The smell hit first — that unmistakable rotten egg warning that sends restaurant kitchens into high alert. Thursday evening’s massive gas leak on Red Bank Road between Old State Road and Howe Hall Road forced an immediate shutdown of one of Goose Creek’s busiest dining corridors, leaving local eateries scrambling to serve customers while utility crews worked through the night.

Red Bank Road reopened Friday morning after Goose Creek Fire Department and utility crews contained what officials described as a “large gas leak” that had closed the thoroughfare for nearly twelve hours. The closure affected several restaurants and food businesses along the stretch, including popular local spots that rely on evening dinner service.

“We had to make the call to close early Thursday night,” said a manager at one affected restaurant who asked not to be named. “The safety of our staff and customers comes first, but losing a Thursday night service definitely hurts.”

The incident highlights the vulnerability of Charleston area restaurants to infrastructure issues — a reality that’s become increasingly visible as the region grows. While major closures like Charleston Grill’s recent shuttering after three decades grab headlines, it’s often these smaller disruptions that test neighborhood establishments’ resilience.

Goose Creek Fire Department crews responded to initial reports around 6 p.m. Thursday, when the leak was detected near the intersection. The department immediately established a safety perimeter and began coordinating with SCE&G utility crews to isolate the affected gas lines.

“Utility crews worked through the night to repair the damaged line,” a fire department spokesperson said Friday morning. “The area has been deemed safe and traffic is flowing normally.”

For restaurants in the affected zone, the timing couldn’t have been worse. Thursday nights typically draw steady crowds, especially during the cooler months when outdoor dining becomes more appealing. Several establishments reported having to turn away reservation holders and walk-in customers during prime dinner hours.

The Red Bank Road corridor has emerged as an important dining destination for Berkeley County residents, offering everything from casual family restaurants to takeout favorites. Unlike Charleston’s tourist-heavy Food & Dining scene, these establishments depend almost exclusively on local customers and regular weekly traffic.

“It’s not like downtown Charleston where you might get walk-by traffic even during a crisis,” explained one local restaurant owner. “When the road shuts down out here, that’s it — nobody’s finding you.”

The gas leak also affected several food service businesses that supply restaurants throughout the greater Charleston area. At least two distributors reported delays in Thursday evening deliveries, though most were able to reroute trucks and maintain Friday morning schedules.

This type of infrastructure disruption has become a growing concern for restaurant operators throughout the Charleston region. Recent years have seen increased development strain on aging utility systems, particularly in rapidly growing areas like Goose Creek and surrounding Berkeley County communities.

The incident comes as Charleston area restaurants continue navigating various operational challenges. While some establishments have seen high-profile chef residencies and openings generate buzz, smaller neighborhood spots often face different pressures — from supply chain issues to utility reliability.

Fire department officials praised utility crews for their quick response and overnight work to restore service. The repair required accessing underground gas lines and ensuring complete system integrity before reopening the roadway to traffic.

“The crews did excellent work under challenging conditions,” the fire department spokesperson noted. “Safety protocols were followed completely, and the repair was completed efficiently.”

By Friday afternoon, restaurants along Red Bank Road reported normal operations had resumed. Several managers mentioned they were offering extended hours or special promotions to make up for Thursday’s lost revenue, a common practice in the industry following unexpected closures.

The gas leak serves as a reminder of how quickly restaurant operations can be disrupted by factors completely outside operators’ control. Unlike planned closures or renovations, emergency infrastructure failures leave little time for preparation or customer notification.

For food businesses, these incidents often mean not just lost revenue but also food waste, as prepared ingredients and partially completed dishes must be discarded when service stops abruptly. It’s a particular challenge for restaurants that prep extensively for busy service periods.

Goose Creek officials said they would review the incident to identify any preventive measures for similar future situations. The city has been working to upgrade infrastructure in high-growth areas, though gas line maintenance typically falls under utility company jurisdiction.

Restaurants affected by Thursday’s closure were encouraging customers to return, with some planning weekend specials to rebuild momentum. The quick resolution helped minimize the impact, though operators noted that even brief closures can affect customer patterns for weeks.

“People have routines,” one restaurant manager observed. “When you break that routine, even for one night, it takes time to get everybody back in their normal rhythm.”

Red Bank Road now flows with typical traffic patterns, and the affected restaurants report full operations have resumed. The incident, while disruptive, showcased both the vulnerability and resilience of local food businesses facing unexpected challenges.