Pan Casero Bakery

Bridge Center, Hilton Head

Taking over the former Odd Birds space, Pan Casero Bakery brings traditional Mexican baking to Hilton Head. The menu features handmade breads and pastries crafted without machines or preservatives, alongside savory sandwiches served on house-made rolls. Expect everything from croissants and crepes to paninis, plus coffee, cold drinks and shaved ice topped with real fruit syrups. For the owners, this marks their first standalone storefront after years in the business.

Pour & Proper

19 Dunnagans Alley, Hilton Head

A new bar and music lounge has opened on Dunnagans Alley, blending dive bar ease with elevated cocktail culture. Pour & Proper made its debut with a lively soft opening packed with local musicians, setting the tone for what’s ahead. The concept splits into two distinct experiences: the casual “Pour” side with cold beer and familiar favorites, and the moodier, more intimate “Proper” side. With live music, strong drinks and a clear focus on community, it’s already shaping up to be a go-to late-night hangout.

Cocos Lokos

216 May River Road, Bluffton

A new stop for fresh, fruit-forward treats has opened just outside La Poblanita. Cocos Lokos specializes in made-to-order snacks and drinks, from chilled coconut water and prepared coconuts to tepache, mangos and over-the-top creations like sandía loca. Everything is assembled on the spot using fresh ingredients, including coconuts imported from Mexico, delivering bold, refreshing flavors perfect for Lowcountry heat.

Sumo Sushi & Hibachi

Northridge Plaza, Hilton Head

A new fast-casual option for Japanese cuisine has arrived. Sumo Sushi & Hibachi serves freshly prepared sushi rolls, hibachi dishes and other favorites, all made to order. Located in the shopping center with HomeGoods and Dollar Tree, it offers a convenient, quality-driven option for quick, flavorful meals.

Greenhouse Restaurant

1260 May River Road, Old Town Bluffton

A new farm-to-table concept has arrived in Old Town Bluffton, offering a refined yet inviting dining experience. Greenhouse Restaurant focuses on seasonal menus and craft cocktails in an intimate setting. Created by sisters Jennifer and Melissa Perri, the restaurant blends elevated cuisine with a personal story rooted in family and hospitality.

Coast Roast Coffee

1628 Paris Avenue, Port Royal

A familiar coffee spot has been reimagined with the opening of Coast Roast Coffee, now in the former Corner Perk space. New owners Camie and Ryan Messick have created a cozy, coastal-inspired café featuring house-roasted coffee, homemade syrups and in-house baked goods. The shop also showcases local art and plans to roast beans on-site in the near future.

Lowcountry Crawfish Company

Mobile food truck

This “boiling house on wheels” is bringing fresh, perfectly seasoned crawfish to communities across the Lowcountry. Lowcountry Crawfish Company serves hot, ready-to-eat crawfish as well as live sacks for at-home boils, offering a flexible, authentic seafood experience. Watch for pop-up locations throughout the season.

Local Pie

New riverside, Bluffton

After months of anticipation, Local Pie has officially opened its newest location in Bluffton’s New Riverside development. The Hilton Head Island-based neighborhood pizzeria welcomed its first guests on April 15, bringing its signature wood-fired pies, laid-back atmosphere and family-friendly vibe to one of the area’s fastest-growing communities.

Cintli: Ancestral Corn Kitchen

Lowcountry pop-ups

Chef Isaac Jimenez is developing a thoughtful, chef-driven concept centered on the tradition of corn. Cintli will explore heirloom grains and the ancient process of nixtamalization, transforming locally sourced corn into fresh masa while highlighting the connection between food, culture and community. Launching first as chef’s tables, pop-ups and demonstrations, the concept offers an immersive look at the craft behind each dish, with plans to expand later this summer.

Barnacle Brews Coffee

614 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head

A new coffee concept inspired by slow island mornings is preparing to open next to Barnacle Bill’s Seafood. Barnacle Brews will focus on fresh brews, local charm and a relaxed coastal feel, aiming to become a go-to stop for both residents and visitors.

Ralphie’s Pizza now Jersey Pie

A Ridgeland pizza spot is entering a new chapter. Formerly Ralphie’s Pizza, the restaurant is now operating as Jersey Pie, unveiling a refreshed identity while keeping many longtime favorites on the menu. The transition has come with a few growing pains, including temporary cash-only service as new systems are put in place, but the team remains focused on a smooth evolution. With updates to the space and more changes ahead, Jersey Pie is aiming for a fresh start while asking for a little patience along the way.

Fire closes The Southern Peel 

The community is rallying around The Southern Peel pizza truck after a devastating fire temporarily halted operations. The blaze caused significant damage to essential equipment, leaving the beloved business facing both logistical hurdles and financial strain. As a mobile operation, the loss hits especially hard. In response, locals have stepped up with fundraising efforts and word-of-mouth support. For a business that has become a staple at gatherings and events, it’s now the community returning the favor, helping them rebuild and, hopefully, get back on the road soon.

Wingfest winners

One of the Lowcountry’s most anticipated food events returned for its 29th year, drawing crowds eager to sample the area’s best wings. This year’s Wingfest delivered a strong mix of longtime favorites and standout newcomers. The Hilton Head Fire Association claimed first place from the judges, followed by Street Meet and One Hot Mama’s. In the People’s Choice category, top honors went to Coconutz, Fraser’s Tavern and Sprout Mama. As always, the event celebrated bold flavors, friendly competition and the community spirit that keeps locals coming back year after year.

Slow and soulful

At Ruby Lee’s, oxtail stew is all about patience and payoff. Tender, fall-off-the-bone meat served over rice with collard greens makes for a deeply comforting, stick-to-your-ribs meal.

Dockside indulgence

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks leans into bold flavor with its Reel Deal Shrimp, beer-braised and bathed in a buttery, garlicky New Orleans-style BBQ broth made for soaking up with crusty bread.

Classic combo

The meat and three at One Hot Mama’s is Southern comfort, plated. Think fried pork chop with dirty rice, lima beans and okra, plus a slice of jalapeño cornbread to round it out.

Elevated tradition

At The Quarterdeck, deviled crab cakes get a refined twist, paired with Sea Island red pea and corn hash and finished with a bright beurre blanc.

Crispy bite

Fried green tomatoes at SliderBar get a bold upgrade with jalapeño pimento cheese and a drizzle of hot pepper jelly. Crispy, tangy and just indulgent enough.

Sweet classic

Fresh South Carolina peaches take center stage in Cahill’s Market’s peach cobbler, a warm, comforting dessert that captures the essence of Southern baking.