When a popular local restaurant has outdoor space with untapped potential, the right design can do much more than improve appearances. It can create room for guests to gather, dine, play and stay awhile.
Quality Hardscapes & Porch Masters recently completed a major commercial outdoor project at Okatie Ale House in Bluffton, South Carolina, transforming the property surrounding the restaurant and pond into a more functional, inviting outdoor destination.
Located on William Pope Drive, Okatie Ale House is known for its casual atmosphere, comfort food, live entertainment and sports-friendly setting. The newly improved outdoor areas extend that relaxed atmosphere beyond the restaurant itself.
Expanding the Outdoor Experience
One of the biggest elements of the project was the creation of an expansive waterfront deck and boardwalk along the pond.
The transformation occurred from the ground up, including new framing, decking and the construction of an outdoor pavilion. The finished space now wraps along the water, creating a natural connection between the restaurant’s existing outdoor areas and the newly developed patio.
The deck features clean-lined cable railing that preserves views of the water while giving the space a polished, contemporary Lowcountry look.
It’s a significant change from the original site and one that makes the pond feel like part of the restaurant experience instead of simply the property’s backdrop.
A New Outdoor Pavilion and Gathering Space
The project also included construction of a covered outdoor pavilion/bar area along the deck.
Positioned beside the water and connected directly to the restaurant’s outdoor seating areas, the structure helps define the expanded space and creates another focal point for guests.
For a restaurant where gathering, live entertainment and social events are already part of the atmosphere, creating additional outdoor spaces gives the property greater flexibility for everyday dining as well as special events.
A Patio Built for More Than Dining
A large open-air patio provides plenty of space for guests to move around and enjoy the outdoors.Â
Cornhole boards and high-top tables create an informal recreation area, while new landscaping with palms and other plantings softens the space and brings a distinctly Lowcountry feel to the finished project.
Rather than treating each element as a separate addition, the patio, landscaping, deck, pavilion and existing restaurant now work together as one connected outdoor environment.
The result is a space that feels intentional from the moment guests step outside.
Designed Around the Lowcountry Setting
Some of the most striking views of the completed project come from the new waterfront boardwalk.
The warm decking, cable railings, palm landscaping and reflections from the surrounding pond and pine trees create a setting that feels completely at home in the South Carolina Lowcountry.
And from above, the scale of the transformation becomes even clearer. The new outdoor area substantially expands the usable footprint of the restaurant, creating a large gathering space while making much better use of the waterfront edge of the property.
For a commercial outdoor project, that balance matters. The space needs to look good, but it also has to work hard.
Commercial Outdoor Construction in Bluffton, SC
Projects like Okatie Ale House demonstrate how thoughtful outdoor construction can change the way customers experience a commercial property.
Quality Hardscapes & Porch Masters works with both residential and commercial customers throughout Bluffton, Hilton Head Island and the surrounding Lowcountry, with services that include hardscapes, outdoor living spaces, porches, additions and other custom construction projects.
Whether you’re looking to expand a restaurant patio, add an outdoor gathering area, create new walkways and decking or rethink an underused portion of your commercial property, our team can help take the project from concept through completion.
Planning a Commercial Outdoor Project?
Quality Hardscapes & Porch Masters can help you create a commercial outdoor space designed for the way your business actually uses it.
Contact us today to discuss your project and request a free estimate.
Call 843-706-2202 or request an estimate online.