Our Dining Experience At This Unique And Historically Important Site In South Carolina
I’m always on the hunt for a new restaurant to try. And, either through targeted ads or searching, I recently stumbled onto Kounter restaurant Rock Hill. At the time, I knew nothing of the restaurant location’s history or anything else. I just knew the menu sounded amazing, and I wanted to try it soon. But, the phenomenal food was the tip of the iceberg compared to the history lesson we learned.
Kounter Restaurant Rock Hill And The Site’s History
For those unfamiliar with Kounter restaurant Rock Hill and the Main Street site that houses it, here’s a brief look at a significant moment in Civil Rights history. I had always heard of the ‘Friendship Nine.’ But, I didn’t realize the historical event surrounding the group took place in the very building where Kounter on Main street sits today.
The year was 1961, and a group of brave young African American students from nearby Friendship Junior College staged a sit-in at the segregated lunch counter at what was at the time McCrory’s Five and Dime. They ordered their food, at which time, they were promptly arrested and sentenced to a fine of $100 each or 30 days in jail. The ‘Friendship Nine’ chose jail.
The event caught national attention. And, inspired Rock Hill’s motto ‘No Room For Racism.’ In 2020, Chef Rob Masone leased the building and Kounter restaurant Rock Hill was born. The significance of the ‘Friendship Nine’ sit-in moved Masone and led to his vision to honor the historical moment. And today, the counter at Kounter, is the original pink formica counter where the gentlemen sat in 1961.
Furthermore, the chairs at the counter feature plaques engraved with the names of each of the ‘Friendship Nine.’ And, next door, guests can learn more about the important time in history at a type of museum dedicated to telling the story.
The Food At Kounter Restaurant Rock Hill
So, that’s why this spot is historically important. Now, let’s talk about how delicious the food is. We went for Sunday brunch. And, the menu is innovative, creative and utterly mouth-watering. Our party of 3 ordered different dishes and sampled from each other’s plates in order to try them all. And, there were still items we would have loved to order. Of course, we’ll be back and explore the lunch and dinner menu further!
But, I can say everything we ordered was outstanding. From the Shrimp and Grits with a unique twist of flash fried collards, to the Chicken and Waffles featuring light and crispy meringue whipped waffles to the creative Breakfast Nachos with Italian sausage gravy, pimento cheese grits and crispy wonton ‘chips,’ each bite was something to applaud.
Although this was our first experience at Kounter restaurant Rock Hill, it won’t be our last!
