ROCK HILL, SC (News Release) – Built on Hospitality, the restaurant group behind Charlotte’s Goodyear House and the 2020 Scratch House Chicken ghost kitchen concept has announced plans for its second brick and mortar concept, Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails, earlier this summer.
Located in the historic Lowenstein building, Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails is in the heart of the University Center, which joins Technology Park, Winthrop University and Old Town (Downtown) Rock Hill, and will be minutes from the new facilities of the Carolina Panthers NFL HQ . Inside the University Center, Old Town will be happy to have Rock Hill Sports and Event Center and the American Cornhole League HQ as immediate neighbors.
“We are excited to bring our new concept to the growing community of downtown Rock Hill,” said AJ Klenk, a founding member of Built on Hospitality. “There is immense growth in the area, as families, students and working professionals continue to revitalize the original heart of the downtown corridor. We see this as a long-term investment in an emerging city and look forward to building a community and planting long-term roots here. “
Like its popular sister restaurant, The Goodyear House, in Charlotte’s historic arts and entertainment district, Old Town will be led by industry veterans and partners with BOH Sean Potter and Chef Chris Coleman.
“Old Town will be a neighborhood meeting place where food, flavor and family are the focus,” says Potter. “We want to be a restaurant where handicrafts are on the plate and in the glass, and where everyone feels immediately welcomed and comfortable. The overall experience and atmosphere will reflect what has made Goodyear House a popular neighborhood spot. “
Potter will oversee operations at the front of the house, including a bar with 16 taps of cold regional beers, artisanal cocktails and a wine list that values quality above all.
Renowned chef Chris Coleman, a native of Charlotte, plans American food based on ingredients, with a focus on smoked meats and traditional vegetable side dishes, pita bread, sandwiches and salads.
Coleman’s menu offers fun options like Fish Camp Catfish, Smoked Beer Can Springer Mountain Farms Chicken, Sammie’s “Pork Loin Stacker”, Build-Your-Own Flatbreads with fresh local mozzarella, Pimento Beer Cheese whipped cream and a wide selection of southern side dishes , from Marsh Hen Mill beans to Braised Creamy Giant Beans and a Mess O ‘Greens cooked in vinegar, brown sugar and hot sauce.
The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner seven days a week, with happy hour offers and weekend brunch to be introduced over time.
“I’m excited to introduce myself to Rock Hillians as we build a classic neighborhood spot, where we learn more about each other over a great meal. We intend that Cidade Velha is a place that refers to the neighborhood restaurants that we all grew up visiting, where the attendants know regular customers by name and the basic menu items become beloved favorites. “
Coleman has been an advocate for the culinary world locally and has attracted national attention with his victory on Food Network’s “Chopped”. He has held leadership positions at McNinch House, The Asbury and Charlotte Marriott City Center, is a founding member and former board member of the Piedmont Culinary Guild and has represented Charlotte twice at the famous James Beard House in New York.
Goodyear House quickly became a favorite of Charlotte’s for both its NoDa neighbors and gastronomic restaurants, receiving praise for its innovative modern cuisine and relaxing outdoor vibes.
Like Goodyear House, the Built on Hospitality team is excited to partner with award-winning architects Cluck Design to reimagine the space that was once part of The Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company (“The Bleachery”), built in 1929 and up to 1998.
The project will touch the historic nature of the building with exposed bricks and original wooden beams and ceilings, while incorporating natural light from huge industrial windows, various vegetation textures and historic university themed decor. Before the Old Town Kitchen and & Cocktails, the restaurant space once housed the White Horse.
Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails will be located at 300 Technology Center Way, Suite 203, in beautiful Rock Hill, SC. Follow progress on Instagram @oldtown_rockhill.