Chef Geist Ussery is now collaborating with SERG Restaurant Group to bring his unique and creative culinary talent to the organization. Chef Ussery is an exclusive private chef, event organizer and caterer. He is a native of Bluffton with a Latin and Caribbean background, which he has embraced and extended within his profession. Chef Ussery will specialize in social and private events for the SERG Group. 

The Mansion on Forsyth Park is now offering cooking classes. Participants will learn new techniques, knife skills and time saving tips in the kitchen. It’s an interactive and entertaining experience, followed by a shared meal at the conclusion of each class. New chef Jason Winn teaches the classes. For more information: www.mansion.classesbykessler.com. 

The Bluffton Taco Bell will reopen in November after undergoing renovations. Meanwhile, construction is underway on a new Taco Bell location in Hardeeville; that construction is also expected to be completed in November. The Hardeeville location will feature the company’s modern explorer design, including warm gray tones, wood veneers and an open-kitchen concept. 

Chicken Salad Chick is opening a store in front of the Kroger on Buckwalter Parkway. The Chicken Salad Chick menu features multiple styles of chicken salad, as well as soups and other sandwiches. Currently, the closest location is in Pooler.

Executive chef Eric Sayers from The Cypress of Hilton Head Island was among five national finalists selected to compete in the inaugural LCS “Chef of The Year 2019” competition in August. Chefs were given three baskets containing mystery ingredients that they had to transform into three delectable courses. Sayers, the former executive chef at CQ’s Restaurant in Harbour Town, was the runner-up, scoring just one point less than the winner.

The long-awaited reopening of Starbucks at Sea Turtle Marketplace is scheduled for late November. The new store will replace the Starbucks that burned down due to an electrical issue in January 2018. There is an additional Starbucks store slated to open in early 2020 at Okatie Crossing in the Sun City area. 

Baja-style tacos have arrived in Lowcountry: Sean Fatzinger opened the state’s first Fuzzy’s Taco Shop franchise in Hardeeville in October. It’s the first 24-hour restaurant in the chain; the taco shop is located at exit 8 on Interstate 95. Fatzinger is originally from Texas, where the brand was created, and currently is the director of food service operations at Enmarket Convenience Stores.

The new business at 1230 May River Road is a beer-tasting room, informal restaurant, retail shop and art gallery. Wine, gourmet chocolates, and other specialty foods are for sale. Owner Mark Weisner, who also owns Bear Foot Sports event management company, envisions Bluffton Trading Post as a community gathering place.

Vine, an intimate bistro in Coligny Plaza, now is owned by a French family. Chef Olivier specializes in Mediterranean flavors with a hint of Asian fusion. The décor is heavy on hardwoods and reminiscent of a speakeasy as diners eat by candlelight. Vine has been called “the most romantic place on Hilton Head Island.”

Enjoy wine from around the world and specialty martinis as you dine on produce sourced from local farms, fresh catch of the day and recipes from Italy, France and other countries.

Gourmet on Wheels/Grab and Go’s mission is to make eating fresh, healthy, delicious meals more available and convenient for those with busy lifestyles. It’s perfect for the “On the go” professionals, elderly singles or couples; or people who love great taste but don’t have time to eat out or shop and cook.

Choose from their weekly specials or one of their other healthy grab and go options, including specialty salads, smoothies, low carb, keto friendly. The menu changes weekly and offers items such as Thai coconut curry, Chicken Parmigiana, Lowcountry Boil, Chicken Salad, Spinach and Feta Quiche and more.