07-08-2025
The Saddest Restaurant Closings in Charleston, August 2025
is an editor of Eater's South region, covering Atlanta, Nashville, Miami, New Orleans, and the Carolinas. She has been writing about the food scene in the Carolinas and Savannah for 12 years. Erin has resided in Charleston, South Carolina, for the past 20 years.
August is historically slow for the food and beverage industry in Charleston, and several establishments have announced their closures. Restaurants include a Lowcountry icon, a West Ashley bistro, and a Daniel Island staple.
Charleston Grill shuts down after 36 years
It's last call for crabcakes on Saturday, August 23, as fine dining hotel restaurant Charleston Grill shuts its doors to make way for a new restaurant. The Post and Courier broke the news yesterday that the restaurant will shutter after 36 years in service. Closing Charleston Grill is part of the overhaul of the Charleston Place after the Beemok Hospitality Collection (BHC) acquired it in 2021. 'A fresh new dining concept is planned for the future,' says BHC president Casey Lavin, 'And in the meantime, guests can expect a unique pop-up culinary concept to debut in the coming months.'
Charleston Grill has been through several changes since opening in 1989 with chef Louis Osteen at the helm. Chef Bob Waggoner took over in 1997 with sous chef Michelle Weaver, who would later lead the kitchen in 2009. Longtime general manager Mickey Bakst set the tone for the front of the house for 17 years, before retiring in 2020. Throughout the changes however, remained a upstanding fine dining establishment exhalting Lowcountry fare in a refined manner. It will be interesting to see what's next for the space.
Bonjuor to La Bonne Franquette
West Ashley bistro La Bonne Franquette recently announced that Sunday, August 31, will be its last day. In an Instagram post, owner Carly Paume writes, 'The decision has not been easy for me and I've tried to consider all alternatives but life takes unexpected turns. Your support and loyalty from the moment we started throwing paint on the building has meant the world to me. We have loved spending special moments with you and will miss our times with you. Many of you have become a family for us and we hope to see you in our future chapters.'
La Bonne Franquette was known for its fine French fare, especially brunch, and its adorable patio with colorful umbrellas.
Turnover on Daniel Island
Chef-artist Sermet Aslan will close his eponymous restaurant, Sermet's Courtyard, on Wednesday, August 20. Aslan has moved his cafe over the years, from West Ashley to King Street to James Island and lastly to Daniel Island. According to The Post and Courier, the team from Nick's German Kitchen, Nick and Kelly Ruhotina, will take over the 115 River Landing Drive space to open Vinea Courtyard Kitchen, a restaurant 'rooted in European flavors.'
