Allie Eklund, star of "McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys," has clarified the nature of her recent lunch outing with "Southern Charm" personality Austen Kroll. The two were photographed together in Austin, Texas, sparking speculation about their relationship.
Eklund, 29, told Page Six that the meeting was strictly professional. "He actually had a business venture he wanted to run by me, so we got lunch and discussed that," she explained.
The reality television entrepreneur met Kroll at BravoCon in November 2025 and confirmed that their connection is purely platonic. "We're just friends," Eklund stated, detailing that they were "talking business about a fun opportunity coming up."
While Eklund remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the business proposal, she hinted that it could involve her continued presence on Bravo, potentially a cameo on "Southern Charm." "That might've been what this business meeting was about, actually," she teased when asked about future reality TV endeavors. "There is an opportunity that I am staying open to."
Eklund joined "McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys" in its third season as Steven McBee Jr.'s girlfriend. She noted that she never envisioned reality television as a career but has grown to appreciate the Bravo audience. Her background in influencing also contributes to her comfort in front of cameras, describing her reality TV involvement as a "natural extension" of her existing work.
Eklund's relationship with McBee Jr. ended in April, following public accusations from McBee Jr. that Eklund had cheated on him at the Stagecoach music festival. Eklund has vehemently denied these allegations. The couple had made their relationship Instagram-official in November 2025.