Zoes Kitchen to open location at Tanger Outlet Center 1 in Bluffton

The fast-casual restaurant trend sweeping the nation continues its hot pursuit in the Lowcountry.

Zoes Kitchen is coming to Tanger Outlets Center 1 in Bluffton, with an expected opening in March or April, according to Ashley Doepp, general manager of Hilton Head Tanger Outlet Centers. The restaurant will occupy a shared building with Chipotle Mexican Grill, occupying about 2,000 square feet, Doepp said.

So when there are no carnitas or the line at Chipotle is too long, could hungry shoppers go next door to Zoes Kitchen to satiate a burrito craving?

Well, maybe not. But for those of us who like Greek food such as salads, sandwiches, pita pizzas and kebabs, Zoes isn't lacking. Zoes Kitchen also offers gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, with a menu emphasizing grilled food, olive oil and fruits and vegetables.

For anyone who might be on the Mediterranean diet -- which I had assumed meant eating as much feta spinach pizza as I want, but turns out doesn't -- Zoes is likely a good bet.

According to its menus available online, Zoes Kitchen also offers Mediterranean family meals, which include one entree with a choice of two sides, and Zoes Fresh Take, which allows customers to grab tubs of hummus or cold pasta salads to go. The average cost of a lunch at Zoes Kitchen is $7-$12.

And, despite not offering the same fare, Doepp said, the restaurant is structured similarly to Chipotle, with customers ordering at the counter and sitting down to eat. Doepp said the health consciousness of Zoes Kitchen is appealing and makes it a good fit for outlet shoppers.

"It has a family-friendly feel to it," she said.

Along with Chipotle and Zoes Kitchen, Olive Garden, Panera Bread and Longhorn Steakhouse can also be found in Tanger 1. In a row. Wait, does the Lowcountry now have its own Restaurant Row?

Maybe not. But the opening of Zoes Kitchen reflects the ongoing trend and popularity of fast-casual chain restaurants. Chipotle opened in December at Tanger Outlets and Wayback Burgers -- offering fresh-made hamburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes, according to a news release -- is set to open this spring on Hilton Head Island at Shelter Cove Towne Centre.

Follow reporter Ashley Fahey at twitter.com/IPBG_Ashley.

This story was originally published February 5, 2015 at 4:30 PM with the headline "Zoes Kitchen to open location at Tanger Outlet Center 1 in Bluffton."