NY chef brings his talents to Park Circle; Chipotle looks to open in Nexton (2024)

Eric Hara couldn't stay retired for long.

The chef, born and bred in New York, is new to the Lowcountry and decided what better way to join the foodie-focused community than start his own Lowcountry restaurant? Barnyard Chicken, expected to be open early this summer, replaces the former Food on Spruillin North Charleston with a fresh take on chicken sandwiches.

The restaurant at 4262Spruill Ave.sits by the entrance toHoly City Brewery in an area Hara fell in love with after his first meal at The Codfather.

Now on the East Coast for good, he is bringing a cool, casual vibe to Park Circle with fast food that's technically driven, his managing partner Matthew Goodrick said. Goodrick is a long-time member of the Charleston culinary community, having spent years at FIG, Leon's Oyster Shop and Poncito and Lefty.

The Barnyard Chicken menu will have a twist on the traditional chicken sandwich, with "brick chicken" as the menu highlight.

"We brine the chicken for a day, dry it for a day and cook it under a brick under pressure on the skin only," Hara said.

The chicken, all organic from Murray's Chicken in New York, can be enjoyed with two sauces: a chicken reduction Hara cooks for 48 hours or a spicy green sauce.

Other edible creations include bacon-wrapped chicken stuffed with poblanos and pepper jack cheese, Korean-fried chicken nuggets, sticky wings and chicken liver toad in a hole.

Hara will also have regular daily specials, selected specifically for each day of the week, be it biscuit pot pie on Wednesdays or fried chicken on Fridays.

Patrons can choose to dine in, dine outside on the patio or order food to go.

Hara formerly worked at davidburke & donatella in New York City and started his own business in California, where he lived for 11 years before relocating to Costa Rica.

Bring on the guac

Chipotle Mexican Grill is looking to start serving up burritos and other fast-casual fare in one of Berkeley County's largest master-planned developments.

A permit applicationfiled with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control shows the chain's name on a 2,350-square-foot restaurant in Nexton. It would be built on an outparcel in the recently openedHarris Teeter-anchored shopping center at 1275 Nexton Parkway.

Chipotle's website shows it operates 40 South Carolina locations, including one about 3 miles away at 1209 N. Main St. in Summerville.

Pour a cup

A Carolina coffee roaster has opened its first Lowcountry location in Mount Pleasant.

The family-owned Summit Coffee opened June 15 at 565 Belle Station Road.

Headquartered in North Carolina, the company has been in business for 25 years, with neighborhood cafes in Charlotte, Asheville and Atlanta.

The East Cooper location will include a family-friendly cafe with single-origin and seasonal selections, as well as Summit’s first full-service, in-house bakery. The bakery will supply the cafe and two other Lowcountry locations set to open later this year. The menu will include laminated pastries, scones, cookies, muffins and other seasonal baked goods made from scratch daily.

Summit Coffee is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What's cooking

Villa Cantinahas opened its doors at 1940 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.

The restaurant has replaced the former West Ashley location ofAndolini's, which closed in 2022 after nearly 30 years in business.

This is thesecond locationfor Villa Cantina. The other is at 1580 Trolley Road in Summerville.

Bye bye, boutique

After 12 years, a Charleston shop is bidding farewell to customers.

The Hidden Countship, a boutique at 21 Burns Lane off King Street, will close its doors June 30.

Owners Giulio and Della Portaopened the shop, which specializes in Italian-made jewelry, fashion accessories and home goods, in 2012.

"Opening the store also helped revitalize a spot in downtown Charleston at a time when the city was very different from now," they said in a written statement.

"Our decision to close was not made lightly, and we are deeply thankful for the love and support we've received over the years," the owners added.

A stitch in time

A new wave of needlepoint lovers arose from the pandemic, and with it comes a new locally owned store to hone the craft.

Lowcountry Needlepoint, owned by Leigh Kilborn, has popped up at 1939 Maybank Highway on James Island. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Customers can purchase kits and supplies, as well as take classes for all skill levels.

Dual moves

Lowcountry resident Haley Holzworth is relocating both of her jewelry businesses.

Hermosa Jewelryplans to move "The Flagship" store June 20 to 861 Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant, not far from its original spot at 307 Simmons St. that opened in 2017.

The second 2-year-old outpost on the peninsula known as "The Gem" will change addresses in August to 189-C St. Philip St. from 62 Spring St.

Holzworth sells a mix of handcrafted jewelry, permanent jewelry, accessories and gifts.

"While it has been an immense amountof work in a short period of time, my team and I are so excited to unveil our new spaces," Holzworth said. "We are deeply grateful for the support our small business has received from the Charleston community."