Every year, the Rock Hill Business Excellence Awards celebrate the remarkable businesses that make York County a hub of innovation, community, and quality.
This year, we’re thrilled to spotlight Kounter, winner of the 2024 Best Restaurant in Rock Hill. Known for its inspired cuisine and immersive dining experience, Kounter is more than just a restaurant—it’s a cornerstone of culinary and cultural excellence in the region.
Recognizing the Best in Rock Hill: The 2024 Rock Hill Business Excellence Awards
The Rock Hill Business Excellence Awards are designed to honor the achievements of local businesses that go above and beyond to enrich our community. From exceptional service to innovation, these awards highlight the best of York County’s entrepreneurial spirit. Businesses like Kounter represent the values of creativity, hard work, and community impact that these awards aim to recognize.
If you’d like to learn more about the awards or view the full list of honorees, view all 2024 Rock Hill Business Excellence Awards winners.
Spotlight on Kounter: Rock Hill’s 2024 Best Restaurant
Kounter, led by the visionary Chef Rob Masone, is redefining the dining experience in Rock Hill. Located in a historic downtown space, Kounter merges inventive cuisine with an appreciation for local history. Guests are treated to dishes like Fried Ribs, Lobster Gnocchi, and Mom’s Chocolate Pie, all crafted with fresh, farm-to-table ingredients.
What truly sets Kounter apart is its commitment to honoring the building’s history as the site of a significant civil rights sit-in. Guests can dine at the original counter seats, making every visit both a culinary and cultural experience.
A Commitment to Quality Dining in York County
At Kounter, quality is a non-negotiable standard. Chef Rob Masone’s passion for creating a WOW-worthy dining experience shines through in every dish. By using local ingredients and combining bold flavors with interactive presentations, Kounter ensures that every meal is memorable.
Chef Masone’s recognition as a 2023 South Carolina Chef Ambassador further underscores his dedication to excellence, as he continues to showcase South Carolina’s food heritage through cooking demonstrations and events.
Serving the Rock Hill and York County Community
Kounter isn’t just about incredible food—it’s about fostering community and honoring local traditions. Located in the heart of downtown Rock Hill, the restaurant celebrates its roots while looking toward the future. Their expansion plans, which include Rock Hill’s first charcuterie shop and a speakeasy-style lounge, promise to further enhance the city’s vibrant dining scene.
Why Kounter Stands Out in Rock Hill
Kounter stands out in Rock Hill not just for its innovative menu but for its rich historical significance. Located in the former McCrory’s Five & Dime on Main Street, the restaurant occupies a space that holds deep roots in the Civil Rights movement. The original counter where Friendship 9 staged their iconic sit-in 60 years ago now serves as the centerpiece of Kounter, making each visit not only a culinary experience but a connection to history. The name “Kounter” pays homage to this pivotal moment, when nine young African-American students from Friendship Junior College bravely demanded service at a segregated lunch counter, sparking a wave of activism that inspired the Freedom Riders.
Beyond its historical legacy, Kounter offers an immersive dining atmosphere. Guests are drawn to the nostalgic setting of the counter, where the artistry of Chef Rob Masone’s dishes, such as the Smoking Tuna Poke and Cake Stand Chicken Sliders, captivate the senses. These popular offerings have earned glowing reviews on platforms like Yelp, where the creativity and quality of the food are consistently highlighted. By blending a passion for food with a deep respect for history, Kounter offers something truly unique to Rock Hill diners.
Congratulations to the Best Restaurant in York County!
Kounter has earned the title of Best Restaurant in Rock Hill for 2024, a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. This recognition highlights not only the restaurant’s exceptional culinary offerings but also its significant role in the York County community. Kounter’s dedication to quality, and creativity, and its rich historical roots continue to make it a standout destination for diners.
Supporting Local Excellence in Rock Hill
Businesses like Kounter exemplify the importance of supporting local excellence. We encourage you to visit this award-winning restaurant and explore other outstanding businesses recognized in the 2024 Rock Hill Business Excellence Awards. View all 2024 winners here.
For more information about the awards and their mission to celebrate local businesses, visit the official page site.
Awards Event Sponsors
The 2024 Rock Hill Business Excellence Awards are made possible thanks to generous sponsors like:
- Sharpen Marketing, a leader in promoting business recognition through digital marketing and award programs.
- Greymen’s Plumbing, trusted for quality plumbing services in Rock Hill and York County.
We thank these sponsors for their support in celebrating local businesses and their impact on our community.
