MAGNOLIA SPRINGS — Owners of the iconic Jesse's Restaurant in Magnolia Springs have announced plans to open a second location on Fort Morgan Road near the Shellbanks Community in the spring.

"We've strived to make Jesse's a destination for visitors to our area," said Steve Coltharp. "While we cannot duplicate the atmosphere of a 100-year-old structure in a brand-new building, we are going to provide the same quality experience and service."

The original restaurant was built on the site of Moore Brothers General Merchandise built in 1922 and is registered as a historic site with the National Register of Historic Places.

Charles and Janie Houser purchased the building in 1998 and opened Jesse's Restaurant in 1999, named after Jesse King, brother-in-law of owners Gray and Mack Moore, who worked in the store for over 60 years until it closed in 1993.

Steve and Angie Coltharp purchased the restaurant in 2012 and with the addition of executive chef Laurence Agnew have strived to provide a casual fine dining experience with signature steaks, a fresh seafood menu along with other fresh offerings that change daily.

"Our commitment at both restaurants will be the same," Coltharp said.

Plans are to lease the facility, which is being built as part of an overall community, Coltharp said, which will feature 15 to 20, two- to three-bedroom cottages, along with additional shops and a boat launch.

The restaurant will feature a downstairs facility, which will also be called the Cold Hole with the more traditional restaurant upstairs.
"We want people to feel like they can have a choice of enjoying a casual experience right off the boat, or a more traditional experience upstairs," Coltharp said.

The downstairs facility will include added features, including an oyster bar and casual experience akin to the original Cold Hole.
Agnew will oversee operation of both facilities, with a chef de cuisine on site at the new facility.