THE SALTY DOG CAFE´

EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY

How a small cafe´ on the south end became a global icon.

BY BARRY KAUFMAN • PHOTOS BY ROB KAUFMAN

When do legends begin?

Most, with the phrase “Once Upon a Time,” but where does the story truly start? Up until John Henry took on the steampowered machine that would be his undoing, he was just another railroad worker. John Chapman was merely a midwestern settler until he started planting trees, earning the nickname “Johnny Appleseed.”

And up until that day he saved John Braddocks from a raging storm, Jake was just a dog.

But from that point on, whether the story is apocryphal or not, Jake the Salty Dog was a legend. The Salty Dog Café, launched in 1987 in honor of Jake’s heroic deeds, has followed a similar trajectory into legend.

Sure, it started out as just a humble café. More than 30 years later, it has become a legend in its own right. It’s not just

a restaurant – it’s an icon. It’s a T-shirt that you’ll see the world over. It’s an ever-expanding array of eateries under the Salty Dog banner, both in and around South Beach Marina and up and down the coast. It’s an unforgettable experience, whether through live music on the deck or out on the water on one of their happy hour cruises.

But more than that, it is an intrinsic part of the Hilton Head Island experience.

“Becoming an island institution that you must visit while on Hilton Head is a cool feeling,” said Co-Food and Beverage Director Herb Britton, an 18-year veteran of the company. “Guests know to expect smiling happy faces when they return each year to see us.”

There’s so much to the Salty Dog Café experience that has contributed to its well-earned legend. But even if you just weigh it on its merit as a restaurant, it’s quickly evident why it has shown such staying power. The hush puppies alone would put Salty Dog in the hall of fame, but when you dive into the depths of Lowcountry seafood favorites, you discover one of the most well-rounded selection on the island.

The original restaurant’s culinary brilliance has led to an explosion of different concepts over the past few decades. Wreck of the Salty Dog, opened in 2004, puts a sophisticated spin on the family-friendly favorites of its parent restaurant, with a raw bar and a chef-inspired lineup of daily specials. Next came Land’s End Tavern in 2006, which converted an old boat storage building into an exciting indoor experience, adding fresh-baked pizzas to the menu. After that, the Salty Dog Café experience crossed the bridge with a Bluffton location and a Seabrook Island location in 2016 and 2019, respectively.

“I feel very fortunate to have started when I did in 2002,” said Britton. “I have seen a lot of changes and very proud to have been a part of some of the decisions we have made to get where we are today. It’s been an incredible thing to witness.”

When asked what lies at the heart of Salty Dog’s enduring appeal, Britton answered, “It starts with the location at South Beach, our iconic café, live music, and great food… It’s the whole experience.”

Yes, the food itself sets the bar for the island’s culinary scene. But what creates those memories for visitors and locals alike is the time spent along South Beach Marina’s stretch of shoreline. The lineup of local musicians who have entertained the crowds reads like a who’s who of the island’s music scene. And as the staggering popularity of the Happy Hour cruises will attest, there’s just something about South Beach sunsets that feels different.

But any discussion of the lasting appeal of the Salty Dog Café has to mention their iconic T-Shirts. “To have generations of families returning year after year to purchase our shirts for themselves, family, and friends says volumes about our entire company.”

The shirts, emblazoned with the iconic image of Jake, have taken on a legend of their own. In fact, it was only three years after the restaurant opened that Salty Dog T-Shirt Factory opened, as demand had quickly outgrown the original location where they had previously been produced. Its current, even larger, facility opened on Arrow Road in 1994.

“The Salty Dog Café tee is a symbol of Hilton Head Island,” said Steve Hughes, director of screen print operations. Having started in the screen printing business in 1989, he brought a wealth of experience when he joined Salty Dog in 1993. And this Hanes Hall of Famer has been at it ever since. “We strive to use the best products available. We don’t sacrifice quality in the name of profits. We guarantee our product to last.”

Both Britton and Hughes have enjoyed lengthy careers, with the company and they’re not alone in that. You’ll find veteran employees at every level in the Salty Dog Café empire, a testament to the nurturing environment the company has created.

When asked about the best part of his job, Britton responded, “starting as the chef in the building that is now the Wreck of the Salty Dog, It was the location and being given the trust to create whatever I wished. Now being co-food and beverage director it’s being part of a team that will stop at nothing to keep improving for our guests and our crew.”

“Best part of the job is the fact that my two employees and I get along extremely well, with each of us having unique talents that complement the other,” said Hughes. “Being part of the Dog since ‘93, I’ve seen many years with two-digit growth. When the economy hits a rough patch, people still find their way to Hilton Head Island and more specifically, the Salty Dog. We love to see the demand grow, and loyal customers returning year after year.”

Maybe it’s the food. Maybe it’s the atmosphere. Maybe it’s the people. And maybe it’s the T-Shirts. But most likely, it’s all of it. After all, it takes a little bit extra to become a legend.

THE SALTY DOG CAFÉ South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. (843) 671-CAFE (2233) www.saltydog.com

BRITISH OPEN PUB Located in The Village at Wexford and Sheridan Park in Bluffton. Authentic English fare served in an attractive pub-style atmosphere with golf art, memorabilia, and the only bar by Titleist. Great nightly specials including BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Prime Rib, Live Lobster, Fish and Chips, 1/2 lb. Angus Burgers, Lobster Pot Pie and more. Full bar, extensive wine list and beers, ales and stouts from around the world. Kid’s menu available. Serving lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m. Brunch served Saturday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call Hilton Head (843) 686-6736 or Bluffton (843) 815-6736.

BROTHER SHUCKER’S BAR & GRILL Located at 7D Greenwood Drive, just off Sea Pines Circle. Hilton Head’s newest contemporary Raw Bar featuring fresh seafood including raw oysters, shrimp, clams and more. Tasty appetizers, salads, soups, burgers (beef and bison) and wings are also available. Dine inside in the newly remodeled dining room or outside on the comfortable deck. Happy hour available from 4 until 6 p.m. and full menu is served until midnight. Offering weekly live entertainment. Call (843) 785-7000 or check us out on Facebook.

CAPTAIN JOHN’S GALLEY AT THE SALTY DOG CAFE Located at South Beach Marina in Sea Pines. Enjoy seafood right out of the ocean and onto your plate while overlooking beautiful Braddock’s Cove. The legendary captain serves up fresh seafood, steaks, pasta and more in this fun, nautical atmosphere. Early bird dining special, 10% off from 5 until 6:30 p.m. Full bar and kid’s menu available. Call (843) 671-CAFE (2233) for seasonal hours.

CAROLINA CRAB COMPANY Located in Palmetto Bay Marina. Home of “The” Carolina Crab Cake, “C3” (nicknamed locally) has become the spot to anchor since its inception in 2014. If it’s seafood you crave, C3 is revered for its Steaming boils, crispy fried baskets, variety of dinner entrees and ever-changing oyster selection. It is “The” Carolina Crab Cake, however, that will have you planning your second visit immediately following your first bite. Land-lovers fear not, hand cut steaks, our mouthwatering burger, and all other non-seafood creations are all served with this same promise; If it’s on the menu we guarantee you it is done right. C3 offers lunch, dinner, happy hour, dine in, take out, online ordering, and curbside pickup, we even deliver!!!... well not our food, but on everything promised above. A member of The Coastal Restaurants and Bars family of restaurants since 2014. Call (843) 842-2016 or visit carolinacrabco.com. @carolinacrabco, #cuatc3.

CATCH 22 FRESH SEAFOOD & GRILL Located at 37 New Orleans Road in Orleans Plaza. We cut our N.C. Brasstown Beef and fillet our fresh Catch of the Day in house. Friendly atmosphere and delicious menu choices such (continued on page 18)