Downtown Charleston will soon have an Italian-inspired restaurant from Beemok Hospitality Collection (BHC) and the MINA Group. The companies today announced their forthcoming concept, Sorelle, opening at 88 Broad Street in 2023.
Sorelle means “sisters” in Italian and the name is an ode to the history of address, which once served as a school run by two sisters in the late 1800s. The restaurant is set within three historic townhouses on Broad Street.
The owners say Sorelle is inspired by Italy's markets, all-day cafes, and culinary traditions. It will offer a variety of dining experiences throughout its large, two-story space including an alimentari (market), central bar, wine room, pizza counter, grand dining room, and an exclusive chef's table.
The day-to-evening business is a collaboration between the locally-owned BHC, which also owns and operates The Charleston Place, and the MINA Group, led by James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Mina.
“After several years in the making, we are thrilled to be opening our first stand-alone restaurant in historic downtown Charleston,” said Casey Lavin, President of BHC. “It is our goal that this becomes one of the most beloved restaurants in the area, and one that locals frequently visit whether grabbing a coffee or sandwich from the market, enjoying a glass of wine at the bar, dining solo at the pizza counter, or celebrating with friends and family in the main dining room.”
Helmed by MINA Group's Chef/Partner Adam Sobel and Executive Chef Nick Dugan, Sorelle's various dining concepts will focus on Southern Italian cuisine made with Lowcountry ingredients. Chef Sobel, who travels regularly to Italy for inspiration, says he is especially excited about Sorelle's pasta program, which includes extruded housemade pastas, fresh stuffed pastas, and pasta sourced from Sardinia, Sicily, and Campania.
“When BHC approached us with their vision to bring a tailor-made Italian dining concept to Charleston, we were extremely excited to partner and help bring that vision to life,” said Chef Mina, Founder of MINA Group. “Sorelle will be one-of-a-kind for the city and our guests, whether locals or visitors, will be able to experience the impeccable hospitality for which BHC is known, the highly executed culinary expertise of MINA Group's chefs and operators, all under one roof in a stunning setting by Meyer Davis Studios at 88 Broad Street. It's going to be incredibly special, and we can't wait to welcome you.”
The alimentari, housed on the first floor, will offer casual fare including salads, paninis, Sicilian-style pizza, pastries, and gelato along with a marketplace stocked with authentic Italian goods. Adjacent to the alimentari is the bar, where guests can get cocktails, antipasti, and wood-fired pizzas. Just past the bar is the wine room, a tasting room featuring a selection of wine and spirits.
The second floor features more options for sit-down dining with the chef's table and pizza counter. The main dining room has 11-foot ceilings, original moldings, two working fireplaces, and works of art. The main dining room will offer a rotating selection of handmade pastas, seafood dishes, and modern interpretations of classic Italian fare.
A spring 2023 opening is planned for Sorelle. For more information, visit SorelleCharleston.com.
