This new French Caribbean-inspired restaurant creates a unique offering in the Charleston hospitality market with a tropical vibe. Located in the French Quarter Inn, this coastal watering hole offers cocktails and lighter fare for passers-by on the bustling Market Street. The previous tenant was a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse with dark wood interiors; when the space became available, the hotel owners decided to lighten up the venue and create a restaurant of their own.

The new design features a covered outdoor patio with ceiling fans to complement the Caribbean menu. The renovation maintained the entry, bar, and seating areas, and took cues from existing historic building and site elements. The team added two large glazed openings to match existing windows, remove brick infill, bring in natural light, and provide a visual connection between the patio and interior. The new footprint also reclaimed excess interior dining space as a banquet facility, and meeting spaces became a fitness center and office space for the hotel.  A relocated entry ramp incorporates historic wrought iron details, and the landscape was scaled back to increase visibility for retail storefronts and provide additional seating.

LS3P worked with Jenny Keenan Design and DesignWorks to transform the space for legacy client Palmetto Commercial Properties. LS3P and Jenny Keenan Design also collaborated on the design of the Ruth’s Chris in 2014 which formerly occupied the space; LS3P designed the French Quarter Inn in 2000.