Celebrity chef Kardea Brown has grand-opening celebration for first restaurant

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)—Food Network star and beloved Charleston Chef Kardea Brown has officially opened her first restaurant, which is located in Charleston International Airport.

Kardea Brown’s Southern Kitchen, backed by hospitality company Delaware North, is now bringing the flavors of Gullah Geechee culture to travelers passing through the airport.

Brown grew up on Wadmalaw Island among the Gullah community, learning how to cook from her single mother and grandmother. In her mother’s kitchen, she honed her culinary talent, which has propelled her to success.

“There’s a reason and there’s a story behind every single item on this menu and so to be standing here in front of you all today at this grand opening of a restaurant that I’ve seen in my vision as a young child it’s surreal,” she said at Thursday’s ribbon cutting.

The southern kitchen menu features a mix of Gullah and Lowcountry cuisine, such as the fried “fush” plate, Lowcountry-style deviled eggs, shrimp and grits, Brown’s famous mac and cheese, and more.

“At one point in life, I was selling pimento cheese out of the trunk of my car. There was a point in my life where I was homeless,” she recalled with tears in her eyes. “So, to be here in front of you all with a restaurant in my namesake with my grandmother, my grand aunt, my father, and my family, everyone’s here. It just it means the world to me.”

In addition to her recent entrepreneurial endeavor, Brown hosts the Food Network show “Delicious Miss Brown,” co-hosts “Kids Baking Championship,” and is the author of a New York Times bestseller.

The interior of Brown’s southern kitchen is meant to reflect Charleston charm with bold colors and cultural pieces spotlighted.