What town around Charleston whould be best for a new upscale casual restaurant? (Goose Creek: low income, homes)

[elston]

I think that area has the best resturants I have ever eaten in, from New England, Nashville, Southern California. Resturants in the low country of South Carolina are spectacular. (Franchise and chains excepted). I love the casual resturants of Mt. Pleasant and Sullivans Island....so perhaps other areas would be less competitive and make more business sense. On the other hand, there is a clientelle that knows and appreciates, "what good is" in Mt Pleasant which could be gratifying to serve.

[SCBeaches]

I agree with Summerville, but you might also consider James or Johns Island. Johns Island has embraced with open arms (and wallets) every new restaurant which has opened here. The Fat Hen has almost more business than it can handle. There are many, many new upper middle class subdivisions going in here, and we also have Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, as well as large landowners - all of whom do not like having to drive downtown for a nice lunch or dinner. You mentioned "casual" and that's what Johns Island and James Islands are all about. Good luck - and we'll be looking for you!

[meks]

downtown chas or MtP

I've lived in every area of Chas in my lifetime, currently have been in Summerville for the last 12 yrs or so and I'd say if you have really good food you'll do fine in the midst of all the competition in downtown or MtP

Summerville? places come and go there, it's a tough market to make it in... small town with many deep roots stuck in time

lots of new residence in S'Ville but most are pretty conservative with their money and lives here, so your business won't boom like it will in other areas

N.Chas near the mall, Northwoods Mall area, would also be an excellent place... more traffic through there daily than any other area in the lowcountry, and more shopping done there so you know there's tons of hungry people

what kind of menu are you thinking about?

[meks]

Originally Posted by mal72685

Not sure if this helps, but...I meet alot of different people everyday. The one thing I hear the most is the need for an Outback in Summerville. Logan's on Main Street was a huge disappointment. Outback seems to be the type of atmosphere and price range we crave here in Summerville.

Also, there might be room for growth in the Oakbrook of Summerville. We've got alot of new multi family communities in the area and small strip malls are being added near Walmart.

Logans a disappointment?? I go there often and it's always packed, I don't know who's telling you otherwise but Logans is better than Outback IMHO and I'm a steak and steak man... hold the tata's n bird food

if you look into S'Ville think about the area on hwy 17A (main st) around I-26 mile exit#199 across from Walmart in the shopping center area where Logans is... near the Kohls, Target, BestBuy, Dicks sporting goods etc etc

[Jim3310]

Interesting conversation, although the person that asked this question hasn't been around since October of 2006.

Hope he doesn't own Logans...

[buyhomesincharleston]

Originally Posted by JCFAU19

Hello,

I am considering moving to the Charleston area and opening an upscale casual restaurant and I am looking for honest feedback from locals or tourists. First, this is a very unique concept, so it wouldn't be just another restaurant. Second, I am familiar with the area, but trust others opinions as much as my own. Third, would Downtown, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville or N. Charleston be most desirable. Fourth, If anyone responds and we take your advice, I'll treat you to dinner!! Thank everyone in advance for reading this and hope you will take the time to offer suggestions, because I would love to add to the flavor of this beautiful area!

I guess it depends what segment of the market you are targeting. If you are targeting the tourists, then stay in or close to downtown (within 10 min drive). If you are going more for the local market I recommend Mt Pleasant North of Hwy 41. This is where all the growth is happening, it's an affluent area and there are very few restaurant choices!
BuyHomesInCharleston

[Charleston native]

I would suggest West Ashley and James Island, like scdawg did. Summerville is out of the way for many tourists...many tourism hotels are located West Ashley. While there are competitive choices there, WA needs more options, particularly in higher end, sit-down eateries. James Island needs more places than WA, as well.

[Condorll]

Originally Posted by JCFAU19

Hello,

I am considering moving to the Charleston area and opening an upscale casual restaurant and I am looking for honest feedback from locals or tourists. First, this is a very unique concept, so it wouldn't be just another restaurant. Second, I am familiar with the area, but trust others opinions as much as my own. Third, would Downtown, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville or N. Charleston be most desirable. Fourth, If anyone responds and we take your advice, I'll treat you to dinner!! Thank everyone in advance for reading this and hope you will take the time to offer suggestions, because I would love to add to the flavor of this beautiful area!

I travel coast to coast at least twice a month on business and am moving to Mt. Pleasant. Your concept would be perfect for Mt. Pleasant around Town Center near the IOP Connector. Rents would be alot lower than downtown Charleston and the Mt. Pleasant clientel is upscale. There are several road house chains in the Town Center/IOP Connector area so restaurant traffic is good, and an alternative reasonably priced Bistro style independently owned restaurant would be most welcome there. While you are visiting/scouting out the area give "J Bistro" a try (in older Mt Pleasant) for dinner.

Even if you don't treat me to dinner, please publish your restaurant name so I can give it a try!

Thanks and Good Luck!

[gmoorhouse]

Mt. Pleasant is upscale.........thanks for the laugh

[USCJoe]

One's opinion of whether an area is "upscale" is certainly subjective. However, according to Money Magazine the medium family income of Mt. Pleasant is $80,167, the medium home price is $419.027 and the percentage of adult residents with some college education is 80.2% Not bad for a southern town and I would think favoring an "upscale casual restaurant."