Monique and Kenneth Frazier opened their Cinnabon Food Truck in July.
Here are the latest golden nuggets of entrepreneurial activity around Bluffton and Hilton Head Island.
Cinnabon Food Truck opens in Bluffton: Rumors of a sugary surprise circulated on social channels for months and thankfully in this case, the scuttlebutt was true.
Monique and Kenneth Frazier officially opened the Cinnabon Food Truck on July 29. It is a dream realized for the beloved Bluffton family and a dream scenario for sweet tooth junkies across the Lowcountry. The truck offers classic cinnamon buns, also available with pecan caramel topping, as well as bite-sized buns, churro swirls, coffee hot and cold brews and lemonades.
Just in their first month, the Fraziers have repeatedly sold out in stops at the medical complex at 4818 Bluffton Parkway, as well as trips to Beaufort, Hilton Head Island and neighborhoods such as Lawton Station. Visit their Facebook page (CinnabonFoodTruckBluffton) or call 843-802-9000 for more information about future stops and event catering opportunities.
Ivybrook Academy opens: We have talked about the half-day preschool opening along Buckwalter Parkway, and now Ivybrook Academy (26 Cassidy Drive, Bluffton, 843-836-1120, ivybrookacademy.com/bluffton) has opened its doors. The Montessori-inspired program celebrated their grand opening on Aug. 24. Initial interest was so strong that Academy officials created an additional class and currently have a few spots available for the inaugural session.
New name, same cool mobile bar: We spotlighted Tap Truck Hilton Head earlier this year. The mobile bar serving craft beer, wine, coffee and cocktails out of the back of their classic 1964 Chevy truck has been well received by the community. Now, owner Peter Maresma has announced that he has severed ties with the Tap Truck franchise and has rebranded his operation as Lowcountry Taps. Maresma is excited to offer a more local and tailored experience as a free-standing brand. Check out their offerings and event packages online at lowcountrytapshhi.com or call 843-368-7015.
Pet resort inches closer to opening: You’ve seen the building spring up along S.C. 170, and now K9 Resorts Bluffton (1059 North Okatie Highway, 843-487-0200, k9resorts.com/bluffton) is offering specials ahead of what they hope to be a grand opening in early October. The luxury pet resort is offering discounts on boarding packages and offering doggie daycare packages with more bonus days the more you reserve.
‘Kind of’ incredible new venue: Music lovers were devastated with the closing of Ruby Lee’s, but now have reason to celebrate. Musical mastermind Sterlin Colvin is behind the Kind of Blue (19 Dunnagan’s Alley, Hilton Head Island, 843-686-2868, kindofbluehhisc.com), a dining and jazz and blues venue that recently celebrated its soft opening. Kind of Blue will have two shows nightly at 6:30 and 9 p.m. and offers a menu that promises culinary melodies. Dishes include an array of appetizers, salads, burgers and sandwiches like the catfish po’ boy, and a diverse entrée selection that includes steaks, seafood, baked ribs, lamb chops and jambalaya pasta.
Coming attractions and a busy tip line: Bluffton is especially buzzing with buildings rising up all around town. In Buckwalter Place, it appears that The UPS Store won’t be the only new tenant to spring up near the Hotworx infrared fitness and yoga studio. Signs popped up last week for a Rita’s Italian Ice coming soon. The chain previously opened and shuttered in the Planet Fitness plaza on the corner of Bluffton Parkway and Burnt Church Road. We’ve reached out to the current franchise officials for their timeline for Buckwalter, but if you’re jonesing for ices and slushes in the meantime, check out Sunset Slush in Berkeley Place and Jack Frost Ice Cream and Ices next to Okatie Ale House off William Pope Drive just outside the Sun City gates.
You’ve also been asking about potential tenants for buildings being built on the corner of Bluffton and May River Roads, a concrete brick structure farther down May River Road, a Scott Builders plaza closer to Burnt Church Distillery on Bluffton Road and The Bridge complex off of Calhoun Street. We’ve got our feelers out and will have updates in upcoming issues.
We’ve also got our eyes on the exciting new La Poblanita Fresh Market building near Enmarket off Bluffton Parkway. The growing market chain already has a large market on Hilton Head and smaller locations in Ridgeland and off May River Road in Bluffton. Exterior construction on a much larger facility off Bluffton Park Crescent is nearly complete and the interior buildout is moving along as supply chain delays allow. We’ll keep you updated on a target opening date.
Tim Wood is a veteran journalist based in Bluffton. Contact him at timwood@blufftonsun.com.
