Retailers, restaurants and other businesses are changing the commercial landscape in Bluffton and Hilton Head. Here’s the latest in new construction, renovations, relocations, closings and grand openings.

  • Carolina Realty of the Lowcountry. The grand opening and ribbon cutting of this real estate company was held April 15 by the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. John Aust opened his new Bluffton location next to Bluffton Pharmacy on Bluffton Road. The office serves clients throughout the region.
  • Jaz Management. A proposed shopping center at the intersection of U.S. 278 and Burnt Church Road by this Atlanta-based commercial developer will be anchored by Hobby Lobby, The Fresh Market and a PGA Tour Superstore.

Construction, which has not begun, is expected to be completed early in 2017. The three stores will occupy about 110,000 square feet of business space and might be joined by restaurants.

  • The Juice Hive & Health Emporium. The local chamber welcomed this new natural beverages, food and retail business to the community at a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony April 5. Located at 13B Johnston Way in Bluffton Village, The Juice Hive serves fresh, cold-press organic juices, smoothies and a variety of all-natural foods. Vitamins, honey and other health products are also available.
  • Coastal States Automotive Group. The owner of the New River Auto Mall in Hardeeville recently announced it has acquired franchise rights to Italian heavyweights Alfa Romeo and Maserati.
  • Vaden Nissan of Hilton Head and Infiniti of Hilton Head. Both dealerships will be moving from their New River Auto Mall locations to Buckwalter Business Park off U.S. 278 in Bluffton early next year.
  • Which Wich. This Dallas-based national franchise sandwich chain has opened in Belfair Towne Village, Bluffton. Its first location on Hilton Head Island opened last September. Customers can order from a menu of 52 custom-made sandwiches from 11 different meat, seafood and vegetarian categories, plus special toppings.
  • May River Excursions. Construc-tion is well underway at 81 Calhoun St. in Old Town Bluffton. Pearce Scott Architects designed the two-story building that will house this water adventure company founded in 2011.
  • Bluffton Self Storage. The first phase of this planned 76,800-square-foot facility has opened on Bluffton Parkway, according to developer Evans and Bradshaw, an affiliate of island-based Bradshaw Group. Standard storage and climatized space are available on the 4.2-acre site, as is outside parking for RVs, boats and trucks.
  • Grand Hilton Head Inn. The currently named Metropolitan Hotel on South Forest Beach Drive will be rebranded into this boutique hotel this summer. Light renovations are ongoing at the 78-room inn.
  • Captain Gillan’s. This waterfront seafood buffet and raw bar with seating for 400 at Shelter Cove Harbour re-opened last month. The remodeled restaurant, formerly called the Kingfisher, features a New England-style ambiance.
  • Miller Long Term Rentals. Keith Miller recently sold his real estate service company on the island to Henri Kirsten. Miller Long Term Rentals has provided professional services to owners and tenants in the Hilton Head and Bluffton areas since 2002.

The current team of administrative and licensed property managers, along with Miller, has been retained.

  • Zaxby’s. This Georgia-based franchise will hold a grand opening at 10 a.m. April 25 at The Village of Wexford on U.S. 278 (formerly Wendy’s) on Hilton Head. Chicken fingers, chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, onion rings, salads and appetizers headline the menu.
  • Local Pie. A ribbon-cutting ceremony March 14 marked the opening of this wood-fired pizza restaurant on New Orleans Road on the island. Chef Lee Lucier serves 15 specialty pies at lunch or dinner seven days a week.
  • Hickory Tavern. This Charlotte-based casual dining sports bar and restaurant opened March 16 at Shelter Cove Lane on the island, where Fuddruckers used to be.

The restaurant features sports bar favorites like wings and burgers along with an upscale menu that includes shrimp and grits, crab legs and lobster rolls.

  • Sea Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. The ground-breaking ceremony for this practice’s new office at 168 Bluffton Rd. was held recently. Dr. Shane Harpham leads his team.
  • Joe’s Jeans at Tanger 1 Outlet Center in Bluffton shut its doors at the end of March. Pandora, currently located at Tanger 2, is expected to move into the vacated space.
  • The Off Island Thrift store on U.S. 278 in Bluffton closed in February. Its Bluffton Parkway location remains open.

Do you have Bluffton or Hilton Head business news (new construction, relocations, expansions, openings, ownership changes, etc.) to share? Email information to www.leaftoo@live.com.

Dean Rowland is a veteran senior editor and freelance writer formerly living in Bluffton.