Kenny B’s opened on Hilton Head at the Pope Ave location in January 1999. The restaurant is owned and operated by husband and wife duo Ken and Lavern Ballard. While originally from Ohio, Ken is not a native Cajun but worked as a chef in New Orleans prior to relocating to Hilton Head. Ken and Lavern designed the concept at their kitchen table and over the last 25 years have been a staple for locals and visitors of Hilton Head looking for some cajun seafood. It is a true Mom and Pop restaurant where you order at the counter. Ken cooks in the kitchen and Lavern works the front of the house. After almost 25 years of business at the Pope Avenue location, Kenny B’s has crossed over the bridge and is now located in Bridge Center Shopping Center.

Kenny B’s has always been a family business as Ken and Lavern’s two sons Zach and Logan grew up in the restaurant. Despite both sons moving away to pursue their own careers and families, the business has always been a part of them.

A Kenny B’s story would not be complete with mentioning the bulldogs. Ken is an avid University of Georgia fan and that fandom is made known throughout the restaurant. However his love of the Dawgs also comes from his love of the animal and official mascot of Kenny B’s. Since opening its doors in 1999, Kenny B’s has had 3 bulldogs serve as the official mascot of Kenny B’s with the first being Bubba Gumbeaux. Following Gumbeaux, Chowder took the helm, and currently Beignet Bouchee is the restaurant mascot and he has even been featured onESPN’s College Gameday!