“Chef McKee thrived on his culinary success while Charleston raved about his personality as much as his restaurants. He left his first, and most significant, footprint on the Charleston restaurant community with the opening of
Oak Steakhouse in 2005. Housed in a historic 1850’s building, the classically elegant steakhouse offered exceptional food, service and an atmosphere that created and sustained memorable dining experiences for Charlestonians and visitors from around the world. Named “Best New Restaurant” by the Charleston City Paper, Brett’s work at Oak Steakhouse was recognized in the New York Times; Bon Appétit; National Geographic Adventure; Esquire Magazine, Southern Living, Women’s Health, Charleston Magazine and Restaurant News. In 2007, Chef McKee was one of five finalists for Chef Magazine’s “Chef of the Year” and in 2008, the Culinary Legend Award at the Charleston Food & Wine Festival.