Flavor At the Hearth of Everything They Do:
New Wood-Fire Restaurant Coming Downtown From Beloved Restaurant Group Free Reign
If Mount Pleasant is a frequent foodie stomping ground for you, there’s no doubt you’ve already tasted the vibrant flavors and wood-fire creations from the growing restaurant group, Free Reign. With two stellar locations already under their belt—Community Table in I’On and Kiki and Rye in Belle Hall—the husband-wife duo has now set their sights on their first downtown Charleston location set to open in late Spring.
Following the same pillars that have made their first two venues a success, their new restaurant Southbound promises to deliver exceptional food, an inviting atmosphere, and phenomenal service. Southbound, which will open inside of an old two-story house previously ravaged by a fire, will boast a giant hearth downstairs to view live fire-cooking at its best. An abundance of seating includes sitting at the chef counter around the hearth, inside downstairs, outside on the large wraparound porch, and upstairs at the bar.
Owner Kelleanne Jones—the Kiki of the team—says the concept focuses on "truly being able to enjoy and experience the live wood-fire cooking." The menu will be elevated but approachable, something she and her husband brought with them from their time owning fine dining establishments in Connecticut many years ago.
Since their move to the Lowcountry, Kelleanne and her husband Ryan—or Rye—have built a loyal customer base during some of the hardest times for restaurants in recent years. Both locations not only survived but are thriving despite ramifications of COVID-19, such employee retention, supply chain issues, and ever-changing restrictions. Hard work pays off though; while Rye handles the back of house and Kiki handles the front, they’ve done a remarkable job of ensuring that attention to detail and flavor is in every bite or sip.
Rotating menus keep patrons on their toes, but there’s never a fear of a bad meal. Currently the menu at their two locations includes offerings such as Wood-Fired Mussels, Spanish Octopus, and Brick Chicken, which can be found all day at Kiki and Rye; or settle in for Roasted Moroccan Cauliflower and Buttermilk Fried Chicken during the day, and Steak Tartare and Crispy Pork Shoulder at night at Community Table.
Not to be overlooked, their cocktail menu is equally delicious, with spirit-highlighted cocktails at both including the Spicy Pineapple ‘Rita, Sage Gimlet, and Kiki’s Perfect Manhattan.
If you haven’t yet been to Community Table or Kiki and Rye in Mount Pleasant, run, don’t walk to find out what all the buzz is about while we all await the highly anticipated Southbound.