WE HAVE IT ALL!

UPDATE from page 28A location in Bay City, Mich. Owner Lana Johnson has hung a “coming soon” sign in the window in the new construction between Mikkelson Law Firm and Old Town Golf Carts on Bluffton Road.

And a quick turn off Bluffton Road into The Promenade and you will see a “coming soon” sign next to CRUDO for Bespoke Abode, a home décor and furnishing store founded on Martha’s Vineyard. They are opening a Southern outpost in Bluffton that will feature both home décor products and residential interior design services.

Familiar faces coming to Main Street: They have been a huge part of helping build one of the area’s favorite eateries into a dynamo. Now, Lauren Jordan and Tracy Wilson are going all-in on their own culinary dream, as the former Captain Woody’s GMs are teaming to open Cactus Street Cantina in Main Street Village.

The pair have 33 total years at the Woody’s helm – Jordan with 23 in Bluffton and Wilson with 10 on the island – and have partnered with chef Adolfo Aguilar on the new Southwestern-themed eatery. Aguilar is a veteran of a slew of area foodie destinations, including Woody’s, Sigler’s and Agave.

The Cantina will take over the spot formerly occupied by Great Bites, who moved to Northridge Plaza in late 2022. Cactus Street will feature tacos, quesedillas, burritos, tortas, bowls and salads with a full bar, grab-and-go selections and online ordering. They are targeting a late-summer/early fall opening and will be open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Kenny B’s heading to Bluffton: Sharing this piece of news has me positively giddy. I have long been a huge fan of Kenny and Laverne Ballard, the husband-wife team behind Kenny B’s French Quarter Café. It takes a minute to get to them off Pope Avenue from Bluffton, but it has always been worth it and then some for the best Cajun food this side of Mother’s in New Orleans.

After 26 years on the island, Kenny B’s is headed to Bluffton. They are currently working on renovations at the former home of Thai Smile Cuisine in Bridge Center off U.S. 278. (Thai Smile made the opposite move, recently opening a spot at 11 Palmetto Bay Road on the island.)

The Ballards have lived in Bluffton for 15 years and are looking forward to a larger location and a central home that will allow them to start offering delivery through Door Dash and other services. The new spot will have the signature French Quarter-inspired murals and décor tributes to his beloved Georgia Bulldogs. And the couple will still offer their beloved Thanksgiving takeout service this year. The island location will be open through the end of the year, with hopes to open the larger Bluffton home soon after – definitely by Mardi Gras 2024.

Pomodori coming to Bluffton: The former home of Underground Burrito at 1252 May River Road is getting a new occupant. Long-time island Italian fave Pomodori is prepping a takeout and grab-and-go version of the eatery in the Old Town space. Details are slim but we’re hearing a back-to-school-ish opening is the hope.

New pet resort coming to Okatie Center: They say imitation is the ultimate form of flattery. With K9 Resorts Bluffton open and thriving a few minutes down S.C. 170, another pet pampering chain has decided to enter the market. The Jacksonville-based Pet Paradise chain has plans to open their 51st location at 139 Okatie Boulevard next to Starbucks. The company offers boarding for dogs and cats as well as doggie day care, training and grooming. This will be their third locale in South Carolina, with spots already open in Greenville and Ballantine. A veterinarian clinic will also be onsite and owners will have webcam access to the dogs’ play area. The 175-pet-capacity, 15,000-square-foot facility is planning a 2024 opening and will begin taking reservations six months before opening, according to company officials.

Lou was experiencing ongoing neck pain from a previous injury. After consulting with two neurosurgeons, Lou was on the verge of surgery in hopes of relieving the constant pain. He saw the ad for the Fraum Center for Restorative Health and signed up for a free seminar. With the promise of pain relief without surgery, Lou started restorative treatment with the doctors at Fraum for his neck, knees, and shoulders. Lou has not only rebuilt his strength and movement again, he has also rebuilt a pain-free life.