Those of us who love the world of cuisine understand and appreciate the tough nature of the restaurant business. Especially in a market as popular and competitive as the Charleston hospitality industry.
One couple who have tapped into the recipe for success are Kelleanne and Ryan Jones, owners of Free Reign Restaurants. Having met in Connecticut’s hospitality industry in their late twenties, Kelleanne, 28, was in catering and Ryan, 26, was working as an executive chef. They fell in love and eventually opened their first restaurant together. Their adventure began as a successful restaurateur team.
After various endeavors (including a stint at the Encore in Las Vegas, where they weren’t working together), they wanted to be near water and a temperate climate to create a new lifestyle of their own. Starting fresh, they decided to relocate to Charleston with their four children. Right out of the gate they opened the award-winning Community Table restaurant in the upscale community of I‘On, Next came Southbound, last February, as an elegant, chic European style eatery, boasting rave reviews and featuring live fire cooking.
Now, with three wildly popular restaurants under their belts, including Honeysuckle Rose, owner Chef Ryan Jones believes the basis of their success is their complementary strengths and weaknesses. “We push each other to do better,” says Kelleanne Jones. She serves not only as director of ‘front of the house’ for each establishment, but also interior designer, choosing furniture and art, not to mention hostessing duties. “We really respect each other’s opinion and trust each other’s strengths,” she says.
When asked how location, themes and cuisine are chosen, Kelleanne reports, “we seem to be drawn to spaces initially, then we research what the neighborhood offers for dining.” Adds Ryan: “We give our team creative freedom; this allows them the opportunity to grow as chefs. Also, we like to eat at the restaurants as much as possible. This gives us a true representation of where things stand, and we can give an honest evaluation.”
Regarding Honeysuckle Rose, Ryan says, “we saw the building first and it had good bones. We don’t overthink it, we know our gut instincts are right on target, so when we know it, we know it, and it IS our passion!”
Kelleanne loves greeting the diners as they arrive at Honeysuckle Rose, in downtown Charleston. Before the guests even enter the building, they wait outside listening to themed music to increase excitement. Prior to the experience, a team member calls each reserved party to determine any special needs, allergies, whether they prefer sparkling or still water, are left or right-handed, etc. That way the timing of each service is orchestrated without unnecessary delays, so the guests can focus on enjoying the cuisine. During the three hours, each course is timed at 22 minutes. As a pre-ticketed event for $250 a person, there are no checks concluding each service. Kelleanne’s mom even makes the chocolate-covered Oreo cookies provided to each guest as a take-home gift.
One interesting trend the couple is seeing with Honeysuckle Rose patrons is the request for non-alcoholic drinks. The beverage director creates unique flavors of NA drinks to go with each course when requested, which is about 10% of the reservations. In addition, a five-course wine pairing menu recently had its debut, lasting two hours, instead of three. The cost is $150 for a caviar/oysters and Moet starter, followed by fish, pasta, meat and dessert.
As is typical with the duo of Ryan and Kelleanne and their busy schedule, they have a new restaurant on deck opening in the Fall, called Allora. It will feature more of a coastal vibe, blues and greens for the interior with pink brick walls and arches. The menu will feature coastal Italian cuisine and hours include both lunch and dinner.
Each of the Free Reign Restaurant menus rotate often with new dishes and wines. “They are really created on availability of product, season and what mood we are in,” says Ryan.
As a passionate restaurateur, Kelleanne describes the couple’s long term family endeavor like this. “After 20 years and lots of various restaurants, we really just like making people happy.”
AUTHOR
A seasoned PR pro and food photographer, Susan is an inspirational writer who travels the world planning her trips by dining reservations. She started the GA Lottery in the 90’s and turned to food watching Public TV with Jacques Pepin, Natalie Dupree and The Frugal Gourmet. She is an accomplished home cook and lover of all cuisines.
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