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The Daily Dish Southern Charm

Craig Conover and Austen Kroll Tease the "Final Countdown" Until the Opening of By the Way

The Southern Charm-ers celebrated the forthcoming opening of their new restaurant in Charleston. 

By Cynthia Robinson

 Craig Conover and Austen Kroll are busy building an empire. After entering into a partnership with the owners of Carriage House in New York City's West Village, the Southern Charm cast members started their second restaurant project together, By the Way, in Charleston, with Uptown Hospitality Group.

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More recently, the pals celebrated the imminent opening of the "neighborhood tavern" with a "pop-up" that included several members of the community. 

"One last pop-up in the books - the final countdown is on!" read the caption of a shared Instagram post between the On the Way account, Craig, and Austen. The BFFs smiled happily in the photos as numerous "friends, family, influencers, and media" along with the "By the Way team" gathered at the restaurant Bodega in Charleston to celebrate on September 23. 

Craig Conover and Austen Kroll smile together on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen Episode 21010.

The photos in the series showed off the "sips & small bites" provided by By the Way, granting us (well, them!) a taste of what's to come for the forthcoming Charleston establishment. 

Needless to say, everything looked delicious, the vibes were immaculate, and we can't wait for the opening! 

Craig Conover's Behind-the-Scenes Photos of By the Way 

Additionally, in several Instagram Stories, Craig shared new looks of the making of By the Way, showing a photographer taking pictures of what appeared to be different menu items. 

"Watching real talent always makes me happy," Craig wrote over one of the photos as the photographer snapped shots of what appeared to be a colorful cocktail and oysters. 

A split of Craig Conover and a photograher taking food photos

More Details About By the Way Restaurant

Noted as Eater's "15 Most Anticipated Restaurants" opening across North and South Carolina, By the Way is projected to open this fall. 

The new spot, which is located at 45 1/2 Spring Street in Charleston, is set to be an "upscale space" that serves as a "neighborhood den" for patrons who wish to get away from the business of King Street, according to Eater. By the Way will also feature Austen's beer brand, Trop Hop beer  

Following their announcement in January 2024, Craig and Austen spoke with Entertainment Tonight about their vision for the new project. 

Craig Conover and Austen Kroll smile together on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen Episode 21010.

"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," Austen said. "It's going to be a place where you can come and sit for a while."

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