Kendrick's Restaurant to Debut in Charleston This December

Owners Dustin and Jade Kendrick will open their new establishment at 55 S. Market St. in Charleston.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Dining Out

Screen-print poster illustration of a dining table with a single napkin and palmetto leaf vase, evoking Charleston dining culture.
Owners Dustin and Jade Kendrick will open their new restaurant, Kendrick's, at 55 S. Market St. in Charleston this December. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Dustin and Jade Kendrick are set to debut their new restaurant, Kendrick's, in December 2026. The eatery is situated at 55 S. Market St. in the space previously occupied by Gingerline.

Why it matters

The couple is relocating their operations to Charleston after facing financial struggles in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This opening marks a new chapter following their tenure operating Too Chez Restaurant and Bar.

The upcoming menu will feature approximately 25 items inspired by Italian, Portuguese, U.S., and Caribbean culinary traditions. The location at 55 S. Market St. retains the same interior layout used by the former tenant, Gingerline.

The players

Dustin Kendrick

He is a restaurateur who previously operated Too Chez Restaurant and Bar in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Jade Kendrick

She is a co-owner of the upcoming restaurant who is relocating to Charleston with her husband.

The details

The new Kendrick's revives a family name originally established by Dave and Jane Kendrick in Saint Croix in 1985. The space at 55 S. Market St. also formerly housed a Ruth's Chris Steak House before its recent stint as Gingerline.

Timeline

  1. Dave and Jane Kendrick opened the original restaurant in 1985.

  2. The original location ceased operations in 2014.

  3. The previous tenant, Gingerline, closed at the start of 2025.

  4. Kendrick's is scheduled to debut in December 2026.

Culture Shift

The arrival of Kendrick's follows the pattern set by the closure of Gingerline at this prominent address. It reflects the ongoing migration of hospitality talent to mainland hubs as island-based operators seek more stable economic environments.

Charleston residents can expect a new dining option to join the busy Market Street corridor starting in December 2026. The establishment offers a diverse menu that aims to combine multiple international culinary influences in an existing, familiar space.

The takeaway

The transition of this property from a high-profile steakhouse and cocktail lounge to a family-rooted venture highlights the shifting landscape of downtown dining. Prospective patrons should look for future announcements regarding the specific opening date and reservation policies.

Further reading

For more on the local food scene, see our Charleston Dining Out guide.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Post and Courier.

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Do you generally welcome new independent restaurants opening in your local community?