Old eatery faves on the move, new trendsetters set to open

By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR

Yes, we’re approaching the dog days of summer, and as the temps keep going up, so does the temperature of the Lowcountry small business market, with both new entrepreneurs entering the arena and longtime culinary heroes getting ready to hang new shingles. There’s so much exciting news to share this month.

Welcome to the neighborhood

The Bank, 59 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, 843-715-3942, thebankhhi. com: You’ve seen plenty of online buzz about The Bank beer garden and quick eats complex at the Sea Pines Circle, and the latest Watterson Brands project has been a hit in its first few weeks.

The new South End hotspot features Side Hustle Brewing Company beers and food options that include Bank Heist Burgers, All About the Benjamins Seafood, Dollar Billy’s Ice Cream, Pizza Co, and Mo’ Money Tacos. Get your craft beer and cocktail fix from the Armored Bar beverage trailer (where no one drinks “a loan”).

The Bank is open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sprout Momma Breads, 93 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island, 843-715-2649, sproutmomma.com: They have been a farmers market favorite for years, and now their circuitous route to a brick and mortar locale has landed them in the former home of Signe’s Bakery.

Sprout Momma was once thought headed to a Bluffton location, but when the long-time bakery came available, it proved to be kismet too perfect to ignore.

On the bakery side, European style pastries, giant crumb muffins, Caity’s onepound crack cookies and a wide selection of old-fashion desserts are the stars. Their homemade breads are the delightful bookends for an array of breakfast sandwiches.

For lunch, Sprout Momma promises the “biggest, baddest, tastiest sandwiches in all of the Lowcountry.” We’ve tasted a few, including Patty’s Smash Melt, and early signs point to the crew living up to that billing.

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Now, they have moved from their former home at the Village at Wexford to become Sprout Momma’s neighbor in a showroom that doubles their previous space. This has allowed the home décor sister team to expand their product line offerings and services, including a new rental space for meetings and gatherings.

Lucky Beach Bar + Kitchen, 14 Folly Field Road, Hilton Head Island, 843-6280481, luckybeachhhi.com: The former home of Carrabba’s next to Adventure Cove Mini-Golf has been re-imagined as a family-friendly American classics eatery with a menu full of Southern and Caribbean inspiration.

The 250-seat restaurant opened in late May and features a wrap-around patio with an overhang and garage-style doors that open to show off a long bar, outdoor dining with firepits and a stage for live music.

Lucky Beach is an all-day destination, with a dedicated takeout open from breakfast to late-night eats, including a number of grab-and-go options.

Okan Bluffton, 71 Calhoun Street, Suite 100, Bluffton, 843-949-3002, okanbluffton. com: Chef Bernard Bennett has already made a lasting impression on foodies with his Western Caribbean offerings via food truck for more than a year now. The raves go far beyond the Lowcountry, as Bennett is a Beard Award nominee for Best Southeast Newcomer.

Now, after many construction delays, Okan has opened its doors to become the literal centerpiece of The Bridge at Calhoun, offering a “journey of culture and cuisine.”

We’ve raved about the aloo hand pies from the food truck, but the sit-down experience is equally mind blowing. Congrats to Bennett and partners Matt Cunningham and Ben Carson for their June 26 opening.

Coming attractions

Style galore headed to Old Town: A few doors down from Okan, Col-Lab has begun work on their buildout, promising curated style with fashion, home décor and gift offerings.

Just up the road, there is another boutique that is readying for an opening. Panache Boutique, a popular online womenswear brand with a brick and mortar