If you haven’t had a chance to make your way up to Kenna Coal Fired Kitchen in the Providence Promenade shopping center, definitely put it on your list of places to eat. Formerly, Tony Sacco’s Coal Oven Pizza, Kenna is still under the same management but is now independently owned by Andrew Hessler. According to their website, “Kenna is now South Charlotte’s own coal oven destination.”
Hessler has been in the restaurant business for over 12 years. He relocated to the Charlotte area from Michigan a few years ago to open Tony Sacco’s. Making the break from the franchise has allowed him to utilize local produce and provide better seasonal specials and promotions to the community.
The word Kenna means “born of fire” in Gaelic, a fitting name for a restaurant that uses a coal fired oven to prepare their food. The unique thing about a coal fired oven is that it can reach temperatures up to 1,000 degrees, burns cleaner, and is larger than wood ovens. Honestly, the taste is different too.
For an appetizer, I tried the house-made hummus and pita and it was delicious. The hummus is made on-site daily and the pita was warm, flavorful and fresh. I decided to go with a simple margherita pizza for an entree and I was pleasantly surprised. The crust was thin and crispy and the flavors were intensified from the heat of the coal oven. I found it was easy to eat more of it, without feeling full, like you often do after eating two slices.
Kenna uses local and fresh ingredients and prepares all their dough from scratch. They do not even have a freezer or fryer on site! Some menu favorites include the oven roasted wings, which are not only fresh, but healthy; and the classic and pesto pizzas. The calzones are hearty and good to share, while the antipasto salad is a nice lighter choice. If you can squeeze in a little room for dessert, be sure to try the creme brulee. Hessler describes it as “the best in Charlotte,” and even handed out free samples on Father’s Day to pedestrians walking by.
The atmosphere at Kenna is fun and family-oriented. There is plenty of room for big groups and there are discounted options for large orders. With over 25 beer choices and a variety of wines, it’s the perfect location for a date night. Whether you choose lunch or dinner, you will thoroughly enjoy your visit. Hessler is committed to bringing fresher, faster and healthier food to the South Charlotte community.
