The Exciting Arrival of Pelato: Charleston’s Newest Dining Delight
Oh, Charleston! Get ready to welcome a *brand-new dining experience* that promises to tickle your taste buds and warm your heart. The vibrant city is about to get even more delicious with the upcoming opening of Pelato, a Brooklyn-Italian restaurant that will be replacing the beloved Butcher & Bee space at 1085 Morrison Drive. With an opening scheduled for spring 2025, this new eatery is generating quite a buzz among food enthusiasts.
Meet the Scotto Family
Now, let’s talk about the brains behind this culinary project. The restaurant is spearheaded by the dynamic trio of Anthony Scotto Jr., Anthony Scotto III, and Theresa Scotto. These three have quite the impressive background, starting their journey in New York City with establishments like Fresco by Scotto and Fresco on the Go. However, like many businesses during the pandemic, their operations faced a major setback.
Anthony III shared, “When COVID-19 hit, we were forced to close our doors for nearly two years. It was a challenging time for us but also sparked a new chapter.” The family wisely moved to Nashville, where Anthony was working remotely, and Theresa was enrolled in college. And guess what? The move turned out to be a game changer! In November 2022, they opened Luogo in Nashville, followed by the successful launch of Pelato.
Success Breeds Inspiration
So, how successful is Pelato in Nashville, you ask? Well, it’s a smashing success! Anthony III proudly stated they serve a whopping 3,000 patrons weekly with affordable prices ranging from $9 to $21. “Seeing that kind of response really inspired us to bring our concept to Charleston,” he added, excitement lighting up his eyes.
A Playful Name with Meaning
The name “Pelato” has a sweet little backstory too. It translates to “peeled tomato” or “bald head” – the latter being a playful nod to Theresa’s husband! “We saw a gap in the market for a friendly, casual Italian restaurant and wanted to keep our prices reasonable for everyone,” explained Theresa. And it sounds like they’re well on their way!
Let’s Talk about the Restaurant Space
When you step into the new Pelato, get ready for a treat for your senses. The restaurant will offer an impressive 5,000 square feet and accommodate around 180 guests. With a large, fully enclosed patio that spans 2,500 square feet, you can enjoy the fresh Carolina air during warmer days. The Scotto family is excited about the décor too, which they describe as featuring family photos on the walls alongside a lovely color palette of red, forest green, and wood tones. “We’ve elevated the Charleston décor slightly,” Anthony said with a grin.
Creating the Menu
Now, on to the all-important menu! The family possesses more than 500 recipes, making their culinary collection an “embarrassment of riches.” But, narrowing down the selection is proving to be a bit of a challenge. “One of the most humbling things about being a restaurant owner is realizing that not everyone will love what you serve,” Anthony admitted. They plan to carry over some cherished favorites from Nashville, including burnt broccolini, radiatori pasta with vodka sauce, chicken parmigiana, and potato croquettes.
Fun Cocktails in Store
What about drinks? You’re in luck! The cocktail selection promises to be just as playful, with Brooklyn-themed names that will bring a smile to your face. Signature cocktails like the Limoncello Margarita and the Italian French 75 will surely become crowd-pleasers alongside their frozen Pinot Freezio during the warmer months.
A Solid Vision Moving Forward
As they gear up for the Charleston opening, the Scotto family remains committed to providing *delicious food and attentive service* at a reasonable price. With a strong social media presence already established through Instagram, boasting 19,000 followers without a penny spent on promotion, there’s no doubt Pelato will be the place to be. “We just want our customers to keep coming back for more,” Theresa concluded.
So, Charleston, mark your calendars and get ready for Pelato – a delightful addition that will undoubtedly enhance your dining experiences in our beautiful city!
