Southern charm Fans may know Craig Conover for his pillow brand and Austen Kroll for his beer brand, but Charleston residents are also aspiring restaurant owners.
Austen and Craig are partners at the Carriage House in New York City’s West Village, and the best friends are working on their second restaurant project together, By the Way, in their hometown.
Before the official opening of the restaurant, Austen and Craig brought the By the Way experience to the opening of the Life in the South‘s 2024 Idea House on Johns Island, South Carolina. According to a press release, the event was a celebration of the home’s opening for public tours and consisted of “three nights of cocktail parties for media, influencers, sponsors and the local community to come together and preview the home.”
By the Way’s official Instagram account shared more details about the August 23 opening.
“It was an absolute HONOR to have By The Way on the (Southern Living Magazine) IDEA HOUSE in Kiawah River. The team – including (Chef Marcus Shell), (Craig Conover and Austen Kroll) – was there in full force!”
The Instagram caption also gave a taste of some of the dishes offered on the By the Way menu.
“Guests enjoyed small bites from Chef Marcus, including the fan favorite, Nduja Stuffed Eggs (and) delicious smoked salmon cannoli. As the sun went down, guests sipped on one of our signature cocktails, the Elderflower Spritz ft. Hat Trick Gin, made on-site (High Wire Charleston).”
Craig, Austen and By the Way’s Chef Marcus also posed for photos at the event.
Craig’s pillow brand “Sewing Down South” and Austen’s beer brand “Trop Hop” were also represented at the celebration.
Shortly before Austen and Craig collaborated on Southern Living MagazineThe business partners were on site to help host a “sneak peek” pop-up for By the Way on July 11th.
The gathering, which took place in Uptown Social’s “newly renovated private event space,” according to Instagram, featured food made with “locally sourced ingredients” and “vibrant craft cocktails.” VIP guests were treated to a four-course meal prepared by Chef Marcus.
When will Craig and Austen’s restaurant “By the Way” open?
According to By the Way’s official Instagram feed, Charleston’s “newest neighborhood bar” will open in fall 2024. An official date has not yet been publicly announced.
In the meantime, stream Southern charm now on Peacock.
