What town around Charleston whould be best for a new upscale casual restaurant? (North Charleston: income, live)

[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!

[scjj]

IMO, Mount Pleasant and downtown Charleston have plenty of restaurant selections already. You would have to think about who you are competing against. Summerville on the other hand is a rapidly growing area and good restaurant selections are limited. Dorchester and Berkeley counties are the fastest growing counties in the state and lots of new development is yet to come. The people moving to Summerville are bringing a higher income with them and I think newcomers are starving (no pun intended, lol) to have more variety around here. I know I am! The Summerville downtown historic area is where the best restaurants are found and while they are very good, I would like to see something new and different come to the area. I've seen the way people flock to the new restaurants around here and if it's a hit there is no doubt that there will be steady crowds. In Summerville you would be considered a "unique" restaurant, in Mount Pleasant and Charleston you would be considered just "another" restaurant. Good Luck and keep us posted!

[anonymous]

i'd have to echo what scjj said. the restaurant business is very competitive in Charleston. but you can't beat downtown charleston as far as desirability and foot traffic. it's not even close. you'll have a ton of places to compete with, but the potential is there if you really do have a unique idea. there may be more of a niche to fill in Summerville, though, i'd bet it's growing faster than downtown.

[JCFAU19]

Thanks for your insight and Southern Hospitality! I will turn my attention to Summerville and keep you posted.

[scdawg]

I have lived in Charleston for over 25 years and have seen many restaurants come and go. If you are looking for a tourist market with heavy foot traffic as well as business lunches, downtown is definately the place for you. However, if you are looking for a location that will serve a wider area, I would consider the West Ashley or James Island area. Both are easily accessible from downtown and I-26. Yes, Summerville is a growing area and could use more restaurants. But if you are visiting Charleston and want to venture outside of downtown, chances are you will not go as far as Summerville, North Charleston or further out I-26(Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, Hanahan). It is more likely visitors will venture across the stunning Ravanel Bridge into Mt. Pleasant or even head out to Sullivans Island or Isle of Palms or go the other way toward West Ashley/James Island. Really, your options are limitless. Have you ever been to Charleston? I am curious what made you choose our great city. I would like to discuss this in more detail and if you are interested, please email me. I have long time friends in the restaurant business here that I can possibly refer you to for more specific information regarding the restuarant business here in Charleston. Hope this helps!

[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.

[Uptown843]

i disagree with scdawg, you should consider summerville, many tourists who come to chareleston often do go to summerville because of how beautiful it is, and when it comes to upscale restaurants, I cant really think of an upscale restaraunts, just some middle class ones...

[DJShymansky]

Daniel Island could use another restaurant as well.

[SCDweller]

I agree with Summerville. Your competition would not be near as great and people always love to go to the new place in town and if it is good, will keep going! There are not as many unique places, and those that are have done extremely well. (Especially if the portions are good and prices not too high-these are the two important things people seem to look for down here. Good luck! I always love having a new place to take clients too.

[hirschey]

Summerville!!!!!