Coligny Scene

The Insider’s Guide to the Coligny District

Beach | Music | Restaurants | Shopping | Nightlife | Events

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Leslie and JR Richardson, Coligny Plaza On behalf of all our merchants and vendors, we are thrilled to welcome you to the inaugural edition of Coligny Scene magazine. For 67 years, Coligny has served as “Hilton Head’s Downtown,” but to us that’s more than a slogan.

We’ve been honored to welcome locals and visitors alike as our little island has grown, offering them something new and exciting with every trip.

In all those years, there has never been a more exciting time to visit Coligny than right now. The entire Coligny district has been reinvigorated, with a gorgeous new park offering the ideal spot for community festivals and outdoor music. It only adds to the appeal of our magical little neighborhood, one whose pristine beach consistently ranks among the best in the country.

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We’ve always been proud to call Coligny home, and our 60 local merchants are excited to play a vital role in Coligny’s growth, offering gifts, décor, apparel, delicious cuisine and everything in between. This magazine is our way of sharing that pride and excitement with you.

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There’s always something new to see, do and experience at Coligny, more than any one magazine could possibly show you. But we hope that in the following pages you’ll get an understanding of what makes these local merchants and vendors so special. They are our friends and neighbors, welcoming guests from around the island and across the world to experience a destination that continues to grow and change.

We thank you for joining us on this journey so far and invite you to read on and discover what makes Coligny Hilton Head’s Downtown.

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Coligny

Richardson Family, 1955, Hilt on Head Island

Today’s Coligny is known far and wide as Hilton Head’s Downtown, offering a dazzling array of the best shops, the best dining and the best entertainment on Hilton Head Island. Locals and visitors alike have flocked here for generations looking for live music, fresh seafood, and endless boutique shopping.

And while Coligny has become Hilton Head Island’s best destination for shopping, dining and entertainment, one of its most surprising treasures is its rich history. The story of Coligny, to put it mildly, is the story of Hilton Head Island, and it all starts with the vision of one man, Norris Richardson, and the Richardson family who has carried on his legacy.

Norris Richardson started his career quite literally at the bottom – sweeping floors in a grocery store as a young man. Through tireless drive and determination, he built an empire, rising first in the ranks into management then staking out on his own as an entrepreneur. Before long, he and his beloved wife, Lois, owned and operated a chain of five grocery stores in Thomasville, Georgia.

But it was his time away from his burgeoning empire that would lead to his greatest achievement.

After frequent vacations to Hilton Head Island with his wife and three children, Mary Katherine, JR and

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Collins, Norris saw opportunity among the wild dunes and dirt roads of a young Hilton Head Island.

So it was in 1956, before Charles Fraser would build his fortune at Sea Pines, before Hilton Head Island would gain fame for its beaches, golf and resorts, Norris and his family set up a shingle on the island’s South End. There was no bridge at that time, so Richardson had all the materials to build his first venture, Forest Beach Market, shipped in by barge. It was the first grocery store on Hilton Head Island, and its first customer was Charles Fraser.

More firsts followed. As Forest Beach Market expanded into Coligny Plaza, it included Hilton Head Island’s first bakery, hair salon, clothing store, laundromat, dry cleaners, car wash, ice cream parlor, south end post office, bike rental, fast food (a shortorder restaurant called The Fin & Feather), and even the first Hilton Head Island real estate office. Coligny Plaza even had the island’s first pharmacy, completed, and stocked before the island’s first pharmacist had been hired. Fortunately, Joe Capin, who would become the island’s first pharmacist, was visiting the area and noticed the “pharmacist wanted” sign in the shop’s window.

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Hilton Head Island’s downtown by hand, never wavering in his dedication. Even after his son, JR, took over the family business, Norris could still be seen frequenting Coligny’s many shops and keeping an eye on his creation.

As island pioneers, the Richardson’s carry a great deal of respect for Hilton Head Island’s community, and as such, they have given back on so many levels. JR has spent countless hours volunteering his time to help build Hilton Head Island, serving on local and regional boards dedicated to everything from public art to architectural review. He has also played a hand in the island’s future through his work with Mayor’s Vision 2025 Task Force for the Future of Hilton Head and The Sea Pines Strategic Planning for the Future Committee. His wife, Leslie, is extremely involved with the community as well, and at any

given moment you can find her giving freely of her time to numerous boards and charities.

And Norris’ beloved Lois lived to 102, enjoying the island the Richardson family was so instrumental in building and sharing freely her stories of Hilton Head Island as it was.

Under the care of JR and his wife Leslie, Coligny has thrived and grown, fulfilling Norris’ vision of Coligny as Hilton Head Island’s Downtown.

Coligny started as the island’s only place for vacationers to pick up what they needed for that Hilton Head Island beach vacation. 67 years later, it’s far from the only place, but it’s still the best place on Hilton Head Island for shopping, dining and entertainment.

And most important of all, more than 67 years later it’s still Hilton Head Island’s downtown.

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When you cross the bridge on to Hilton Head Island, you’re greeted by more than just ocean breezes and postcard sunsets. Island life is a respite where the hurried hustle and bustle is instantly replaced by a soothing calm.

A reminder to slow down and savor the moment, to pamper yourself, meet new friends and enjoy the company of loved ones while soaking up the sun.

Just steps away from the sand and surf, you’ll have all the tools to prep you for your Lowcountry adventure thanks to a shopping experience unlike any other at Coligny! We have curated a collection of specialty experi-

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ences in a nestled neighborhood paradise of treasures to quench any taste. From the hottest fashion looks to the latest in beachwear and innovative and mouth-watering gifts, you’ll find it all at Coligny.

Want to transform your wardrobe to fit the island vibe?

Get the latest styles in designer surf apparel for men and women at Quiet Storm or maybe find your next statement sleeve or outfit obsession at Island Girl.

Grab a signature Hilton Head beachbag at Jamaican Me Crazy or make the kids smile with beach games and puzzles from Hilton Head Toys.

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A dizzying array of surfside accessories awaits you at Blue Moon, Sun & Sand, Billy’s Beach Club and Tropical Styles.

Looking for the latest way to say Life is Good? Jake’s Shore Thing has you covered with the most up-to-date offerings from the iconic lifestyle brand.

Once the sun sets, it’s time to experience the finer side of island life as you indulge in offerings from fresh seafood and unique eats, a night of live music at Sandbar, FISH, Big Bamboo and Frosty Frog, or a comedy show at Coligny Theatre. Find the high fashion to match the excitement and energy of our nightlife at Fresh Produce, Haskins & Company, Chico’s, Bennali’s Coastal Wear, and Francesca’s Collection.

Find the accessories to highlight your stylish attire with Sterling jewelry from Stone Temple Jewelry or a dazzling gemstone bracelet from Black Market Minerals.

Ready to pamper yourself with some self-care? Find the perfect hand scrub at Island Girl Bath and Body. Get a turtle-themed Tervis tumbler to chill your poolside margarita at The Shell Shop. Treat yourself to a matcha ginger Yuzu green tea at Spice and Tea Exchange, or a new super soft pajama set at Soma Intimates. Relax on the beach with designer shades only available at Coastal Sunglasses, while grabbing a wine smoothie from Carolina Tasting Room.

Get introduced to candle making without boundaries at Wax and Beyond or an array of oils, balsamics and seasonings to make your next culinary creation sing at Hot Daddy’s Sauces and Oil. Splurge on quintessential keepsakes and collectibles at Mingles or soft and sustainable bamboo sheets at Carihola.

If you’re looking to nourish your sweet touch, savor a seasonal gourmet pop and a trip down candy land memory lane at POPS, the finest local honey at House of Honey, caramel drizzled-popcorn from House of Popcorn, and locally-crafted saltwater taffy, pecan fiddlers and chocolate temptations at Island Fudge Shoppe. Need a more local snack? Enjoy alligator jerky from House of Jerky!

Want to look like a local or find the ideal memento of your island escape? Stop by Tee Hut, Frosty’s Closet, or Camp Hilton Head for the finishing touches to commemorate your island journey.

And finally, looking to support Sea Turtles? Stop

by Coastal Provisions Co, the newest lifestyle store in Coligny, to learn about Island-wide turtle preservation efforts.

We are proud of the level of quality we’ve assembled for you to discover at Coligny Plaza and are excited for you to meet our family of small business owners ready to help you the perfect boutique bounty.

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Locals

I love that there is always live music at Coligny. And my kids are hooked on Jevon Daly’s kid’s concerts. Who wouldn’t want to join in on a rousing rendition of Pelican Bomb Squad or Mama Loggerhead before grabbing a post-dinner ice cream cone?!?

As someone passionate about economic development, I love Coligny because the District provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to start their own brick & mortar businesses, showcase talented music and art, and grow our economy.

I’m so grateful I can hop on my bike and be immersed in this positive energy where business owners are living their dream and connecting with community.

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Local live music has always been a part of Coligny’s DNA, and nurturing our island’s community of talented artists is part of what makes us Hilton Head’s Downtown. On any given night at Coligny, you can stroll past our storefronts and around our waterfronts to hear rock, pop, reggae or jazz drifting by on the salty air.

Places like The Big Bamboo hold a long-standing spot in our island music scene, with its main stage and front porch humming to the sounds of countless local and regional acts, and its open mic night letting you catch the next big thing.

Likewise, feet never stop tapping at The Frosty Frog, with its lineup of great musical acts from acoustic to hip hop. The Sandbar Beach Eats keeps a stage open for regular appearances by guitar and fiddle virtuoso Eric Reid. And FISH is constantly jamming with local and regional talent day to night!

Under the leadership of Swampfire Records founders John and Lindsay Cranford, and their Southender partner, Matt Stock, Coligny Theater has become a thriving live

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Musicians Martin Lesch and John Cranford perform at Coligny Center Stage

music venue, with appearances by diverse acts such as the Martin Lesch, Grammy Award-Winner Angie Aparo, Kevn Kinney and Sarah Burns.

And Coligny’s profile as the island’s hottest live music destination continues to soar with the opening of Lowcountry Celebration Park. This exciting new venue has already drawn massive crowds with performances by Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and will host the Culture HHI Songwriter’s Series in the fall.

No matter what sound you’re looking for, from jazz to hip hop and everything in between, you’ll find it all here at Coligny, Hilton Head’s Downtown since 1955.

Locals I love Coligny because it’s so diverse - from events to food to family to arts. Coligny enabled me, as a filmmaker, to premiere my newest documentary, Harriet Tubman | From the Railroad to a Spy, at Coligny Theatre. I’m also proud to host Smooth Jazz Affair fundraising concerts for Lowcountry Gullah Foundation at Coligny. The versatility and access for locals to events at Coligny is endless.

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The Ladies of

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By now, we’ve all come to realize the power of shopping local. We’ve seen how re-investing in our own community, patronizing the stores run by our friends and neighbors, can be the rising tide that lifts all ships.

These past few years have helped us see it, but it’s something that has been the lifeblood of Coligny for more than 65 years.

“Coligny was home to the island’s first supermarket, its first barbershop, its first bike rental shop… the list goes on and on,” said Coligny owner Leslie Richardson. “But each of these businesses wasn’t just a first for our community; it was also a chance for a local entrepreneur to create something of their own.”

That dedication to local businesses has always been part of Coligny plaza’s philosophy, creating a spot in the heart of Hilton Head Island’s Downtown where islanders can build a business and a legacy. Today, this thriving shopping, dining and entertainment plaza is home to a huge array of shops. And inside some of those iconic storefronts you’ll find a new generation of leading ladies.

Erika Waronosky came to the island over 20 years ago and quickly worked her way up through the island’s food and beverage industry. Six years ago she took a leap of faith and opened

her own restaurant, Sandbar Beach Eats, followed a few years later with Carolina Coffee & Crumbs. When she first struck out on her own, she had no doubt where she’d like to be.

“I love the people in Coligny; I love all the small businesses here.

It’s such an eclectic group of mom-and-pop shops and we do a lot of stuff together,” she said. “I knew when I had the opportunity to do something on my own I knew I wanted to do something here.”

Cheryl Klippel brought her store Island Girl to Coligny 15 years ago after spending a few years at a different location and immediately saw the difference this storied plaza makes for shop owners.

“Everyone comes to Coligny, whether they live here or they’re visiting,” she said. “I chose Coligny because of that… when a space opened up, it was a no-brainer.”

Of the many things Klippel enjoys about being part of Coligny and its long legacy on Hilton Head Island, she mentions the visitors

who come back to her store year after year. Ivy Rowland, general manager at Black Market Minerals, echoes that sentiment.

“I have such a broad family now of people from all over who come down every year,” she said. She also counts a number of locals in her extended family, islanders and their families she’s watched grow over her 22 years in the store. “I’ve seen a lot of different generations grow up here… I love Coligny. Having this variety of different cultures and people who live here and visit, it’s different from anything else.”

And those people, locals and visitors, have played a huge role in Coligny’s 65 years and history of supporting locals and helping build their dreams.

Dedicated to the original leading lady of Coligny, Mrs. Lois Herring Richardson 1919 - 2021

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Locals

Ahmad Ward, Executive Director, Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

for Merchant Specials and Events at

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Photo by Silly Goose Photography

Since we moved to the area, friends and family always want to come and visit us. We always take them to Coligny. Besides the inherent beauty of the beach, there is so much to do in the area. It’s always a high point for our visitors!

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As a lifelong resident of Hilton Head Island (my great grandfather operated the swing bridge in the 1950’s and 60’s) Coligny is one of my favorite places on the Island! We love enjoying the day there, with everything you can imagine right at your fingertips. The Richardsons are a wonderful family and it’s nice to spend time at a place rooted in Island history.

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HILTON HEAD ISLAND

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formerly enslaved - and traded in fishing, farming, sea island transit and hunting.

The island experienced a rebirth in the late 1940s when a group of timbermen discovered the island’s tall pines. The newly coined sea pines were the centerpiece of an era of commerce and evolution as frontiersmen saw great promise on Hilton Head.

One of those visionaries was Charles Fraser, a son of one of the families that owned much of the island land that saw a future beyond timber.

The visionary helped bring innovations like air conditioning and a wave of investors across the newly constructed bridge to the mainland opened in 1956.

That same year, he created the first of the Hilton Head family resorts, Sea Pines Plantation. This nirvana of fun and relaxation became a modern resort prototype that developers still to replicate worldwide today.

Norris Richardson, a grocery chain owner from Georgia, saw promise on Hilton Head beyond the home of many a family vacation. He, his wife Lois and three kids – Mary Katherine, JR and Collins - made the island their home in 1955, shortly before the bridge was built, and opened the first grocery store on the island, Forest Beach Market, now known as Piggly Wiggly, with Fraser as his first customer.

The market soon expanded into what is now Coligny Plaza, bringing a wave of commercial development - including the island’s first fast food restaurant, The Fin & Feather - and continues today. Norris crafted Hilton Head’s downtown building by building, a legacy carried on today under the leadership of son JR and his wife, Leslie.

Sustainable growth with equal attention to both commercial building and to recreation and green spaces has the hallmark of the island’s evolution. The two greatest examples of that commitment are on display at Coligny Beach Park, created in 1988, and the brand new Lowcountry Celebration Park, off Pope Avenue that is the apex of the 21st century island leaders’ vision for Hilton Head’s future.

Photographer: Thomas R. Love / Tr Media World

Hilton Head Island is famous today for its world-class beaches and celebrated resorts, the ideal of elegant escape renowned worldwide. Beyond the oceanfront is a thriving community of 40,000 year-round residents and a deep history rich in culture and spirit that began more than 350 years ago when Capt. William Hilton’s sighted this island oasis.

When Hilton first set eyes on the Lowcountry in 1663, he was in the company of the Spanish-speaking Yemassee Indians who had themselves migrated north from Florida a century before and later the Escamacus Indians, a tribe that inhabited the island as far back as 4,000 years ago.

John Barnwell became Hilton Head’s first English settler in 1717 thanks to a grant of 1,000 acres in what is now Hilton Head Plantation. Nearly 75 years later, William Elliott raised the first crop of long-staple Sea Island cotton in 1790 that led to record yields and worldwide acclaim that led to 24 plantations by 1860, each cultivating cotton, indigo, sugar cane and rice crops.

While the plantation owners built their houses on the mainland, an ever-growing population of Western African enslaved workers were brought to the island for the plantation economy. This enslaved population was named Gullah-Geechee, an node to a unique language to communicate with each other and a fertile culture of food, music and art.

Hilton Head became an epicenter of the climax of the Civil War when 12,000 Union soldiers took control at the Battle of Port Royal and forced plantation owners to flee their property. The fomer slaves that remained found a new home as General Ormsby Mitchel confiscated Plantation land and formed the first self-governing town of freedmen in 1862, prior to the emancipation proclamation, named Mitchelville.

Mitchelville, a town of 1500, had the first compulsory school, churches, government - all led by formerly enslaved people.

Following the end of the Civil War, the people of Mitchelville returned to the land - in some cases land where they were

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Locals As a local for over 20 years I LOVE coaching the team Tri Strong group every Wednesday morning at Coligny Beach. We swim at 8am, come join us - all skill levels welcome!

Laura Fromdahl, Triathlon Coach and Physical Therapist

Nic Campos, Hilary Hattler, Jared Silverman, Scott Simmons, Diana McDonough, Susan Rankin, Lori Lucas, Laura Fromdahl, Paul Heitmann

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Hilton Head Guest Services

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Big Bamboo Carolina Coffee and Crumbs Carolina Tasting Room Coffee Shop Coligny Ice Cream Cone Earle of Sandwich FISH Casual Coastal Seafood Frosty Frog Cafe, Pizza & Daiquiri Bar Frozen Moo Ice Cream Gringo’s Diner House Of Jerky NOOD Good Mood Food Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store Rita’s Italian Ice Rita’s Italian Ice Roller’s Liquors Skillets Grill & Café Stu’s Surfside - Subs & Suds The Sandbar Beach Eats Vine

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Black Market Minerals Coastal Provisions Coastal Sunglasses Hilton Head Honey Hilton Head Toys Hot Daddy’s Sauce & Oil Co. Island Fudge Shoppe Island Girl Bath & Body Mingles (and Christmas too) POPS of Hilton Head Island Stone Temple Jewelry The Shell Shop The Spice and Tea Exchange Wax & Beyond

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Circle K ERA Evergreen Real Estate Rita’s Barber Stylist The Cutting Room

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Coligny Management Office Hilton Head Guest Services

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Adventure Center Airbrush Creations Churros HH Cell Phone Hilton Head State of Mind Hilton Head Sunglasses Hilton Head Temporary Tattoos Main Squeeze Shakeups Seaside Jewelry Taste of America

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Coligny Suuer Music 2022

EVENTS

Featuring Locally-Loved Talent!

Saturdays Fridays Thursdays Wednesdays Tuesdays Mondays Sundays

7 Days a WWk 6:30 - 8:30pm Coligny Center Stage Jevon Daly Kid’s Show A Kid-Centric Storytelling Adventure

John Cranford Americana and Rock The Nice Guys

Today’s Hits Jevon Daly Kid’s Show A Kid-Centric Storytelling Adventure

Nick Poulin Lowcountry Roots Music Jevon Daly Kid’s Show A Kid-Centric Storytelling Adventure

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Zach Stevens Singer-Songwriter

Locals

Coligny Plaza is the heartbeat of Hilton Head for me and my family. We have been patrons of Coligny Theater since the second day we arrived in the Lowcountry and in discovering that gem, we too fell in love with the eclectic mix of shops and restaurants and the local innovators that work tirelessly to continually evolve this thriving center of island entrepreneurship and prosperity.

We absolutely love Coligny Theater and The Ice Cream Cone!! We love it so much we said Goodbye to 8 with an Eighties Birthday Party to see The Goonie’s on the Big Screen at Coligny Theater!

Local Kids Left to Right Sawyer Blakely-Costello, Angelina PeJeau, Jane Wommack, Birthday Girl Stella Cauller, Lila Farmer, Kaia Bishop

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SAM HOUSTON Coligny Plaza Shopping Center 101 Pope Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 843-342-7263 | sandbarhhi.com

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KARL LAMMERT Coligny Plaza Shopping Center 1 N Forest Beach Dr Suite 210, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 843-686-3443 | bigbamboocafe.com

Being Hilton Head Island’s downtown for more than 60 years doesn’t just mean that Coligny is the premier place to shop, explore and enjoy the island.

It is, in fact, all of those things, but if there’s one thing that more than anything else makes this south end treasure a true downtown — it’s the dining.

Tucked in and among the shops you’ll find any number of welcoming eateries to please any palate, from fresh local seafood to upscale pub fare and plentiful options for a quick and easy lunch. Every bite is a new delight at Coligny Plaza, where your appetite for something fresh and delicious is never more than a few steps away from being satisfied.

Behind these great dining options are some of the best and brightest chefs who call Hilton Head Island home.

Head up the steps to the wide balcony at Big Bamboo and you’ll find a smorgasbord of approachable pub fare par excellence. Gleefully dancing between American, Pacific and Latin culinary styles and finding flavor everywhere, the menu is a masterclass in satisfying every taste.

As one of the most happening spots on the island among visitors and locals, you’d imagine that keeping the multitudes fed would be a tall order.

But that’s just how head chef Karl Lammert likes it.

“The chaos in the kitchen is my favorite part of the job,” he said. “I like a kitchen when it’s busy and I know we’re putting out a good quality product… if you’re busy, it says something about the job we’re doing.”

Following our nose to where the inimitable aromas of Caribbean cuisine drift on sea breezes, we find ourselves at The Sandbar Beach Eats, where head chef Sam Houston puts his 30 years of experience into every dish. A self-described 28 // C O L I G N Y P L A Z A . C O M

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Michael Mulcahy Coligny Plaza Shopping Center 1 N Forest Beach Dr Suite 210, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 843-342-3474 | gofishhhi.com

country boy who grew up cooking venison with his dad, Houston took to Caribbean cuisine with ease, having trained at fine dining hotels in Orlando and in the kitchen in Negril, Jamaica.

“I love cooking,” he said. “That’s my heart and my everything. I love coming up with creative ideas and putting out something different from what everyone else does on the island.”

One of the newer restaurants to Coligny’s thriving culinary scene is FISH, where the emphasis is on local seafood prepared using authentic Lowcountry techniques. That suits Chef Michael Mulcahy, who “cooks for the passion for food, and the passion of my team and their talent in the kitchen show this.”

Chef Michael added, “my exposure to cooking came from family, my great aunt, and Grandmother who kept me in the kitchen, working alongside them.

This connection keeps my passion for food going to this day.” In regards to being a part of Hilton Head’s bustling culinary scene, Chef Michael explained, “fresh and local ingredients, make all the hard work worth it.”

Having come up through the Richardson Group at South Carolina Yacht Club, Osborne embraces the hustle and bustle of a restaurant at the heart of ever-popular Coligny.

“That’s what I love the most – the hustle and bustle, and watching people enjoy our food, knowing what you put into it to get to that point.”

Each chef brings immeasurable culinary talent to their roles at the restaurants of Coligny, and their own perspective on what makes a great meal.

Next time you’re in Hilton Head’s downtown, stop on by and taste for yourself.

Check our website for current showings, events and featured offerings

For bookings or private showings – contact llucier@richardsongrp.com

Colignytheatre.com | 843-686-3500

Locals Did you know? All bike paths lead to Coligny! We love hopping on our bikes and enjoying the beach followed by live music and fresh oysters at a locally owned restaurant!

I love Coligny because it’s in the perfect location - right by the beach! A fun family atmosphere, businesses owned by locals, and the variety of events throughout the year.

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OCT 14/15 2022

FOR TICKETS AND DETAILS VISIT

A WEEKEND ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND CELEBRATING World Class BBQ Local Booze Southern rock

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Check their social channels for schedules!

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For more than 65 years, Coligny Plaza has been Hilton Head’s downtown. That’s more than just a marketing slogan — it’s a reflection of a place that has attracted locals and visitors to its beachside locale with a dizzying array of attractions and shops. But of course, what is a downtown without the opportunity to sample the local flavors and immerse yourself in the culinary culture?

It may be the shops and the attractions that draw people in, but it’s the rich variety of restaurants that keeps them coming back time and time again. Whether it’s a seafood dish bursting with Lowcountry flavor, mouthwatering pub fare with a side of frozen drinks, tantalizing craft beer and wine, or decadently dreamy ice cream, there are no shortage of ways to tantalize your taste buds.

As one of the Leading Men of Coligny bringing you these flavors, Jason Fackler of Carolina Tasting Room knows better than most the drawing power of a place like Coligny. Before he and his wife Kristin opened their boutique shop dedicated to the regional craft beers and wines of the Southeast, they owned several kiosks in Coligny as well as Coastal

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Sunglasses.

“We’ve always loved Coligny,” said Jason. “We pretty much raised our kids in Coligny. It’s a great location with a fun family atmosphere and there’s just a ton to do.”

As the Leading Man of the Frosty Frog, Rusty Jaquiss has been a part of the popular hangout spot as it has grown from serving frosty drinks exclusively to a full-fledged culinary experience.

“When I first started, we weren’t really big enough to do food. But we were always known for our burger,” he said. “With the expansion, we were able to expand the menu and do some fun things, like fish tacos, hand-shaved prime rib and the fried bologna sandwich. It’s kind of taken off.”

Pete Savarese is another Leading Man with a long history at Coligny. He’s owned the Ice Cream Cone for the last three years, but he’s been with the shop slinging sweet treats like the signature Sea Turtle salted caramel ice cream since he was 18.

“I just walked in and loved the theme, loved the energy and loved

the customers,” he said. “And Coligny is a tremendous place to be.

Any customer who walks in is spending their whole day here. The plaza does a great job of giving them things to do.”

Leading Man Lee Lucier needs no introduction to anyone who’s been paying attention to Hilton Head Island’s culinary scene. As one of the area’s most celebrated restaurateurs, with a slew of TV appearances as well as acclaim from his work at South Carolina Yacht Club and Local Pie, he knew exactly where his next concept, FISH should live. A celebration of Lowcountry seafood traditions, FISH tantalizes tastebuds and draws scores of diners thanks to its expansive outdoor dining.

“So many locals and visitors alike want to be outside and still be part of the action,” he said. “There are 13 different restaurant venues in Coligny, and they all enjoy this great outdoor space. It’s a win-win for all of us.”

Of course, the real winner is anyone who heads to Coligny and brings their appetite.

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