Koko’s on the Pier officially opened March 25 at the oceanfront location formerly home to Pier 101.
To mark its grand opening, the restaurant will host a launch event Saturday, May 2, 2026, featuring a full day of entertainment, live music and food and drink specials. Guests can enjoy the “Lei It on Me” cocktail, surfside beer buckets and more while taking in performances throughout the day, including steel pan drums by Seitu Solomon from 1 to 4 p.m., a hula performance by Hula Fire from 5:30 to 6 p.m., and live music through 9:30 p.m.
Koko’s retains Pier 101 favorites like fried seafood while adding a tropical aesthetic. The reimagined space features a colorful, tiki-inspired interior and branding created by Avocet Hospitality’s in-house design team, Dixie Hemingway and Justin Wolf.
The concept draws inspiration from Folly Beach history, referencing Kokomo’s Lounge, a “popular 1950s watering hole once frequented by U.S. servicemen seeking rest and relaxation.” That legacy is reinterpreted as an all-ages environment.
Koko’s is the latest concept from Avocet Hospitality, following the debut of Pinky’s on the Beach in July 2025.
“Koko’s brings a whole new energy to the Tides Folly Beach family," said Halee Brinson, food and beverage director at Tides Folly Beach. "It’s fun, a little unexpected and very Folly. You’ve got Pinky’s right on the beach, Koko’s out over the beach — two spots, two vibes, both oceanfront.”
Credit: Ashley Arnoldy
The Koko’s menu blends coastal staples with tropical flavors, including items such as:
- Folly Fire Shrimp — fried shrimp in a sweet and spicy tiki sauce
- BBQ Nachos — wonton chips with queso, pineapple salsa, jalapeños and BBQ drizzle
- Jerk Chicken Sandwich — grilled chicken with island spices, pineapple, pepper jack and jerk sauce
- Teriyaki Rice Bowls — rice with vegetables, grilled pineapple and sesame-glazed teriyaki
The bar program includes cocktails such as:
- Tropic Like It’s Hot — jalapeño-infused Astral Tequila Blanco with watermelon, pineapple and lime
- Welcome to Koko Mo — Captain Morgan Pineapple Rum, banana liqueur, lime and piña colada
- Designated Surfer — a mocktail with passionfruit purée, lemonade, soda water and pineapple juice
- Drinks are available in souvenir “kokonut” cups.
Credit: Ashley Arnoldy
Visitors to the Folly Beach Pier can order drinks from Koko’s outdoor tiki bar and take them along the pier.
The team will also introduce a lineup of live music and entertainment, including participation in Charleston County Parks and Recreation’s Moonlight Mixer series beginning May 1, along with additional events throughout the season.
“Koko’s is about capturing the spirit of Folly — its energy and sense of fun — while giving people a new reason to gather right above the beach,” said Cameron Ross, general manager of Koko’s on the Pier. “You can’t walk by and not smile.”