from overcoming multiple hardships and reaching sobriety, happiness and both personal and professional fulfillment serves as an inspiration for all those who face adversity or doubt their ability to achieve their dreams at any stage of life.

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