After 14 Years, Famed Fat Hen Retires to Make Way for New Minero

French/Southern restaurant Fat Hen has been a pillar of the Johns Island food scene since 2007, but now chef Fred Neuville says it’s time to retire. In a Facebook post written last night, Neuville writes, “Joan [his wife] and I would like to thank our family, friends and community for the tremendous support over our 14 years of owning and operating Fat Hen! But we have sold the business and land and will be enjoying our next adventure in retirement! Thanks again!” An outpouring from former employees and fans followed.

The last day of service for Fat Hen will be Saturday, April 26.

This morning, Neighborhood Dining Group (NDG), of Husk and Husk Barbecue in Greenville, South Carolina, announced that it would bring back its Mexican concept Minero to the former Fat Hen address at 3140 Maybank Highway.

The downtown location of Minero shuttered in April 2020. Minero started under chef Sean Brock and became known for its Southern-meets-Mexican fare, like Valentina-soaked wings, fried catfish tacos, and benne seed salsa. Brock later left the NDG group to pursue new opportunities in Nashville.

The Johns Island location of Minero was already planned last year, but NDG halted it because of the pandemic. In a press release, NDG President David Howard says, “We’re excited to resume plans for this improved location in an even bigger and better way than we had originally thought. We can’t wait to serve the community on Johns Island and bring Minero back to the Charleston area.”

NGD plans to open the Johns Island Minero later this summer.

• Fat Hen [Facebook]
• All Minero Coverage [ECAR]
• The Last of the McCrady’s Legend Shuts Down [ECAR]