Another business venture for these besties. Southern Charm stars Craig Conover and Austen Kroll are opening a bar in Charleston. It’s a smart decision based on the growth in the area and increased tourism in the South Carolina capital.
This isn’t the first endeavor for the friends. The Bravolebrities are already investors in a New York City eatery called Carriage House. And the duo co-host the Pillows and Beer podcast together.
So this is another venture in their portfolio. And to their credit, Craig and Austen kept the news under wraps until they were ready to go public. Another smart move.
Austen and Craig’s new bar concept: A “place you can come and sit for a while”
Entertainment Tonight got the scoop on the “neighborhood tavern.” It’s due to open mid-summer on the renowned King Street. Austen and Craig partnered with Uptown Hospitality Group. The new bar is to be called By The Way, or BTW, and will feature “talented musicians” every week.
“Charleston has grown so much in the last few years and brought in a lot of travelers, so we wanted to create a space where locals and travelers could hang out together and enjoy the neighborhood,” Craig said.
“It’s going to be a really intimate space,” he described. “We put a lot of thought into the design to try and make it as warm and inviting as possible. We’re leaning into the local, upscale, tavern vibes, so the menu is going to have elevated bar fare and approachable cocktails.”
“I’ve always dreamed of a world where we would partner on a project,” Austen explained. “I just knew it had to be the right concept and the right time. When people think of the Charleston social scene, the Uptown Hospitality Group is a huge part of that.
“I’ve gotten countless messages in the past from friends, family, and everyone in between asking where to go out in Charleston, and I’ve always said you can’t go wrong with [UHG’s spots]. We’re so thrilled to be able to work together to create a new cornerstone in the Charleston community.”
UHG owner Keith Benjamin revealed how organic the partnership really was.
“Craig and Austen have been buddies of ours since moving here in 2018,” Keith said. “They have always been loyal supporters of our brands, whether patronizing our establishments or pushing them on their social channels. The symbiotic nature of their reach connecting with our demographic makes a whole lot of sense for both parties. We look forward to launching By the Way with these guys formally in our corner!”
Craig concluded: “What I envision is a place where you come for a drink before dinner, let’s say, lose track of time and before you know it, hours have passed and all of a sudden, you’re surrounded by all your friends. Its going to be a place you can come and sit for a while.”
TELL US – WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO THE NEWS OF A NEW BAR? DO YOU THINK THE VENTURE WILL BE PROFITABLE? WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT AUSTEN AND CRAIG’S COMMENTS?
