Italian-inspired restaurant, market opens in downtown Charleston

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Beemok Hospitality Collection and MINA Group have joined together for an Italian-inspired concept in downtown Charleston.

Sorelle recently opened at 88 Broad St.

Set within three reimagined historic townhouses, Sorelle means “sisters” in Italian, its name an ode to the history of the space, which once served as a school run by two sisters in the late 1800s, according to a BHC news release. Inspired by Italy’s markets, all-day cafes, and culinary traditions, Sorelle will offer a variety of dining experiences throughout its expansive, two-story space including an alimentari (market), central bar, wine room, pizza counter, grand dining room and an exclusive chef’s table, the release stated.

The day-to-evening destination 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, the release stated. With an eye for detail and high design, the two hospitality groups pride themselves on quality service, food, and drink, the release stated. Sorelle is the first South Carolina concept for MINA Group, who owns and manages 40 concepts across the globe.

“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, in the release. “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, the release stated. Sobel, who travels regularly to Italy for inspiration, 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,” Mina said in the release. “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.”

The alimentari, housed on the first floor, will offer classic and casual fare including salads, paninis, Sicilian-style pizza, pastries and gelato along with a marketplace stocked with authentic Italian goods, the release stated. Adjacent to the alimentari is the bar. Inspired by the culture of Southern Italy, it features  cocktails, antipasti and wood-fired pizzas.

The second floor features more options for sit-down dining with the chef’s table and pizza counter, offering diners front-row seats to the action, the release stated. The main dining room features 11-foot ceilings, original moldings and architectural details, 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.

Designed by the award-winning Meyer Davis Studio, the space features contemporary designs.