Rudy Royale has appointed Landice Simmons (pictured) as the new head chef, ushering in a fresh, elevated energy to their culinary team. Chef Simmons, a Charleston native with deep roots in the Lowcountry dining scene, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for culinary excellence that will transform the dining experience at Rudy Royale.
Chef Simmons’ journey into the kitchen started at the young age of 16, inspired by the culinary traditions of his family. Growing up surrounded by the home-cooked meals of his mother, grandmother, and father—a catering chef— Simmons learned early on that food is not only about flavor but also about the love and care that goes into each dish. With this philosophy at the core of his approach, he is now adding his own signature flair to Rudy Royale’s menu.
“I’m here to bring everything I’ve got to the menu,” said chef Landice Simmons. “For me, it’s all about the flavor and the love you put into each dish, that’s what makes the difference. At Rudy Royale, we’re blending the best of Southern comfort food with fresh ideas, and I can’t wait for guests to experience what we’re cooking up.”
Simmons began his career in Charleston’s restaurant scene in the early 2000s, working his way up from dishwasher to cook at the renowned Magnolias Restaurant, before joining Kelly Franz at Kiawah Island’s Beach Club. Though his culinary journey took him to many prestigious kitchens, his connection to Rudy Royale has always been special. When asked what brought him to the kitchen at 209 East Bay, he simply said “Macready.” As longtime friends, owner and head chef of Rudy Royale Macready Downer and Simmons frequently joked about Simmons one day becoming a part of his team and this year, Downer made that dream a reality.
Simmons’ vision is simple yet ambitious: to make Rudy Royale the premier dining destination on East Bay Street. Chef Simmons loves to use red wine reductions, garlic, and fresh herbs, which infuse each plate with rich, memorable flavors. The new menu blends both Chef Simmons’ signature dishes and Lowcountry roots with the restaurant’s classic southern cuisine, remaining true to Rudy Royale’s signature charm.
Menu Highlights Include:
- Swordfish Asada with roasted oyster mushrooms, parsnip purée, and apple parsnip compote.
- Arugula Salad with roasted beets, poached pears, goat cheese, hazelnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Maple-Glazed Salmon with sweet potato purée, braised kale, and fennel salad.
Rudy Royale is located at 209 East Bay St. in the French Quarter of downtown Charleston, SC. Rudy Royale is open Thursday - Tuesday serving lunch, happy hour, dinner and weekend brunch. Rudy Royale hosts a lively atmosphere where seasonal, locally inspired dishes take center stage. Reservations are available via Resy and walk-ins are always welcome.
