At 39 Rue de Jean, being family-oriented and committed to the local community isn’t just a tagline — it’s the fabric of how it operates. The John Street staple is celebrating 25 years of serving classic French brasserie fare and drinks to the Holy City and staying rooted in the local community.

Family tradition

Some of life's best things are passed down from generation to generation. That’s the case for two bartenders, Stephen "Smoak" Smoak and Andrew Tackitt, who helped open the French restaurant twenty-five years ago.

Smiling young people poses in a warmly lit brick restaurant, with a bar, hanging lights, and diners in the background, creating a friendly mood. — Ava is the daughter of former bartender Stephen (above photo, right). Drew is the son of former bartender Andrew (above photo, left). | Photo by Rue de Jean

Over the summer, Rue de Jean welcomed both of their kids. Talk about a full-circle moment — the pair worked in the same room as their dads. As kids, they used to sit on the bar while their fathers worked their shifts.

That’s proof that a restaurant can become more than a place to eat. It can become part of the community that built it.

Two chefs in white coats cook over pans at a busy restaurant grill, smiling as they work beneath a large stainless-steel hood. — Lowcountry talent is rooted and prevalent in the Rue de Jean kitchen.

Committed to local

Did you know both Executive Chef Letha McClary and Sous Chef Ashtin Stroud have Lowcountry connections?

McClary joined the restaurant in 2022 and previously served as sous chef. Born and raised about an hour and a half up the road in Kingstree, she pursued her passion for cooking at the Art Institute of Charleston, where she earned a degree in Culinary Arts.

Ashtin was born and raised in Charleston and says his dedication to and love of cooking began as a kid with his mom and has strengthened since joining the Rue de Jean back in 2020.

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