Annie O’s
Chef Stewart Coleman
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A Perfect Balance of Innovative and Familiar BY CHRISTY BARONI • PHOTO BY ROB KAUFMAN
Stepping in to Annie O’s is like showing up to a backyard cookout with your favorite friends. You are greeted by the warm smell of roasting meats, a friendly smile from the hostess, and a cold drink in a mason jar glass. Chef Stewart Coleman is making the vision of owner Jim Scully come alive. This is an unassuming place with a big innovative vision: fresh, natural, clean food available to you and your family at a price that is well worth the portion. Every single thing from their protein sources to the take-out containers reinforces their ecofriendly commitment. Additionally, their commitment to the island and the local community is shown on the menu where you will only find beers brewed right here in South Carolina. The twinkle in his eye and the excitement in his voice is evidence of Chef Stewart’s passion for making this vision a reality. And he’s seen enough of the back of the house to know when he’s part of something special. Stewart moved to the island in 1974 when he was just 4 years old. He spent his early childhood attending Montessori School on the beach and is a true product of the growing up and development of Hilton Head Island. He has grown right along with it. Stewart’s life changed forever as a junior in high school. This is the point where he started cooking and knew that his life purpose would be met through food. When he reflects back on this time he recognizes that his choices as a teen directed his career to this day. High school is a challenging time for anyone, and through many attempts to find a path forward he found himself working hard in the back of the house. He has happily stayed there ever since. He enjoyed 24
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