Pizza-Heavy Italian to Take Over Former Butcher & Bee

The owners of Collective Coffee Co. in Mount Pleasant, Liz and Sinan Aktar, are branching out with a new Italian concept named Juliet. Located in the original Butcher & Bee space at 654 King St., the forthcoming restaurant will focus pizza and pastas at a mid-range price point for lunch and dinner. Former Burwell’s and Mrs. Rose’s chef Jordan Moore will lead the kitchen, with Tommaso Damasco as the Executive Pizzaiolo (the chef in charge of all the pies). Damasco has made pizzas all over Italy and most recently worked with an Italian flour company.

Also joining the group is general manager D.J. Piazza, who has managed Collective Coffee Co. for the past year, as well as having experience at Leon’s, Saint Alban, and Butcher & Bee. When asked how Juliet will compare to other pizzerias in town, Piazza says:

Our menu is unique in that it is helmed by a well-balanced and extremely talented duo. Tommaso is truly an expert in food from many regions of Italy and Jordan knows how to tailor each dish to the people of Charleston. Pizzas will span the spectrum from Margherita to stracchino, squash blossoms, and sausage.

Outside of the pizza options, we'll be sticking with a fairly traditional Italian menu that might show off some dishes that are frequently neglected in our mid-range price point (think arancini or octopus and warm potatoes) and a small pasta menu. The goal is to appeal to people who want everything from a quick bite and a beer at lunch to people who want to celebrate a special occasion with four courses and some delicious wine without breaking the bank. Oh, and we'll have a killer happy hour featuring pizza and drinks.

Look for Juliet to open this spring.

• Butcher & Bee Moving Up to a Bigger and Better Space on Morrison Drive [ECHS]