In spite of their ups and downs both on Southern Charm and behind the scenes, Craig Conover and Austen Kroll are proving that they’ve got a winning formula in business. The duo recently shared details about their latest venture, a Charleston-based wedding and party venue called The Waverly, during an interview with The Daily Dish on August 13. Their newest project adds to an already impressive portfolio, further solidifying their professional bond and their impact on Charleston’s hospitality scene.
The Waverly: A Dream Wedding Venue for Charleston’s Couples
As Craig explained during the DIRECTV’s Plot Twist – Featuring Bravo event in New York City, “Our story’s just beginning, you know? Our fairy tale is the beginning of the movie. But we want to help people celebrate the middle chapter of their fairy tale, and it all coming together.”
Austen added that Charleston has become one of the top wedding destinations in the U.S. and that The Waverly aims to simplify the wedding planning process by providing an all-in-one space for couples. “The idea is to have everything in one place. We wanted to make it easier for people who are coming to Charleston for their wedding to avoid the hassle of going to multiple venues for their ceremony, reception, and after party,” Austen said.
A Personal Touch to Their Business Venture
The idea for The Waverly came from personal experience. Craig shared how his own brother and sister-in-law got married in Charleston, giving him a firsthand look at the challenges involved in tying the knot in the city. “My brother and sister-in-law just got married in October in Charleston, and we got to see the challenges that exist there, and the barrier of entry of being married in Charleston is tough,” Craig explained. “It takes a long time, so we wanted to make it a little bit more approachable for people. Now you can have your ceremony, reception, and after party all in one place.”
In addition to the wedding venue, Craig and Austen are working with the same business partners from their restaurant By The Way in Charleston. “We’re just expanding our footprint in Charleston, investing in our backyard,” Craig added, emphasizing their commitment to the community.
Future Plans for Craig and Austen’s Business Partnership
Fans can rest assured that Craig and Austen aren’t stopping with The Waverly. As Craig revealed, the duo has “a lot of ideas” for the future. "I can’t wait to continue to collaborate with him," Craig said. "We just have a lot of ideas, which is really cool."
Their business ventures have been growing steadily over the years. Before The Waverly, they teamed up for the Pillows and Beer podcast, became investors in the Carriage House NYC, and opened By The Way in Charleston. This partnership is more than just a business alliance—it’s a friendship that continues to evolve and expand into new, exciting ventures.
Craig’s Journey to Overcome Obstacles
During the interview, Craig also reflected on the obstacles he has had to overcome to reach his current business success. “It wasn’t always easy,” he admitted. “There have been a lot of hurdles, but we’ve learned from each one and have used those lessons to build a stronger foundation for everything we do now.”
As Southern Charm fans continue to watch their favorite duo grow in both business and life, Craig and Austen’s journey is proof that hard work, dedication, and a solid partnership can turn dreams into reality
