IslandVibesIOP.com 18 In the 1980s, John Haire lived in Virginia Beach where he was stationed in the military for six years. During his time there as a 20s-something food enthusiast, he enjoyed exploring restaurants and bars along the coast and boardwalk, an experience that would shape his future in the culinary industry. Now, after 37 years in the business, the seasoned restaurateur and owner of Heavy’s Barburger downtown and on Daniel Island, is excited to announce the opening of a third location on the Isle of Palms sometime in the spring of 2026. “We started looking on the Isle of Palms a couple of years ago, so when this property came up eight to 10 months ago, it was right on brand,” Haire said. “The Heavy’s Barburger vibe is laidback and casual, so we invite everybody to come on in, whether you’re coming off the beach or going out for a family dinner.” He added that at Heavy’s, no reservations are required and the restaurant is walk-in only. The most popular fare on the menu, Haire said, is the Heavy’s Barburger, a quarter-pound smash burger griddle-cooked to order with a blend of angus beef and served with American cheese, sliced tomato, red onion, lettuce, pickles and Heavy’s sauce on a toasted sesame seed bun. Other favorites include a variety of sandwiches, salads and wings. Haire recommended pairing any of the dishes with the Shorty margarita or the Bandwagon, Heavy’s frozen twist on a tequila sunrise, both of which are crafted with hand-squeezed juices. “We work hard to deliver the freshest product, and I think people appreciate that,” Haire said. He continued, “The most rewarding part of this business is that it’s fun. I love the energy of working with a diverse group, taking care of each other and our guests. We’re excited to come be ourselves and do our best to offer a great place for people to enjoy. It means a lot to join the IOP community and serve yearround residents as well as visitors.” While Haire isn’t sure yet of the launch date, plans are moving forward for full bars upstairs and downstairs, a patio on the first floor and a second-story deck with an ocean view. To learn more, follow @heavysbarburger on Instagram and swing by 1012 Ocean Blvd. as soon as it opens. Heavy’s Barburger to open third location on IOP come spring By Sarah Rose Behind the Bar Have a cup of cheer with David at Smugglers By Sarah Rose Along with earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a triple minor in sociology, criminology and pre-law at the College of Charleston, Katie Kolat worked in the courthouse and also took a night job hostessing at Tsunami. Within six months of navigating the ins and outs of the restaurant world, she worked her way up to general manager. Along the way, seasoned bartender David Griffiths mentored her in cocktail crafting and in the meantime, the two fell in love. In 2023, newlyweds Kolat and Griffiths moved to Smugglers where they work the same shift behind the bar together on Saturdays and Sundays. During the week, Kolat is a paralegal and will soon be heading back to school to pursue a law degree in criminal defense. “Although bartending is a side gig, I love it. I call this my ‘fun job’ because I love being around people,” she said. While regulars keep coming back to Smugglers for the signature cocktail called the muscle relaxer, which is their spin on the painkiller, the skinny version, known as the Katie, is the best seller. The light and refreshing beverage is a blend of Bacardi coconut rum, orange juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice and soda water. Griffiths mentioned that the frozen drinks Smugglers offers year-round and their made-to-order cocktails are also popular with patrons of the establishment. He added, “Although we only offer bar service, Smugglers is a hidden gem on the Isle of Palms where locals come to eat incredible food that is comparable to anywhere else on the island. As all of our bartenders are seasoned professionals, you’ll have the best service any day you come in.” According to Kolat, Smugglers is one of the few restaurants on the island that offers daily specials, and in the winter chefs William Alston and Kenny Rainy make homemade soups in small batches to keep the menu rotating. In addition to the beloved cocktails and cuisine on order, the small staff is as close as family, Griffiths said. Kolat seconded that. “The owners, Benj Farmery, Bret Jones – who also owns The Windjammer and The Dinghy – and Katie Osborne, who runs the day-to-day operations, are the best bosses I’ve ever worked for,” she said. “They care so much.” And speaking of family, Griffiths’15-yearold daughter, Baylee Anne, works in the ice cream window at Smugglers during the summer season. Outside of work, Kolat and Griffiths enjoy making cocktails at home. Her favorite is an extra dirty martini and his is a homemade margarita. As reggae enthusiasts who attend concerts regularly, they also love spending time with their five cats, whose names all allude to the Marley family. Cash Jr., Ziggy, Cedella, his twin Ky-Mani and baby Nesta are all males who have grown up together, raised as brothers and best friends, according to Griffiths. “They’re like dogs; they meet us at the door when we come home,” he laughed. To hear more of Kolat and Griffiths’ story, belly up to the bar, located at 1122 Ocean Blvd. David Griffiths and Katie Kolat FOOD & BEVERAGE
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