Alchile Mexican Grill, a family-owned Mexican restaurant based in Ridgeland, is taking the place of the former Kenny B’s space and plans to open its doors in April for a second restaurant location.
Courtesy of Alchile Mexican Grill and Marcello Vera Jr.
A new chapter is beginning at the former home of Kenny B’s French Quarter Cafe.
Kenny B’s, a longtime Hilton Head staple known for its New Orleans-style cooking and lively atmosphere, permanently closed its Bluffton location at 1534 Fording Island Road. The restaurant originally opened in January 1999 at 70 Pope Avenue before relocating to the Bridge Center in Bluffton, where it became a familiar dining destination for nearly three decades.
Now, the space will soon welcome a second location for Alchile Mexican Grill, a family owned Mexican restaurant based in Ridgeland.
Kenny B’s French Quarter Cafe, a longtime Hilton Head staple known for its New Orleans–style cooking and festive Creole atmosphere, has permanently closed. Here’s what we know. Anna Claire Miller [email protected]
A local family business expands
Alchile Mexican Grill purchased the former Kenny B’s space in early 2026 and plans to open its doors in April, with a goal of welcoming customers before Cinco de Mayo.
The restaurant will operate under the same Alchile Mexican Grill name and brand as its original Ridgeland location.
Owner Marcello Vera Jr., who was raised in the area, said the expansion felt like a natural next step.
“We expanded because we were able to,” Vera said. “We’ve been in business for six years, and we were blessed to be able to do this.”
Vera said that Alchile already serves customers throughout Beaufort County and has built strong relationships within the community over the years.
A growing presence in the Lowcountry
The family-run restaurant has been located in the heart of Ridgeland since November 2020.
The family has been part of the community since 1998, bringing 28 years of business experience that began with Vera’s father, who now owns restaurants in the Charleston area.
Alchile is known for offering authentic Mexican flavors with Texan and Californian influences. Its diverse menu features appetizers, nachos, steaks, burgers, burritos, house specialties, chicken dishes and seafood options.
While the Bluffton location will feature the same core menu concept, Vera said the selection will not be exactly the same as Ridgeland’s. Guests can expect additional items and expanded offerings.
More details regarding the full menu and hours will be available closer to its opening.
The Bluffton Alchile location will feature the same core menu concept, but Vera said the selection will not be exactly the same as Ridgeland’s. Guests can expect additional items and expanded offerings. Courtesy of Alchile Mexican Grill and Marcello Vera Jr.
Diners will still be able to visit the Ridgeland location at 8084 East Main Street, which will continue operating Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m and on Sundays from noon to 9 p.m.
For more information and updates on the second location, visit Alchile Mexican Grill’s website or Facebook page.
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Anna Claire Miller
The Island Packet
Anna Claire Miller is the service journalism reporter for The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette. Originally from Georgia, she has experience in magazine writing, nonprofit communications and political reporting. Anna Claire holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism, legal studies and English from High Point University.
