Craig Conover and Austen Kroll Share a First Look at Their New Restaurant
The Southern Charm-ers gave fans a little taste of what they have in store: "This is going to be so much fun."
Craig Conover and Austen Kroll didn’t waste any time.
Just weeks after announcing their upcoming restaurant, the Southern Charm cast members returned to Instagram to share several sneak peeks and an exciting progress report. Craig and Austen confirmed the venture back in January, explaining their plans to open a “neighborhood tavern” called By the Way.
The eatery, which is slated to launch later this year, is a collaborative effort with Uptown Hospitality Group — a Charleston-based company that’s behind some of the city’s most popular bars and restaurants.
“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 in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “It’s going to be a really intimate space. We put a lot of thought into the design to try and make it as warm and inviting as possible.”
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Craig Conover and Austen Kroll celebrate "demo day"
On Thursday, February 8, the Southern Charm-ers posted a grip of photos of their new space as well as the beginning stages of its renovation.
“It’s demo day!!!” Craig captioned a Story, which showed the gutted interior. “[By the Way] is on its way!… This is going to be so much fun. Another place in Charleston to share with all of you.”
Austen also shared an inside look at the property, which was previously occupied by the Warehouse bar/restaurant.
“The demo days of early spring are upon us!” he wrote in the Story. “Can’t wait to share more updates as the space takes shape.”
What to expect from Craig Conover and Austen Kroll's "neighborhood tavern"
By the Way will be located in downtown Charleston and will reportedly offer elevated pub fare and occasional live entertainment.
According to the Post and Courier, By the Way will feature a dark and moody interior designed by the New York City firm Home Studios.
While speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Austen shared his overall vision for the restaurant and how it would contribute to Charleston’s thriving nightlife.
“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],” he said. “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. It’s going to be a place you can come and sit for a while.”
