Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails to Debut in Rock Hill, SC This Summer

ROCK HILL, S.C. (News Release) — Built on Hospitality, the restaurant group behind Charlotte’s The Goodyear House and 2020’s ghost kitchen concept Scratch House Chicken has announced plans for their second brick-and-mortar concept, Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails, early this summer.

Located in the historic Lowenstein Building, Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails is in the heart of University Center, which ties together Technology Park, Winthrop University and Old Town (Downtown) Rock Hill, and will be minutes from the new Carolina Panthers NFL HQ facility. Within University Center, Old Town will be happy to count the Rock Hill Sports and Event Center and the American Cornhole League HQ as immediate next-door neighbors.

“We are excited to bring our new concept to the growing Rock Hill downtown community,” says Built on Hospitality founding member AJ Klenk. “There is immense growth in the area, as families, students, and working professionals all continue to revitalize the original heart of the downtown corridor. We see this as a long-term investment in an emerging city, and we are looking forward to building community and planting long-term roots here.”

Like its popular sister-restaurant, The Goodyear House, in Charlotte’s historic arts and entertainment district neighborhood, Old Town will be led by Industry veterans and BOH partners Sean Potter and Chef Chris Coleman.

“Old Town will be a neighborhood gathering spot where food, flavor, and families are the focus,” says Potter. “We aim to be a restaurant where the craft is on the plate and in the glass, and where everyone feels Instantly welcomed and comfortable. The overall experience and atmosphere will mirror what has made The Goodyear House a popular neighborhood spot.”

Potter will oversee front-of-house operations, including a bar with 16 taps of cold regional beers, hand-crafted cocktails, and a wine list that values quality above all else.

Charlotte native and celebrated chef Chris Coleman plans straightforward ingredient-driven American fare, with a focus on smoked meats and traditional vegetable sides, flatbreads, sandwiches, and salads.

Expect Coleman’s menu to offer playful offerings like Fish Camp Catfish, Smoked Beer Can Springer Mountain Farms Chicken, the “Pork Loin Stacker” Sammie, Build-Your-Own Flatbreads featuring local fresh mozzarella, Whipped Pimento Beer Cheese, and a wide selection of southern sides, from Marsh Hen Mill grits to Creamy Braised Gigante Beans to 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 offerings 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 for Old Town to be a place that harkens back to neighborhood restaurants we all grew up visiting, where servers know regulars by name, and menu staples become beloved favorites.”

Coleman has been a stalwart in the culinary world locally and has garnered national attention with his win on Food Network’s “Chopped.” He has held leadership roles at McNinch House, The Asbury and Charlotte Marriott City Center, is a founding member and past board member for the Piedmont Culinary Guild and has represented Charlotte twice at the famed James Beard House in NYC.

The Goodyear House has quickly become a Charlotte favorite for both its NoDa neighbors and foodie destination diners, garnering praise for Its Inventive modern cuisine and chill outdoor vibes.

Much like The Goodyear House, the Built on Hospitality team is excited to partner with award-winning architects Cluck Design to reimagine the space that once was part of The Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company (“The Bleachery”), built in 1929 and operating until 1998.

The design will touch on the building’s historical nature with exposed brick and original wood ceiling and rafters while incorporating natural light from massive industrial windows, various textures of greenery, and historical university-themed décor. Prior to 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 along with progress on Instagram @oldtown_rockhill.