The Bank beer garden and food venue opens on Hilton Head. Check out the photos

Lisa Wilson
·2 min read

It seems appropriate that the grand opening of Hilton Head Island’s newest entertainment venue located in a former bank would involve a donation of money.

The Bank, made up of a brewery, beer garden and restaurant complex, officially opened on Tuesday at 59 Pope Ave. The site is in the former location of Bank of America.

As part of the opening festivities, the Bank’s owners, along with Moon King Entertainment Group and the Watterson Family Foundation, announced the creation of the Island Legacy Fund. A portion of each transaction at The Bank will go into the fund, which is being administered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry and will support nonprofits that are addressing affordable housing, childcare and native land/home preservation initiatives on the island. Individuals and other businesses also may contribute to the fund.

At the grand opening of The Bank on Hilton Head, a donation of $1 million was committed to the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. Pictured: Rene Ford, administrative assistant; Ahmad Ward, executive director; Billy Watterson, CEO Watterson Brands; Joyce Wright, director of programs and interpretation.
At the grand opening of The Bank on Hilton Head, a donation of $1 million was committed to the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. Pictured: Rene Ford, administrative assistant; Ahmad Ward, executive director; Billy Watterson, CEO Watterson Brands; Joyce Wright, director of programs and interpretation.

Separately, $1 million over the next five years will be donated to the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. Mitchelville is the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people in the United States. Once completed, the park will tell the story of the town’s history and residents and highlight its legacy.

The Bank is a sprawling 72,000-square-foot dining and socializing destination. It includes multiple indoor and outdoor seating arrangements along with a stage for live music, a play area for children and a merchandise shop.

Side Hustle Brewery is a major feature inside The Bank on Hilton Head Island.
Side Hustle Brewery is a major feature inside The Bank on Hilton Head Island.

Inside is Side Hustle Brewing Company on one side and a counter with an open kitchen for ordering pizzas, salads and wings from Pizza Co.; burgers and sides from Bank Heist Burgers; or tacos, burritos and quesadillas from Mo’ Money Tacos.

Outdoors, there food trucks are parked around the edges of the seating and entertainment areas. Armored Bar’s menu includes frozen drinks (“frozen assets”) and cocktails plus vodka, gin, rum, bourbon, tequila and beers on tap and in cans, as well as non-alcoholic beverages. All About the Benjamins offers seafood such as lobster rolls and fried popcorn shrimp, while Dollar Billy’s serves up desserts like soft-serve ice cream and funnel cake.

The Bank is located at a stop for The Breeze trolley system. It has more than 100 vehicle parking spots and more than 100 bicycle parking spots.

Both indoor and outdoor seating is available at The Bank, which opened Tuesday, June 6, on Hilton Head.
Both indoor and outdoor seating is available at The Bank, which opened Tuesday, June 6, on Hilton Head.

At a glance

What: The Bank

Where: 59 Pope Ave. on Hilton Head Island

When: Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Phone: 843-715-3942

Website: thebankhhi.com

Facebook: facebook.com/people/The-Bank-HHI/100088251894905

Instagram: instagram.com/thebankhhi

Food trucks serve customers outside The Bank on Hilton Head Island on Thursday, June 7, 2023.
Food trucks serve customers outside The Bank on Hilton Head Island on Thursday, June 7, 2023.
The Bank’s first guests enjoyed a variety of dining options opening day, June 6, 2023.
The Bank’s first guests enjoyed a variety of dining options opening day, June 6, 2023.
CEO Billy Watterson speaks at the opening of The Bank on Hilton Head Island’s south end.
CEO Billy Watterson speaks at the opening of The Bank on Hilton Head Island’s south end.
Walls inside The Bank are lined with lighted green bottles.
Walls inside The Bank are lined with lighted green bottles.