Craig Conover and Austen Kroll are expanding their business relationship.
Years after launching the popular podcast series; pillow and beer, southern charm besties has announced plans to open a new restaurant in Charleston. Castmates spoke about the adventure in exclusive interviews. entertainment tonightdescribes the overall vision for a “neighborhood tavern” dubbed By the Way.
“Charleston has grown so much over the last few years and attracted so many tourists, so we wanted to create a space where locals and tourists could come together and enjoy the neighborhood,” Craig told the magazine. told. “It will be a very intimate space. We pay close attention to the design and try to make it as warm and inviting as possible. We are all about the feel of an upscale local tavern, so… The menu will include upscale bar fare and approachable cocktails.”
Craig Conover and Austin Kroll's restaurant set to open this summer
The concept is a collaboration with Uptown Hospitality Group, which has strengthened Charleston's food scene with eateries such as Bodega, Share Room and Uptown Social.
“Craig and Austin have been friends of ours since they moved here in 2018,” said UHG Founding Partner Keith Benjamin. “They have always been loyal supporters of our brand, whether it be by patronizing our properties or promoting them on their social channels. The symbiotic nature of their reach being tied to our demographic. makes a lot of sense for both parties, and we look forward to officially launching By the Way with these guys in our corner!”
The partners have not yet announced a grand opening date, but are aiming for a mid-summer launch. By the Way, also known as BTW, is located on King Street in Charleston, “just around the corner” from Uptown Social. Austin said the plan is to create a fun and comfortable hangout area, and there will be occasional live entertainment.
Austin Kroll shares his vision for his new restaurant with Craig Conover
“I've received countless messages from friends, family and everyone asking where I'm going out in Charleston, and I've always said yes. [UHG’s spots],” he said. “What I envision is a place where you come in for a drink before dinner and you lose track of time and the next thing you know hours have passed and you're suddenly surrounded by friends. It will be a place where you can come and sit for a while.”
The two are well-versed in the restaurant industry. It was over a year ago that they announced an investment in Carriage House, a New York City restaurant set to open in 2023. Austin celebrated the grand opening in an Instagram Story on March 23, in which he gave a peek inside the store. Interior and modern American cuisine.
“It's all happening. The long-awaited first foray into the restaurant business begins,” he wrote. “[Carriage House NYC] will open the door…see you again!”
