By Marci Shore

When the Park Avenue Oyster Bar & Grill opened in April of 2023, the owners were hesitant to “fully flex” their Charleston pedigree, said co-owner Philip Fisher. “Aiken is an interesting little bubble,” said Fisher, who added they wanted the new restaurant to be able to stand on its own pedestal of good food and service. “This area (Aiken) has always attracted wealthy families for 3-6 months out of the year, usually in the spring or fall, and there is a huge equestrian community here,” said Fisher, who bought a farm in Aiken in 2018. The close proximity to Augusta, and The Masters Golf Tournament, also feeds the Aiken area with visitors who are accustomed to fine dining. This past spring the restaurant was fully booked for that week. The Oyster Bar is co-owned by Richard Stoney, a veteran Charleston restaurateur, who also co-owns The Boathouse on Isle of Palms, Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar in Charleston, and Ellis Creek Fish Camp on James Island. Fisher grew up busing tables at downtown Charleston’s legendary Poogan’s Porch restaurant, which is owned by his family. He went through a self-guided “college of food and beverage,” learning all aspects of restaurant management by jumping headfirst into that world out of high school. After a lifetime in the industry, he took a step back to “recalibrate” his life in recent years but soon found himself in the middle of a new restaurant renovation. The Charleston influence can’t be denied; from the 2-story, 8,500 square foot Charleston-style building to some culinary nods from their sister restaurants including the Boathouse’s blue cheese coleslaw and crab fritters or Amen Street’s shrimp corn dogs—both of which are on Park Avenue’s menu. Not limited to seafood selections, however, Fisher said they boast “the best steak in Aiken,” as well.

The Charleston connections are crucial in securing the freshest sources of seafood, too. Though Aiken is only a couple of hours inland, Fisher said it can be difficult to get companies to deliver outside of the immediate Charleston area. They get deliveries of fresh oysters 5-6 days a week and are open 7 days a week. “Many restaurants in Aiken are closed on Sunday and oftentimes even Monday, as well,” noted Fisher. When the Park Avenue Oyster Bar took over the space occupied by the former restaurant, Betsy’s Around the Corner, all of those employees were offered positions. Betsy’s pastry chef, Paige Harden, signed on with the new restaurant and soon found herself in the role of the Executive Chef. “She is just a breath of fresh air,” described Fisher. “She is willing to work in many roles, leads by working with the other staff, and is not a ‘Yes, Chef’ type of person. With over half of all restaurants folding within their first year, Fisher said he is more than pleased with the phenomenal first year they have had—and above all, the patronage they’ve been shown by the Aiken community.