Longstanding East Bay Restaurant Blossom Locks the Doors

Eater will keep a running list of all the restaurant closings during the year. Looking for more uplifting news? Here’s the latest catalog of all the restaurant openings in Charleston.

December 7, 2020

FRENCH QUARTER — East Bay staple Blossom confirmed that it is closed on Instagram. The caption read, “Sadly, last night was our final dinner service after 27 years. We appreciate all of you that have supported us through the years, both patrons and team members alike.” 171 East Bay St.

October 30, 2020

LOWER KING — Southeastern chain Carolina Ale House has vacated its Calhoun Street address. The food wasn’t amazing, but it did have a vast selection of beers and a rooftop view of Charleston. 145 Calhoun St.

CANNONBOROUGH/ELLIOTBOROUGH — Longstanding soup/sandwich spot Five Loaves Cafe has shuttered its downtown location. The Mount Pleasant and Summerville restaurants are still operating. 43 Cannon St.

October 7, 2020

CANNONBOROUGH/ELLIOTBOROUGH — Parisian-inspired Joséphine Wine Bar announced on Facebook that the doors were officially closed. Owner Jill Cohen wrote in the post, “Owning and operating a restaurant under perfect conditions is not for the faint of heart, and post-Covid, it became a non-starter.” 64 Spring St.

September 28, 2020

UPPER KING — John Street staple Paolo’s Gelato will close at the end of the month. Owner Paolo Dalla Zorza announced on Facebook, “I have made the conscious decision to close my shop after 20 years downtown and focus on our growing catering business and store in Atlanta at the end of September. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support over the years. I have watched 3 generations of customers grow up in my store and many have become like family.” 41 John St.

SOUTH OF BROAD — Bakery/brunch spot One Broad shut the doors due to the pandemic. The Baker’s Bar underneath the restaurant has also shuttered. 1 Broad St.

September 21, 2020

FRENCH QUARTER — Pancake chain IHOP packed up and left its downtown Charleston location. No more Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity® cakes for the tourists near Market Street. 215 East Bay St.

FRENCH QUARTER — Italian restaurant Sipango opened right before the pandemic hit, and it seems like it did not make it to the other side. The space is for sale and Resy declares it’s closed. 209 East Bay St.

NOMO — Admirers far and wide were distraught over the news that legendary Lowcountry restaurant Martha Lou’s Kitchen was shuttered for demolition. 1068 Morrison Dr.

June 22, 2020

THE MARKET — After 24 years of serving Coca-Cola cake and fried chicken under problematic pretenses, Jestine’s Kitchen has shut down. The Meeting Street address regularly had a line of tourists waiting out front to get into the dining room. 251 Meeting St.

June 3, 2020

UPPER KING — After nine years on King Street, HoM announced on Facebook that “We are thankful for the time we have been a part of the wonderful Charleston community. Sadly, we will not be re-opening our doors We will truly miss you all & thank you again for some amazing times ” 536 King St

THE MARKET — Island-inspired Cane Rhum Bar & Kitchen will not reopen after closing for Covid-19. The owner Paul Yellin said, “We are incredibly proud of Charleston and it was so awesome to be accepted and to have made such an impact on what was an amazing local bar/restaurant scene in this historic city.” 251 East Bay St.

May 13, 2020

LOWER KING — Long-standing Greek restaurant Old Towne has locked the doors for good. Post and Courier reported that the closure comes because of disputes between co-owners Athan Fokas and Jacob Federigos. The establishment sat on lower King Street since 1972. 229 King St.

FRENCH QUARTER — Tasting menu establishment McCrady’s will not reopen. Neighborhood Dining Group president David Howard announced that he and his team believed that the concept “will no longer be viable in this changed business environment with restrictions on seating capacity.” 155 East Bay St.

FRENCH QUARTER — Mexican-meets-Southern eatery Minero shut down its downtown location, but prepares to reopen with a new address on Johns Island. 153 East Bay St.

April 30, 2020

WESTSIDE — After nine years on Line Street, Nana’s Seafood and Soul will not reopen once restaurants are permitted to allow customers back into the dining room. The North Charleston location will stay though for all garlic crab and fried whiting needs. Co-owner Kenyatta McNeil told the Post & Courier that the pandemic knocked out all of their profits. 176 Line St.

MOUNT PLEASANT — Shem Creek spot R.B.’s Seafood Restaurant closed down and sold the property for $7 million to Geyer Capital Management LLC of Atlanta. No word of what is next for the space. 97 Church St.

UPPER KING — The owners of Lowcountry restaurant Parcel 32 decided to shutter the establishment and will now use it as an event space. The Patrick Properties Hospitality Group also runs Lowndes Grove and the William Aiken House. 442 King St.

LOWER KING — The downtown location of Kickin’ Chicken is closed. The building sold last year, which prompted rumors of its closure, but the owners continued to lease the space and stayed in operation until April 25. The other locations remain in business. 337 King St.

March 30, 2020

THE MARKET — Sizzling hot plate station Ruth’s Chris Steak House recently posted a letter on its front door reading, “We regret to inform you that we are permanently closed for business at this location.” 55 South Market St.

March 2, 2020

WESTSIDE — Downtown vegan/vegetarian hangout Dell’z Deli closed on Thursday, February 27. According to Holy City Sinner, the team behind the restaurant plans to reopen a new eatery in West Ashley. Owner Maudell Grayson wrote on Instagram, “It’s simple, I’m creating this space because I need it...I want to slow down but I’m NOT retiring, I’m reconnecting...and in this next venture I want to help others do the same...” 511 Rutledge Ave.

UPPER KING — Remember Bootleg Tavern on Upper King Street? It was only open for four weeks, so probably not. Classic on King took its place for a bit, but now it is Mediterranean restaurant/hookah bar Tabbuli. The original location sat on Market Street. 542 King St.