Travelers passing through Charleston International Airport will soon have a wider range of food and drink options, including a new restaurant run by a famous local chef.
Delaware North, a privately owned catering company that operates concessions for airports around the world, is investing $6 million in the recent restructuring of its catering offerings at CHS.
Food Network chef and Sea Islands resident Kardea Brown is opening a restaurant at Charleston International Airport.
The Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear Grill, which has been open since mid-2016, will close later this year to make way for Kardea Brown’s Southern Kitchen, helmed by the Food Network chef known for her regional, Gullah-inspired cuisine.
Brown hosts the cable series “Delicious Miss Brown” and is the founder of the pop-up restaurant and social gathering New Gullah Supper Club. She is bringing a taste of it to passengers at the airport. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025.
Work is already underway on Ashley Cooper Provisions, which will replace Harvest & Grounds in the food hall later this year. The bar will offer a 50-seat area with views of the runway.
Delaware North’s contract began in 2023 with the opening of Commonhouse Aleworks near Gate B5.
The Buffalo, NY-based company signed a 10-year contract extension with Charleston International this month, just weeks after opening a Starbucks cafe in the airport’s food hall. During celebrations for the coffee chain’s grand opening on Aug. 13, company executives announced new offerings that are in the works.
Ashley Cooper Provisions will be the next new restaurant to open at Charleston International later this year.
Michael Blake, Delaware North Airport operations manager, said the company is “reinventing the dining experience here at CHS.”
He said when management visited Charleston International last year, they surveyed travelers and airport employees about what they thought was missing at the airport. Responses included a Starbucks, fast-food outlets, an authentic Lowcountry-style restaurant and a bar.
“This feedback helped us develop our vision for the airport and make it authentic to Charleston,” he said.
Michael Blake, Delaware North’s operations manager, announced a restructuring of Charleston International’s food and beverage operations over the next year.
Officially opened on July 18 in the AB Connector terminal, Starbucks allows travelers to order in advance via an app so their order is ready when they get through security.
Blake said they set the bar high when making Starbucks’ forecasts and they have “already far exceeded expectations.”
Airport CEO Elliott Summey said that as CHS grows, it is critical to continue to improve food and beverage offerings to enhance the traveler experience.
“Delaware North is ready to add something new here, they’re thinking bigger and better. They’re investing in us, our facilities and our passengers,” he said.
Chris Chila, vice president of operations for Delaware North, said the goal is to create “a sense of belonging within the airport.”
“We would appreciate it if people would arrive at the airport early so they could grab dinner or a drink before their flight, or if travelers would stop by for a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich after their early flight lands,” Chila said.
