Restaurant News – Hilton Head & Bluffton
Get the latest on all things food and drink. From new restaurants and coming soon to hot products and updates. For our top restaurant suggestions, click here.
New chef at Hampton Hall Club
Hampton Hall Club is thrilled to have John Huffenberger on the team as executive chef. Huffenberger is an ACF-certified chef de cuisine who has worked in the hospitality industry for nearly 20 years. Most recently he served as the executive chef at Connestee Falls in Brevard, North Carolina.
Coming soon – Lucky Beach
Lucky Rooster’s creators are at it again with their newest restaurant, Lucky Beach. Look for a unique beachside restaurant, bar and entertainment destination created with families in mind when the restaurant opens this spring. Games, live music, big-screen televisions, outdoor seating, tropical drinks and ice-cold beers and American classics with Caribbean inspiration are just some things to look forward to. With bicycle parking, a coffee shop, a takeout window, delivery services and Lucky’s famous chicken, Lucky Beach might become your favorite spot.
New restaurant with award-winning chef
Chef Bernard Bennett, who has been cooking for local West African-inspired food truck Okàn, was recently named a James Beard Foundation award finalist. Okàn plans to open its new restaurant in the heart of Old Town Bluffton this spring. But Okàn will be more than just a restaurant; it looks to bring a culinary journey through taste and will showcase how ingredients originated, changed through forced migration and now celebrates an elevated pairing of cultures. Okàn also utilizes the vast resources of the region’s local farmers, fishermen and other purveyors.
The Country Club of Hilton Head welcomes new chef
The Country Club of Hilton Head welcomes new executive chef Jake Becker. Becker’s diverse background, most recently as executive chef at Belfair Golf Club, is highlighted in his gastronomy menus combining regional, continental and international flavors. Club members are enjoying the new cuisine.
Local chef honored
Josh O’Neill, executive chef at The Golf Club at Indigo Run, was recently honored as a Final Five Finalist in Invited’s Chef of the Year contest, culminating at the Chef of the Year showcase in Casa de Campo Resort in the Dominican Republic. Finalists were chosen after two rounds of voting among members from Invited’s portfolio of over 200 golf and country clubs and city, business and stadium clubs nationwide.
Olive you so much
Olives play a starring role in Mediterranean cuisine. The Market Cafe at Michael Anthony’s stocks many olive varieties, both fresh and pre-packaged. Try some today. michael-anthonys.com
Local chef gives back
Red Cedar Elementary School welcomed chef Tim Nelson from CharBar and Holy Tequila restaurants on Hilton Head for a special presentation. Nelson demonstrated how to cook queso with different ingredients, including peppers and onions. The kids were excited to observe and, of course, try the queso with chips and vegetables.
News & Notes
Ruby Lee’s returns
Ruby Lee’s reopened at the North End on Old Wild Horse Road and serves its famous mac ‘n cheese and other local favorites once again. Regular live bands, including Target the Band and Deaz Guys, frequent the restaurant, allowing for dancing in the aisles and on the large patio.
New Chick-fil-A in Okatie
USCB is getting a Chick-fil-A at its Okatie campus. Though it won’t have a drive-thru, there will be golf cart parking. This Chick-fil-A will be open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Perhaps this additional location will help with the daunting line at the Bluffton location. One can hope.
Bullies has a new owner
Bob Sutton has sold the beloved Bullies BBQ in the hopes of enjoying retirement to the fullest while traveling on his motorcycle. Though the restaurant has changed ownership, the menu will stay the same, and Bob promises to be around for an easy transition. “I have sold Bullies to a company called Teamshares, which converts businesses into employee-owned operations,” he said. Patty Ricalton is the new president, and Steve Klausman has been promoted to the general manager.
Quick Bites
Chow Daddy’s Hilton Head is moving to Sea Pines Center, next to Truffles, in April.
Salty Dog’s live music returns to the waterfront from 5-9 p.m., Wednesdays-Sundays.
The wait is over! Limoncello’s Cibo Italiano in Main Street Village is now open.
The original Wild Wing Cafe on Hilton Head Island is closing after 30 years of business.
Look for some exciting renovations at Lincoln and South; a stage, firepit and food truck are all in the works for this local brewery.
TCL Culinary Institute of the South’s “The Bistro” will be open again Mondays and Tuesdays beginning on March 13 through the end of April.
