Hilton Head Island, SC, February 17, 2026
The historic Bank of America building at 59 Pope Avenue has been revitalized into The Bank, Hilton Head’s Beer Garden, following a $13 million investment. This transformation showcases local entrepreneurial spirit while fostering economic growth by creating jobs and attracting visitors. The venue offers diverse dining options and entertainment for all ages, establishing itself as a key player in the island’s community and economic landscape.
Hilton Head’s Old Bank Transformed: A Hub for Craft, Cuisine, and Community
A $13 million investment revitalizes a historic bank building into The Bank, Hilton Head’s Beer Garden, showcasing local entrepreneurial spirit and fostering significant economic growth.
Hilton Head Island is a community continually shaped by the visionary spirit of its entrepreneurs and the strategic investments of its local businesses. The transformation of disused spaces into vibrant new centers of commerce and community life stands as a testament to the power of private initiative and resourceful innovation. This trend not only preserves the unique character of our island but also breathes new economic vitality into neighborhoods. One compelling example of this entrepreneurial determination is the metamorphosis of a former financial institution into what is now known as The Bank, Hilton Head’s Beer Garden, a project that has rapidly become a cornerstone of local entertainment and dining.
The establishment of The Bank exemplifies how targeted private investment can stimulate robust economic growth and create new opportunities within the Beaufort County economy. By repurposing an existing structure, developers have not only conserved resources but have also cultivated a dynamic destination that draws both residents and visitors, reinforcing the island’s appeal as a premier Lowcountry experience. This venture underscores the benefits of a business environment where ingenuity is encouraged, and private capital is empowered to drive community enrichment.
The Visionary Transformation of 59 Pope Avenue
What was once a traditional bank building at 59 Pope Avenue on Hilton Head Island has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as The Bank, Hilton Head’s Beer Garden. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Watterson Brands, represented a significant $13 million investment in the island’s south end. The extensive renovation converted the 17,000 square-foot former Bank of America building into a sprawling 72,000 square-foot brewery, beer garden, and restaurant complex. The facility officially celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on June 7, 2023, fulfilling earlier announcements from January 2023 that anticipated an opening later that spring.
Side Hustle Brewing: A Story of Local Craft and Growth
At the heart of The Bank’s beverage offerings is Side Hustle Brewing Company, which serves as the mainstay brewery for the complex. This partnership underscores a narrative of local entrepreneurial achievement, as Side Hustle Brewing Company, initially a smaller operation located on Arrow Road in Hilton Head, was acquired by Watterson Brands in November 2021. The move to The Bank provided the brewery with significantly more space and visibility to produce its craft beers. Side Hustle Brewing Company itself embodies the spirit of dedication, celebrating individuals who go above and beyond for their “side hustle,” turning passion into a successful career.
A Diverse Culinary and Entertainment Destination
The Bank, Hilton Head’s Beer Garden, offers a comprehensive dining and entertainment experience, adopting a “food hall” style with multiple distinct dining options. Guests can choose from a variety of culinary delights including Mo’ Money Tacos, Bank Heist Burgers, and wood-fired pizzas from Pizza Co. Complementing these are offerings from outdoor food trucks such as All About the Benjamins Seafood, Ben Franks Gourmet Dogs & Brats, and Dollar Billy’s Ice Cream & Treats, alongside gourmet pub fare like loaded nachos and pretzels with beer cheese. For beverages, the complex features over 20 craft beers on tap from Side Hustle Brewing Co. and 10 canned options, with wine and mixed drinks also available. An outdoor Armored Bar further expands the options, serving craft or domestic beer, signature cocktails, and wine.
Beyond its culinary offerings, The Bank is designed as a premier entertainment venue for all ages. It features a dedicated Family Zone, ensuring a welcoming environment for children within a bordered play area, adjacent to outdoor games like cornhole, giant Connect 4, chess, beer pong, and Jenga. Live music is regularly hosted on its entertainment stage, alongside trivia nights and themed events, creating a dynamic social atmosphere. Unique attractions include a Cigar and Whiskey Lounge for adults and “The Vault,” a merchandise shop located within the bank’s original vault. The venue is also equipped with LED screens and a jumbotron, making it an ideal spot for game days. Convenience is further enhanced by ample parking for over 100 bikes and 100 automobiles, and its location at Public Trolley stop #10 for The Breeze. The Bank is open seven days a week, providing continuous opportunities for enjoyment.
Catalyst for Hilton Head Economic Growth
The development of The Bank, Hilton Head’s Beer Garden, represents a significant boost to the Hilton Head economic growth. The $13 million private investment by Watterson Brands not only transformed an underutilized building but also created an estimated 100 new full-time and part-time positions, ranging from hosts to a general manager. This influx of jobs and capital is expected to inject millions back into the local economy, strengthening the overall Beaufort County economy. Moreover, the project prioritizes local vendors for merchandise production, marketing, and credit card transactions, fostering a supportive ecosystem for Hilton Head small business owners. The success of ventures like The Bank underscores the importance of private sector initiative in driving job creation and stimulating local commerce, contributing to the broader economic resilience of the area. Nationwide, adaptive reuse projects are known for creating jobs and stimulating local economies by demanding specialized labor and attracting new businesses to an area.
Adaptive Reuse: A Model for Sustainable Development
The transformation of a former bank into a bustling beer garden exemplifies the benefits of adaptive reuse, a sustainable architectural approach that repurposes existing structures for new uses. This strategy is not only environmentally conscious but also economically advantageous, aligning with principles that favor efficient resource management and community preservation. By utilizing the existing bank building, the project avoided the demolition costs and environmental impact associated with new construction, demonstrating a commitment to responsible development.
Adaptive reuse projects Nationwide offer numerous benefits, including cost savings on construction, reduced environmental impact, and the preservation of historical and cultural resources. They can significantly enhance property values in revitalized neighborhoods and attract further investment, generating higher tax revenues for local governments. The Bank serves as a compelling model for future Hilton Head SC business projects, illustrating how thoughtful redevelopment can honor a community’s past while innovating for its future, creating vibrant spaces that foster social and economic revitalization.
The Bank, Hilton Head’s Beer Garden, stands as a prime example of how entrepreneurial vision and private investment can revitalize a community asset, creating jobs, fostering economic growth, and providing a dynamic new gathering place for Hilton Head Island. Its journey from a financial institution to a thriving entertainment and dining hub showcases the power of local initiative and strategic development. We encourage everyone to experience this unique destination and support the ingenuity that continues to shape the Hilton Head SC business landscape. Engaging with and supporting such local ventures is crucial for sustaining the economic vitality and community spirit that make Hilton Head a truly special place.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Bank, Hilton Head’s Beer Garden
- What is The Bank, Hilton Head’s Beer Garden?
- The Bank, Hilton Head’s Beer Garden, is a brewery, beer garden, and restaurant complex located on Hilton Head Island, SC, transformed from a former bank building.
- Where is The Bank located?
- The Bank is located at 59 Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island, SC, just before Coligny Plaza.
- What was the building before it became The Bank?
- The building at 59 Pope Avenue was previously a Bank of America building.
- When did The Bank officially open?
- The Bank officially opened with a ribbon cutting on June 7, 2023.
- What types of food and drinks are available at The Bank?
- The Bank offers a variety of food options including Mo’ Money Tacos, Bank Heist Burgers, and wood-fired pizzas from Pizza Co., along with offerings from food trucks like All About the Benjamins Seafood, Ben Franks Gourmet Dogs & Brats, and Dollar Billy’s Ice Cream & Treats. It features over 20 craft beers on tap from Side Hustle Brewing Co., 10 canned options, wine, and mixed drinks.
- Is The Bank family-friendly?
- Yes, The Bank is family-friendly and includes a dedicated Family Zone and outdoor games like cornhole, giant Connect 4, chess, beer pong, and Jenga.
- What economic impact has The Bank had on Hilton Head Island?
- The Bank involved a $13 million private investment and created an estimated 100 new full-time and part-time positions. It is expected to inject millions back into the local economy and prioritizes local vendors.
Key Features of The Bank, Hilton Head’s Beer Garden
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 59 Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island, SC, near Coligny Plaza. |
| Former Use | Bank of America building. |
| Current Use | Brewery, beer garden, and restaurant complex with indoor and outdoor spaces. |
| Investment | $13 million by Watterson Brands. |
| Official Opening | June 7, 2023. |
| Size | 72,000 square-foot complex. |
| Main Brewery | Side Hustle Brewing Company, offering over 20 craft beers on tap. |
| Dining Options (Food Hall) | Mo’ Money Tacos, Bank Heist Burgers, Pizza Co., All About the Benjamins Seafood, Ben Franks Gourmet Dogs & Brats, Dollar Billy’s Ice Cream & Treats. |
| Other Beverages | Wine and mixed drinks, 10 canned beer options, signature cocktails at the Armored Bar. |
| Entertainment | Live music, trivia nights, themed events, LED screens, jumbotron for game days. |
| Family-Friendly Amenities | Dedicated Family Zone, outdoor games (cornhole, giant Connect 4, chess, beer pong, Jenga). |
| Unique Features | Cigar and Whiskey Lounge, “The Vault” merchandise shop (in original bank vault), fire pits. |
| Economic Impact | Created an estimated 100 new jobs, expected to inject millions into the local economy, prioritizes local vendors. |
| Accessibility | Over 100 bike and automobile parking spots, located at Public Trolly stop #10. |
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Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
