James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Brock has expanded his Nashville, Tennessee-based fast-casual restaurant Joyland to Charleston. Recently opened, Joyland is located on Calhoun Street, previously where Hero Doughnuts used to operate.

Joyland takes inspiration from classic fast-food restaurants, aiming to blend nostalgia with a modern approach. The concept was first introduced in East Nashville in 2020.

The Charleston location offers a menu similar to its flagship, featuring items like the original crustburger, a unique take on a smashburger and the Joystick, a handheld dish combining Japanese kushikatsu with Southern-style fried chicken-on-a-stick. Pro tip: There's also gluten-free options. The drink selection features local beer, sparkling options, nitro cold brew, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic milkshakes.

Are you ready to try Joyland's famous crustburger? | Photo by Angie Mosier

The restaurant includes a covered patio with seating for 24 guests and an indoor dining area for 28. A full-service bar is also available.

Brock’s connection to Charleston

For over a decade, Brock served as the chef and partner of the former fine dining restaurant McCrady’s and was the Executive Chef of Husk from its opening in 2010 until 2018. He also led the kitchen at Minero before leaving the area for Nashville.

Last year, at the inaugural Food & Wine Classic, he returned to the Lowcountry and announced plans to bring the Joyland concept to Charleston.

Joyland Charleston is open Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and until 12 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.