We can’t get enough of the Bravoleb crossovers happening on Next Gen NYC, and Episode 2 delivered in more ways than one.
When Brooks Marks and Gia Giudice brought their respective moms, Meredith Marks and Teresa Giudice, to dinner, fans officially had a bridge between The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and … Southern Charm?
Yes, Southern Charm. While the group wasn’t joined by Southern Charm‘s Craig Conover and Austen Kroll in person, the two had a surprising connection to the episode.
When Brooks and Gia met up with their moms for the meal during the June 10 episode of Next Gen NYC, it wasn’t just at any restaurant. Specifically, they dined at Carriage House NYC, a West Village hotspot that opened in 2023 and includes Craig and Austen as investors.
While we saw Teresa, Meredith, Gia, and Brooks dine on a couple of appetizers like salad and small tacos, Craig declared on a 2023 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen that the restaurant has the “best burger in the city, or…in the state, maybe.”
Inside Craig Conover and Austen Kroll’s NYC restaurant venture, Carriage House, seen on Next Gen NYC
Craig and Austen began teasing their expansion into the restaurant industry in 2022, when they announced plans to be part of the venture in an episode of their Pillows and Beer podcast.
In March 2023, Austen shared an update via Instagram Stories, writing, “Y’all it’s happening. My long-anticipated opening of my first foray into the restaurant business. [Carriage House NYC] is opening its doors next week, 3/29! See you there!”
Details on Craig Conover and Austen Kroll’s Charleston restaurant, By the Way
After investing in Carriage House NYC, Austen and Craig expanded their presence in the hospitality industry. In December 2024, they officially opened their “dream” bar, which is called By The Way.
By The Way, which was opened with Uptown Hospitality Group, is located just a block off of King Street.
If King Street sounds familiar, that’s because it’s home to several of Leva Bonaparte’s iconic venues, including Republic Garden & Lounge, as seen on both Southern Charm and Southern Hospitality.
Learn more about Craig and Austen’s Charleston bar and restaurant here.
