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Chef Kevin Johnson Announces Opening of Lola Rose in Mt. Pleasant on August 22nd
James Beard award-nominated chef Kevin Johnson and his wife Susan, who opened The Grocery in downtown Charleston in 2011, today announced the official opening of their second concept, Lola Rose, will take place on Tuesday, August 22nd. The restaurant can be found at 3540 Park Avenue Blvd. in Mt. Pleasant at The Bend in Carolina Park.
Lola Rose features a menu of coastal Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails in a relaxed setting. Joining Johnson in the kitchen is Hunter Conklin, who has been with The Grocery since 2021 and said he looks forward to sharing his love for Mediterranean cooking in his new role at Lola Rose. Johnson and Conklin have collaborated on the Lola Rose menu, which features items like big, seasonal salads, wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, local seafood, and more.
As they do at The Grocery, Johnson and Conklin say they are committed to sourcing the best local and regional ingredients.
Menu highlights include:
- Starters
- Prosciutto with Cheesy Hush Puppies and Peach Mostarda
- Fritto Misto with Clams, Calamari, Pickled Green Tomatoes, Summer Vegetables, and Pepperoncini Remoulade
- Pastas
- Rigatoni with Bolognese Bianco
- Spaghetti with Chowder Clams, Saffron, and Calabrian Chile
- A selection of pizzas fired in a custom pizza oven imported from Italy
- Entrees
- Roasted Chicken with Warm Fennel Vinaigrette and Steak with Mushroom Conserva
- Dessert
- Includes Zeppole with Lemon Curd, a Chocolate and Hazelnut Tart, and a Butterscotch Budino
At the bar, classic negronis, sangrias, and daiquiris will be served alongside frozen cocktails and creative spritzes like the “Blind Squirrel,” which features Lambrusco, Campari, and Sweet Vermouth. The beverage list is rounded out with a selection of local beers and a wine list that focuses on winemakers of the Mediterranean and American coastlines.
Designed by the renowned David Thompson Studio in Charleston, the interiors of Lola Rose feature a bar, a dining room with open views of the kitchen anchored by a custom wood burning oven, and a covered patio outfitted with heaters and ceiling fans for all-season use. Inside, the space features the work of several local artists and craftspeople, including a custom stamped concrete floor by artist Suzanne Allen and a statement mirror in the dining room by glass craftsman Bob Hines of Hines Studio.
Lola Rose will open for dinner starting Tuesday, August 22nd at 4 pm. Hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday open for dinner at 4 pm. Starting August 29th, reservations can be made on Resy. For more information, call 843.388.7940, visit lolarosemtp.com and follow along at @lolarose_mtp.