The Bank, Hilton Head’s Beer Garden, Opening Soon

Press Release

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC – Watterson Brands is pleased to announce The Bank, a 13-million-dollar investment at 59 Pope Ave., will open to the public later this spring. The 17,000 square foot former Bank of America building turn brewery, beer garden and restaurant complex will include indoor and outdoor seating, Side Hustle Brewing Company craft brews on tap and available in cans to-go, outdoor activities including a family zone and band shell, a merchandise shop, and four dining options: Taco Bills, Bank Burgers, Pizza Co., and Benjamin’s seafood truck. Additional beverage and dining options will be located on the exterior of the main building to provide customers an enhanced experience.

“We’re working on elevating the types of entertainment experiences and venues on Hilton Head and Bluffton. We view entertainment as an opportunity to do more than eat a meal, I want people to revel in Lowcountry experiences – in nature, culture, history, cuisine, games, and live entertainment.” said Billy Watterson, CEO of Watterson Brands. “Clearly our venues need valued employees to make each patron feel welcome and provide guests with the best food and beverages on the island. And we’re happy to announce that we’ll be hiring for full and part-time positions in the coming months.”

The Bank expects to add 100 positions – everything from hosts to a general manager. This vastly increases the area’s employment opportunities and can expect to add millions back into the local economy as result. Hiring is anticipated to begin as soon as February. Those interested in learning more can visit www.thebankhhi.com. The Bank is also giving preference to local vendors for merchandise production, marketing, and credit card transactions.

The addition of The Bank to Hilton Head Island’s south end will also bring new opportunities for community and personal transportation. The Breeze, Hilton Head Island’s Public Trolly stop #10 is conveniently located right at the front of the beer garden off Pope Ave. The Bank will also provide more than 100 bike parking spots in addition to over 100 automobile parking spots for visitors.

Watterson and L.J. Bush, co-owner of Side Hustle Brewing Company and founder of the youth mentorship program Changing Our Image Now (COIN), have been collaborating on the project since the November 2021 acquisition of the company – which will be the mainstay brewery at The Bank.

“It is our goal to highlight local artists with live music in the beer garden in the same way we are promoting and encouraging entrepreneurship in the Lowcountry. Music, storytelling and food are pillars of the Lowcountry experience, and we’re proud to offer this, and more, year-round,” said Bush. “Additionally, we plan to have trivia nights and other fun activities, and we will be the venue to watch sports on the island.”

The outdoor bandshell, measuring 26 feet in diameter, will serve as the main entertainment venue for The Bank featuring live music, weather permitting. The stage will be conveniently located next to the outdoor games and designated family zone, where parents and guardians can ensure their children may play within a bordered area while not being excluded from the services at the venue.

Side Hustle Brewing Company’s current customers will notice the company’s logo and can design has changed. Just as the name implies – whether it is making ends meet or saving for something special – the Brewery’s brand celebrates those who go above and beyond for their ‘side hustle.’ The logo now features a money-scripted font and the marketing materials, including can design, will highlight the fictitious Benjamin Banker, CFO of Makin’ Bacon.

The two new restaurant concepts, Taco Bills and Bank Burgers, are from restaurateurs Marshall Sampson and Bill Alberts, co-owners of Santa Fe. Sampson, who also co-owns and operates Pizza Co. with Watterson Brands, will present menus to the public prior to the official opening. Benjamin’s creator and operator, Ben Watterson will also reveal new menu items specifically catering to this location in the coming months.

The flagship Side Hustle Brewing Company location on Arrow Rd. will transition to a new adult beverage venue. An announcement with further details will be made later this year.

About Side Hustle Brewing Company

Side Hustle Brewing Company, the latest of the Watterson Brands acquisitions, is currently the smallest craft brewery in South Carolina. The current 21 Side Hustle craft brews were created by brewer Lee Holyoak and his wife Emily, along with original founders Mike Palmieri and Faith Seiders, as a “side hustle” turned career in early 2021. Two years later, the brewery features outdoor seating, regular food truck options, draft beer, and 16 oz. singles and four-packs available to-go Monday-Wednesday, 3-6 p.m.; and Thursday-Saturday, 2-8 p.m.

A selection of Side Hustle craft beers is now sold at Burnt Church Distillery and Pizza Co., 120 Bluffton Rd. during normal business hours.

About Watterson Brands

Watterson Brands operates with the goal to build a profitable collective of innovative brands that will give them the ability to invest in hope and opportunity for people in the Lowcountry and beyond. As they add new and exciting chapters to the Watterson Brand story, communities become more innovative, creative and the entrepreneurial environment flourishes. Watterson Brands takes pride in their employees as well as the services that they provide to our subsidiaries. Watterson truly means good™.

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