John Lewis’ Tex Mex Eatery Moves Closer To Opening, Gets A Name

You already knew that pitmaster John Lewis at his eponymous Nassau Street restaurant Lewis Barbecue was a fan of Tex Mex (but lamented the relative absence of it on Charleston’s food scene, taking it upon himself to offer it up at Tex Mex Tuesdays). And you likely knew that he’s beefing up the city’s Tex Mex options by opening a stand in fancy forthcoming food court Workshop by Butcher & Bee, slated to open downtown this spring with a variety of chef-driven eating options.

Now, more details are seeping out about Lewis’ plans — it has a name, for one: Juan Luis (a play on Lewis’ name).

The stand isn’t just Lewis’ work: he’s working with Lewis Barbecue partner and GM Ben Garbee, and ex-Scarecrow + Feathertop chef Ray England. Food-wise, expect flavors drawn from both Lewis’ childhood in El Paso, TX, as well as his time in New Mexico: boldness and spice, in the form of puffy tacos, enchiladas, and burritos — and obviously from such a hit pitmaster, a solid take on meat.

When it opens, Juan Lewis will be a seven-day operation from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday). To get you in the mood, here are some gratuitous pics of Lewis’ Tex Mex dishes.

Grid View

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