History of the Kingfisher Restaurant

The Kingfish or Mackerel is one of the great sport fish of the Southeast. Paul Stephenson retired to Hilton Head Island in 1980, but he was not the retiring type. With his background in accounting and marketing and years of business experience running Stephenson Equipment in Harrisburg, PA, he began searching for something to occupy his time. He ran into Bill Jackson who's son-in-law, Geoff Fennessey was just graduating from culinary school.

Together, they and Paul's children started La Pola's restaurant. That was over twenty years ago. It wasn't long before word of the great food and excellent service spread.  Soon they outgrew their original location.

In 1991, the Commodore restaurant in Shelter Cove Harbour came up for sale. Paul, Bill, and their families purchased the restaurant and renamed it the Kingfisher. The cuisine shifted from Italian to seafood, steaks, and pasta, but the commitment to quality food and excellent service remained.

Sadly, Paul, Bill, and Geoff are gone, but the Stephenson family (Mark, Todd, Ann and Susan) continues to run the Kingfisher with the able assistance of Greg Vittetoe, General Manager, and great cooking of Jaime Glynn, Head Chef.

We hope you enjoy your visit on Hilton Head Island and make the Kingfisher one of your dinner destinations. After you stop in, please give us your impressions of your visit -- the food, the entertainment, the ambience, the service, and anything else you care to comment on. Your feedback will help us make your next visit even better. We'll even send you a 10% off coupon for taking the time.  (see the Contact Us menu tab)

Thanks,

The Stephenson Family - Mark, Todd, Ann and Susan