About

A Brief History

The Coal Yard Restaurant and Lounge is in the heart of York, South Carolina's historic district.  The building originally served as a coal distribution point - trains dumped coal here for distribution throughout the community.

Over 120 years later, Joe Forlines (aka Daddy Joe) opened the Coal Yard Restaurant and Lounge in 1981. Joe sold it to his step-daughter, Jessica Dunlap, in 2006. Jessica grew the brand with a special flare and lots of live music, beers from local breweries, and tasty menu items. She made The Coal Yard the coolest eatery in York.

Justin Kalweit and his mother, Garnett Kalweit, purchased a majority interest in March 2010 and continue the saga while Jessica resolves a few wild hairs somewhere out west (track her on her blog: www.thecoalyard.com/jess). Under new ownership, The Coal Yard's story continues by maintaining consistency and service with a menu tailored to our community, the heart of our business.