Heather Greene
Founder
Five Questions with Heather
1. Lillian’s feels incredibly personal. What inspired you to create it?
I was inspired by the space first. There was something special about this little corner of the neighborhood. So much history had already lived within those walls, and I felt a responsibility to honor it while creating something new.
But the bigger inspiration was finally trusting my instincts. I’d spent years helping bring other people’s visions to life. Lillian’s was the first place where I gave myself permission to stop worrying about what a restaurant should be and create one that reflected who I am, what I believe in, and the kind of community I wanted to build.
I wanted a place where hospitality came first, local farmers and small businesses were celebrated, neighbors could gather, and our team was trusted to bring their own personalities and talents to the table.
Ultimately, I wanted Lillian’s to be a place where our guests, our team, and our neighborhood all feel like they belong.
2. What does true hospitality mean to you?
To me, true hospitality isn’t something you see. It’s something you feel.
I learned hospitality long before I ever worked in a restaurant. My grandparents and parents lived it every day. They paid attention to the smallest details, stocked their pantry with friends’ and family’s favorite foods in case they stopped by, took care of their neighbors, and made everyone feel welcome.
At the time, I didn’t realize those moments were teaching me what hospitality meant. Caring for others wasn’t something special. It was simply how we lived.
That’s the feeling I hope we create at Lillian’s. Remembering someone’s favorite table or drink. Noticing the little things. Making people feel genuinely welcome while giving them the space to enjoy the people they came with.
3. Why is supporting local so important to you?
I come from a family of farmers, ranchers, and the people who supported them. I know how hard it is to make a living from the land, and I understand the challenges small businesses face.
Charleston is special because of the people who pour their hearts into it. Whenever we can, we choose local growers, fishermen, ranchers, makers, and fellow small businesses because I believe strong communities are built when we invest in one another.
4. Why was it important for Lillian’s to be more than a dinner restaurant?
If we truly wanted to become the neighborhood’s gathering place, we needed to be part of people’s everyday lives, not just their special occasions.
I love seeing the same faces throughout the day. Someone might grab coffee in the morning, meet a friend for lunch, stop in for Happy Hour, and return for dinner another week. Lillian’s evolves as the day evolves, and we hope there’s always a reason to stop by.
5. What do you hope Lillian’s means to the neighborhood years from now?
I hope Lillian’s becomes one of those places that’s woven into people’s lives.
Life moves quickly. I hope Lillian’s can be a constant where people know they’re welcome, where traditions are created, and where every visit feels a little like coming home.
Five Rapid Fire Questions
Coffee or wine? Wine.
Favorite local business to support besides Lillian’s? GrowFood Carolina.
What’s always in your market basket? Milk.
Favorite Charleston afternoon? Outside. Give me a patio, good company, something delicious to eat, and a glass of wine, and I’m happy.
The best neighborhood restaurants are… Welcoming.