Super Foodie Bros.

Ah, brotherly love. It can be a tight knit bond that creates a doubly troublesome duo or friendly competitors bringing out the best in each other.

Lucky for us, Charleston has both. And when food is involved, it means a fiery kitchen and extra TLC on the plate. Whether it be the Hall brothers or the Broome brothers, downtown restaurant goers should be happy for that special sibling sauce.

Maintaining a close relationship and equally tightly run restaurant, are Tommy and Billy Hall of Hall’s Chophouse. The newest kids on the block are known for their wide tooth smiles and dedication to service. Having been in the restaurant and hotel business all of their lives, they credit their father with instilling in them a commitment to excellence from the start. They say their dad always had them doing something, from valet, to beach concierge to housekeeping.

Tommy first worked as a bar back at age 14, and before settling in Charleston, managed Del Frisco’s Steakhouse in Dallas for the past seven years. Billy also started young, but it was his career in sports that gives him that playful edge and drive to be the best.

The family-oriented duo work and live together and tease each other endlessly about everything. One of their favorite pranks is to mess with their father, who they describe as a “real old school, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin type of guy.”

“Every once in a while my brother and I will play with the music, put on some hipper stuff, and take bets on how long it takes the old man to start shaking his head,” laughed Tommy.

The Halls brothers aren’t the only ones getting the last laugh.

Joshua and Justin Broome house their own senses of humor at their respective restaurants, Mellow Mushroom and Fuel. The two have had a more competitive relationship since they were young and still can’t seem to resist a little friendly competition.

Joshua has been the managing partner at Mellow (which just opened its long anticipated rooftop patio) for the past two years. His background is in business and it’s with a pragmatic approach that he manages his foodie passion.

Justin, on the other hand, has a culinary background. The owner and chef of Fuel, he received his culinary degree from Johnson & Wales. His passion for food has culminated in one of Charleston’s more creative restaurant concepts – gas station turned hip retro hot spot.

In an industry where business savvy and culinary expertise go hand in hand, the Broomes can’t help but tease each other over their own areas of talent.

“He has more business experience than I do and I have more culinary experience than he does,” smiled Justin. “It’s fun to play that off each other.”

At the end of the day, though, each can be found enjoying himself at the other’s restaurant from time to time.

And when all is said and done, both the Halls and the Broomes can be found satiating Charleston foodies. At Hall’s Chophouse, Mellow or Fuel, these brothers make you feel like part of the family – jokes, smiles, great food and all.

Story and Photos by: Samantha Test