Chamber Restaurant Week is the perfect time to try out a new restaurant or enjoy a special menu at an old favorite on Hilton Head or in Bluffton at a time of the year when restaurants are less crowded with tourists.

Dozens of restaurants are participating in the 15th annual event that runs from Saturday, Jan. 28, through Saturday, Feb. 4.

In most cases, chefs have created prix fixe menus that offer a two- or three- course meal for a fixed price. For example, diners might choose one appetizer from a list of three, one main course from a list of three and one dessert from a list of three for a lower total price than it would typically cost for a meal at the restaurant.

Prices generally do not include beverages or a tip for your server.

Hours vary depending on the restaurant, and, in many cases, reservations may be necessary. This year, the sponsoring Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce is offering the ability to make reservations through its website for many of the participating businesses.

Following are the restaurants included on the chamber website’s list of Restaurant Week participants as of Wednesday, Jan. 18. We’ve linked to the menus that were available online at that time. This story will be updated as more restaurants and menus are announced.

The deal: Three courses for $54

Main course options: Sauerbraten, pork schnitzel or rainbow trout

Address: 807 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 1200, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-341-3117

The deal: Details not available

Address: 69 Pope Ave., Hilton Head

Phone: 843-785-7700

The deal: Details not available

Address: 27 Dr. Mellichamp Drive, Bluffton

Phone: 843-757-0380

The deal: Three courses for $32

Main course options: Crab-stuffed flounder, braised short ribs, shrimp and grits, Chardonnay chicken or bacon-wrapped shrimp

Address: 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-842-2016

The deal: Details not available

Address: 37 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-785-6261

The deal: Three courses for $42

Main course options: Poulet, truite almondine or boeuf bourguignon

Address: 37 New Orleans Road, Suite J, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-785-3200

The deal: Adult rodizio for $42.50, children 6-12 for $19.95, under 5 free

Main course options: 16 USDA Prime cuts of beef, lamb, pork and chicken

Address: 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Unit B-6, (The Village at Wexford), Hilton Head

Phone: 843-715-3565

The deal: Details not available

Address: 8 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-785-9277

The deal: Two course menu for two people plus 90-minute standard simulator rental for $99 (additional $19 per person for menu up to four people)

Main course options: Hawaiian flatbread, shrimp scampi, shrimp pomodoro, pasta and meatballs, or chicken parmesan

Address: 59A New Orleans Road, Hilton Head

Phone: 833-987-GOLF

The deal: Three courses for $35

Main course options: Crabmeat-stuffed jumbo shrimp, chicken alfredo pasta, grilled salmon or Southwestern New York strip

Address: 104 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head (Jarvis Creek); 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head (Harbour Town)

Phone: 843-681-5021 (Jarvis Creek) or 843-363-2722 (Harbour Town)

The deal: Three courses for $35

Main course options: Blackened Carolina catfish, seafood pasta, Carolina shrimp and polenta or Cast Net (shrimp, oysters and flounder)

Address: 11 Simmons Road, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-842-2267

The deal: Two courses for $25

Main course options: Shrimp and chicken gumbo, fried shrimp platter or Lowcountry boil

Address: 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-342-3474

The deal: Details not available

Address: 1301 Main St., Hilton Head, or 26 Discovery Drive, Bluffton

Phone: 843-682-4455 (Hilton Head) or 843-767-3423 (Bluffton)

The deal: Details not available

Address: 50 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-785-4144

The deal: Details not available

Address: 430 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-802-2424

The deal: $3 fat reduction donut shots and $2 off shake and tea combo

Address: 841 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-298-3169

The deal: $3 margaritas

Address: 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite J6, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-842-5282

The deal: Three courses for $39.99 (includes entertainment fee)

Main course options: KOB Surf and Turf, Queen’s Half Rack Baby Back Ribs, Johnny Cash Ring of Fire Salmon or “Glades Night” Chicken and Waffles

Address: 19 Dunnagans Alley, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-686-2868

The deal: Any 10-inch classic pie and salad for $16, two 10-inch classic pies for $17, or any 16-inch classic or featured pie and appetizer for $26

Address: 55 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head; 15 State of Mind St., Bluffton

Phone: 843-842-7437 (Hilton Head) or 843-837-7437 (Bluffton)

The deal: Three courses for $39

Main course options: North Carolina brook trout, fried chicken, shepherd’s pie, pappardelle pasta

Address: 841 William Hilton Parkway, Unit A, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-715-3215

The deal: Three courses for $42

Main course options: Ravioli di aragosta, gnocchi di patate alla boscaiola, vitello alla saltimbocca, cotolettoa di maiale or salmone con pistachio

Address: 37 Orleans Road, Suite L, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-785-6272

The deal: Three courses for $35

Main course options: Farmstand bowl, shrimp and grits, Dr. Joe’s Duck Hash, Coastal Hospitality Burger or pan-roasted salmon

Address: 35 Office Park Road, Hilton Head, or 207 Bluffton Road, Bluffton

Phone: 843-682-2337 (Hilton Head) or 843-706-2337 (Bluffton)

The deal: Three courses for $30

Main course options: Salmon Oscar, potato-encrusted flounder, Greek pork loin, honey pecan triggerfish, butchers flat iron steak or brisket bolognese

Address: 9 Park Lane, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-686-2920

The deal: Three courses for $39.50; add Veneto wine flight for $29

Main course options: Ravioli all ‘aragosta, costatelle di vitello, branzino puttanesca or cotoletta di pollo alla parmigiana

Address: 18 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-715-2172

The deal: Four courses for $35

Main course options: Chef’s daily catch, dayboat scallops, curried shrimp pasta, petite filet mignon or smoked pork ribeye

Address: 101 Marshland Road, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-681-6040

The deal: Details not available

Address: 1 Greenwood Drive, Suite 7A, Hilton Head, or 104 Buckwalter Parkway, Suite 1A, (in Berkeley Place), Bluffton

Phone: 843-682-6262 (Hilton Head) or 843-816-6262 (Bluffton)

The deal: Three courses for $30

Main course options: 16-ounce bone-in pork chop, seared fish or crispy BBQ tofu

Address: 1 South Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head (at Beach House)

Phone: 843-785-2900

The deal: Three courses for $38

Main course options: Seared swordfish, veal osso bucco or pesto tortellini

Address: 38 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 121, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-341-3838

The deal: Three courses for $29.99

Main course options: Chicken Milanese, Guinness slow-roasted beef short ribs or herb-butter roasted grouper

Address: 7D Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-842-4414

The deal: Three courses for $30

Main course options: Outrageous Chimichanga, burrito, blackened mahi, pork chop verde or stuffed portabella

Address: 807 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 700, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-785-3838

The deal: Three courses for $40

Main course options: Sauteed cod, grilled mahi mahi, Low Country kebabs, Mediterranean salmon, shrimp and grits, chicken with cranberry buerre blanc or grilled pork loin chop

Address: 807 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 1000, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-785-9990

The deal: Three courses for $30; takeout meal serves two

Main course options: Classic chicken pot pie, filet mignon pot pie, lasagna

Address: 12 Capital Drive, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-682-3663

The deal: Details not available

Address: 397 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-681-3663

The deal: Details not available

Address: 2 Hudson Road, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-785-3625

The deal: Three courses for $28

Main course options: Half rack of ribs, chicken and ribs, Butt & Bones or grilled salmon

Address: 34 Palmetto Bay Road, Hilton Head

Phone: 843-842-4227

The deal: Four courses for $30 or four courses for $38

Main course options: Veal Verona, chicken pancetta, flounder piccata, Naples style snapper, shrimp pesto tortellini or veal saltimbocca

Address: 15 Executive Park Road, Hilton Head

Phone: 845-785-7006

The deal: Three courses for $29 or three courses for $35

Main course options: Carne asada, coastal shrimp, Grande Plato, salmon, chicken fajitas, chimichanga, Tio’s Burrito or ropa vieja/roasted pork

Address: 40 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 181, Hilton Head; and 7 Venture Drive #106, Bluffton

Phone: 843-842-8467 (Hilton Head) or 843-757-8467 (Bluffton)

The deal: $8 burger and fries

Burger options: Classic Tavern burger, mushroom Swiss burger, bacon cheeseburger or black and bleu

Address: 13 Harbourside Lane (in Shelter Cove Marina), Hilton Head

Phone: 843-785-5600

The deal: Three courses for $40

Main course options: Chicken cordon bleu, shrimp and crab scampi, hanger steak frites or vegetarian perloo

Address: 1513 Main St., Hilton Head

Phone: 843-842-8866

An apartment complex in Bluffton has submitted a request to pull out of a federal affordable housing program, causing renters to fear they soon would be evicted.

Hallmark White Oak Apartments on Haigler Boulevard is eligible to begin raising rents for incoming tenants on Jan. 5, while existing renters are safe for three more years.

But the process has caused panic and confusion among renters, none of whom wanted to talk on the record and many who do not speak English.

“I think the whole thing is that we don’t even know what’s going on, and this is our job to try to figure it out,” said Danielle Dekruif with Bluffton Self Help, a non-profit that works to provide basic needs and financial support to the community. “Now imagine what it’s like for people who are working two jobs, raising the family or their car breaks down and they have 10 other things that they are worried about that day, and they have no clue.”

The property submitted a letter a year ago asking to exit the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, which provides property owners with a federal income tax credit to create and maintain affordable housing. It must wait three more years before it can get out.

A spokesperson for Hallmark White Oak said owners had no immediate comment on why they chose to exit the program.

But developers in general may want to leave the program if they think they can make more money by foregoing the tax credit and raising their rates instead, according to Bluffton Self Help CEO Courtney Hampson.

“We have increased our emergency financial assistance budget next year, just in preparation for the fact that people may be displaced,” Hampson said. “I don’t know for sure that they will be [evicted], but if they are, we want to be prepared.”

Since the federal program’s inception in 1986, at least 10 properties in Beaufort County have left the program and 12 more are eligible to begin the process, according to SC Housing spokesperson Matt McColl. SC Housing is a state agency that manages housing-related federally funded programs.

Currently there are 75 people in Beaufort County who receive Section 8 vouchers. Hallmark White Oak Apartments has 72 units available for low-income families and all are full.

The action by the Bluffton apartment complex comes at a time when affordable housing for low-income tenants in Beaufort County is already scarce.

Last summer, nearly 300 residents of Chimney Cove on Hilton Head came home to find eviction notices taped to their doors with the majority asked to leave within a month. Those evictions were later delayed but it renewed urgency about the need for affordable housing across the region.

Developments like Chimney Cove — one of the few affordable housing complexes on Hilton Head — are not bound by the same regulations as those in the low-income tax credit program, which is designed to protect low-income renters.

But the process to leave the program is complicated.

Housing developments that participate in the federal program can leave after 15 years through something called the qualified contract process. Upon notifying the program of their intention to leave, it can actually take four years to fully exit. But one year after notification, the complex can begin raising rents for new tenants.

When developments get out of the program, it narrows options available for affordable housing and low-income renters. Currently, there are 12 other housing developments in the program that are eligible to begin the exit process and 18 that are ineligible.

One woman who moved to Hilton Head in 2000 has lived at the 90 Dillion Apartments on Hilton Head for 12 years. It is one of the places that’s ineligible to begin the process of getting out.

She explained the affordable housing program allows her to have a manageable rent, which she pays with the money she earns cleaning houses, and peace of mind that she won’t be evicted.

“I have no complaints,” said the Spanish-speaking tenant, who asked that her name not be used. “I have nothing bad to say. When something breaks they fix it. It’s good rent and a good location.”

Earlier this year, the tenant had serious health issues and underwent surgery. This was the only three-month period since she moved from Miami to Hilton Head in 2000 she needed, and received, help paying rent from the Deep Well Project.

Deep Well Project Executive Director Sandy Gillis said affordable housing strengthens the community by providing essential workers a place to live.

“From a worker standpoint, it’s such a good market to be in where jobs are plentiful and pay well,” she said. “The Achilles heel is the housing piece of it. You can work here, but where are you going to live?”

Developments in the low-income tax credit program must accept Section 8 vouchers, which provide government subsidies for rent for low-income people, and cannot discriminate against voucher families. However, once they fully exit the program, these regulations no longer apply.

It takes four years from when an owner requests to start the qualified contract process to when they are fully unbound from price control requirements.

To exit the LIHTC program through the qualified contract process, owners must be willing to sell their property. They request SC Housing find someone else willing to operate the development as a qualified low-income property.

After 14 years in the program, the owner can apply to start this process, then SC Housing lists the property on its website and markets the property by mass email to potential buyers.

When asked whether they’re normally able to sell the property, McColl said, “Typically, no.” If sold, the new owner carries out the 30-year LIHTC compliance period.

If SC Housing can’t find a new owner in one year, the current owner is allowed to raise rent to market rates three years later. For Hallmark White Oak Apartments, that would be Jan. 5, 2026.

However, that restriction doesn’t apply to any currently vacant units or units that become vacant during the three-year period. Any vacant units that are filled in the three-year period can be charged market rate rents.

“The unit is only vacant if the tenant moves out of the unit,” McColl said. “Keep in mind at lease renewal, the owner (or) landlord can increase the rents as long as the sum of rent plus utilities does not exceed the tax credit maximum rent limit. The unit must remain rent restricted until the tenant moves out the unit.”

Property owners in the program must accept Section 8 voucher tenants and cannot discriminate against voucher families during the three-year period.

The owner is only required to inform tenants they intend to raise their rent 30 days prior, in accordance with the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Thirty days isn’t enough time, especially for people who are already struggling day-to-day, according to Hampson.

“The short answer is, no, 30 days is not enough,” Hampson said. “But I don’t know how we fix the system and that’s what’s so frustrating. This is a system.”

Affordable housing targets those making 80% or less of the median family income for Beaufort County, which is $69,350 or less for a family of four.

“They don’t know that it’s coming. No one’s telling them and they don’t know what to even look out (or) where or how to begin,” said Dekruif, who is the marketing and communications manager for Bluffton Self Help. “(They) may not even have access to a computer or have digital literacy skills. So I mean, that’s the confusing, scary part.”

Gillies said it is particularly concerning if leases are 30-days. Before the Deep Well project offers their help, they ask for a copy of a client’s lease. At the 90 Dillion Apartments on Hilton Head, they noticed leases were being switched from yearly to monthly at renewal.

“As soon as we started realizing that a lot of these leases were every 30 days, we’re just having a conversation with clients ... to make sure that they understand what a tenuous position that puts them,” Gillies said. “Of course, the way I think it gets presented to them is that if they want to leave or choose to leave, they only have to give 30 day notice. They’re not locked in.”

But monthly leases also give developments more flexibility to raise rent. Even if the apartment is rent controlled, developments can raise rent so long as it doesn’t exceed the tax credit maximum rent limit.

SC Housing’s compliance monitoring department does annual audits of LIHTC properties to ensure they’re following to program’s guidelines, McColl said. If they have issues, tenants can contact SC Housing’s compliance monitoring department.

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This story was originally published December 25, 2022 5:00 AM.

If you don’t have a New Year’s resolution locked in yet, here’s a fun one to consider: Try some of Beaufort County’s newest restaurants in the coming year.

We’ve put together a list of suggestions to get you started. This list is not meant to be comprehensive but includes highlights and places that have generated some buzz on social media.

With options such as steaks or seafood for date night, a fun brunch with a group of friends, or fast-casual takeout for the family, there’s something for everyone.

Here are 13 of the restaurants that opened in 2022:

NECTAR FARM KITCHEN BLUFFTON

Modern Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch and supper; a SERG restaurant with a location on Hilton Head

OLDE SCHOOLHOUSE RESTAURANT

Traditional Southern breakfast and lunch in a historic building; known for generous portions

KYRA

Italian and Mediterranean fusion with lunch and dinner menus

QUARTERDECK

Seafood menu with seating overlooking the Calibogue Sound; next to the Harbour Town lighthouse in Sea Pines

MAMA G’S PIZZA

CRAVE STATION

Food hall-style space offering pizzas, burgers, sushi and Asian-style bowls, and ice cream

JAH’LION GRILL AND BAR

Authentic Caribbean cuisine in a sports bar atmosphere

PARIS BAGUETTE

CELESTE COASTAL CUISINE

Cajun- and Creole-influenced menu with fresh, local seafood plus steaks and oysters

JINYA RAMEN BAR

Slow-cooked, customizable ramen and Asian salads and small plates; vegetarian options

KIND OF BLUE

BOWDIE’S CHOPHOUSE

Upscale steakhouse with extensive menu of cocktails and wine; wine lockers available

CAVA

Healthy fast-casual Mediterranean

This story was originally published December 29, 2022 2:47 PM.

A new beer garden and restaurant complex is opening soon on Hilton Head’s south end.

The Bank will be located in the former Bank of America building at 59 Pope Ave. It is expected to open in the spring, according to a news release from Watterson Brands.

In addition to the beer garden, the 17,000-square-foot building also will house a brewery — Side Hustle Beer Co. — and four restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating, a family zone, a band shell and a merchandise shop.

Side Hustle Beer Co. is currently the smallest craft brewery in South Carolina. The current 21 Side Hustle craft brews were created by brewer Lee Holyoak and his wife Emily, along with original founders Mike Palmieri and Faith Seiders, as a “side hustle” turned career in early 2021.

L.J. Bush, co-owner of Side Hustle Beer Co. and founder of the youth mentorship program Changing Our Image Now, and Billy Watterson, CEO of Watterson Brands, have been collaborating on The Bank project since they acquired the brewery in November 2021. Side Hustle’s current location on Arrow Road will transition to a new adult beverage venue; details have not been made public.

Dining options at The Bank will be Taco Bills, Bank Burgers, Pizza Co. and Benjamin’s seafood truck.

Taco Bills and Bank Burgers are concepts from Marshall Sampson and Bill Alberts, co-owners of Santa Fe Cafe on Hilton Head. Sampson also owns Pizza Co., which has a location next to Watterson’s Burnt Church Distillery in Bluffton.

Additional beverage and dining options will be located on the exterior of the main building to provide customers an enhanced experience, the news release says.

“Music, storytelling and food are pillars of the Lowcountry experience, and we’re proud to offer this, and more, year-round,” said Bush in the news release. “Additionally, we plan to have trivia nights and other fun activities, and we will be the venue to watch sports on the island.”

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

The business represents a $13 million investment. Hiring for 100 positions is expected to begin in February. Those interested in learning more can visit www.thebankhhi.com.

Last April, Watterson Brands purchased the former Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette building on Buck Island Road in Bluffton.

Watterson is also behind the proposed redevelopment of the former Pepper’s Porch location in Old Town Bluffton into Ma Daisy’s restaurant and a Gullah Heritage Center with Bluffton Town Councilwoman Bridgette Frazier.

How do you want to greet the New Year?

The Beaufort County area has plenty of options for those looking to end 2022 on a high note and usher in 2023 in style — whatever yours might be.

From events that recommend partiers don fully-lined fringe and embellished beads in homage to the roaring ‘20s to those that only wish guests come with the appetite for an all-you-can eat buffet, there’s something for everyone.

Roaring ‘20s New Year’s Eve at Revolution Ballroom

9 p.m. until midnight at the Revolution Ballroom in Beaufort.

Tickets can be purchased online for $55.

Dress up in 1920s attire for this event, which includes dancing, desserts, hors d’oeuvres and champagne.

For more information call 843-338-2870.

New Year’s Eve Crab Pot Drop at the Old Town Dispensary

Celebrate the new year at this event featuring DJ Tanz from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Old Town Dispensary on Calhoun Street.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance for $15 or at the door for $20.

For more information, call 843-837-1893.

NYE Party on Daufuskie

8 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. at the Old Daufuskie Crab Company Restaurant located in the Freeport Marina.

Tickets can be purchased online for $100 and include an all-you-can-eat and drink Lowcountry taco bar.

For more information, call 843-342-8687 or email [email protected].

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Harbour Town

6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Harbour Town in Sea Pines.

A visitor pass to enter Sea Pines is $9 per vehicle. Enjoy food, fun, entertainment and live music throughout Harbour Town, then count down the ball drop from the top of the lighthouse. There will be two drops: 7 p.m. and midnight, and the event will be live streamed.

For more information, call (843) 842-1979.

New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Omni

There will be a special four-course meal starting at 6 p.m. at HH Prime, located at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort on Ocean Lane. An after-party follows with live music from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and a balloon drop at XO Sports & Spirits.

Ages 18 and up after 8 p.m. The meal is $106, and a $20 cover for the party is waived for those dining first.

For more information, call 843-842-8000.

Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort

9 p.m. to midnight at 40 Folly Field Road.

Guests can reserve dinner for $50, not including the CocoNutz Sportz Bar cash bar. Reservations must be made before Dec. 30.

For those who just want to listen to live music without dinner, tickets are $20 with a complimentary glass of champagne.

For more information, call 843-842-0043.

Brother Shucker’s Hilton Head

The event is free with drinks and food available for purchase from the kitchen until midnight.

Live music from musician Bobby Lee and band Patrick and the Starfish will rotate throughout the night.

For more information, call 843-785-7000.

New Year’s Eve Disco Bash at the Rooftop Bar at Poseidon

7 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Rooftop Bar at Poseidon on Hilton Head in Shelter Cove.

For those 21 and up, general admission is $20 with complimentary glass of champagne, and reserved tables and VIP booths are available. Tickets can be purchased online.

There will be three DJs playing modern music, and the bar encourages guest to wear “their best Nu-Disco.”

Know of other parties going on in Beaufort County? Email [email protected] to be added.

This story was originally published December 28, 2022 12:03 PM.