By Robin Gibson
Bourbon N’ Bubbles, Charleston's newest venture from Republic Development and Management Group, is on track to open its doors at 570 King Street by the end of the summer. The posh establishment aims to set itself apart from the competition by filling a luxury niche catering to atmosphere, offerings, and tailored service. At the heart of the operation is an elevated experience designed to resonate with a discriminating clientele (think members' only liquor lockers, Caymus Cabernet by the glass, etcetera) that includes a distinctive selection of bourbon, champagne, hand-crafted cocktails, and expert à La Carte menu items. A wide array of distilleries and champagne houses will be featured, such as Buffalo Trace, Schramsberg, and Taittinger, as well as smaller, more intimate brands, each paired with a specialty food item designed by Executive Chef Steve Jackson, an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, to complement the flavor profile of every single pour.
“Our vision for Bourbon N’ Bubbles is the result of years of experience listening to customer needs and wants, which is crucial to standing apart in a crowded marketplace. We’ve also gone to great lengths to curate a beverage program that appeals to connoisseurs and novices alike while attracting a demographic that’s looking for a more refined, personalized experience where the bartenders can educate guests on what pleases their palate,” said Zach Dennis, Director of Operations. “We believe Charleston is ripe for this new concept, and our full-bar will provide rare, high-end bourbon and champagnes that no other Charleston venue currently carries or provides single pours of. The caliber of brands that we offer on the menu, along with the unique food pairings, will be a departure from your typical bar.”
Standing out in Charleston's culinary scene can be tough for new establishments not only when it comes to attracting and keeping customers but also as it relates to luring and retaining talent. The food and beverage labor scene is tight but Bourbon N' Bubbles plans to overcome that by crafting a professional program with top-notch training and knowledge guiding workers through the delivery of a premier customer experience. The idea is to attract the best of the best, not just of customers, but employees, too. Two years in the making, Creative Director Lamar Bonaparte describes it as a place where people will want to be and work. Rounding out the team is Michael Sanders as General Manager who brings with him 15 years of experience along with a keen understanding of the local market.
Partnering on the aesthetic is Mister Important Design responsible for restaurant and hotel group interiors from Miami to Los Angeles and Dubai. One of the firm's most distinctive elements in the space are two interconnected curved black granite countertops joined together to form a circular bar with a floating shelf highlighting the bourbon and spirits. The style is reminiscent of 1940's glamour with brass fixtures, halo lighting, and walls flanked by deep, dark velvet banquets where guests can relax in sophisticated comfort.
I invite you to see for yourself the understated elegance that awaits when it opens. If a swanky environment is what you've been missing, or a locker containing a private stash of all of your favorite labels, then check back for updates. We'll feature coverage on details and menus as they become available. The service and hospitality is decidedly Charleston, but the interior will transform you to another place entirely, unlike anything this town has ever seen.
For information about liquor locker memberships or hosting a special event at Bourbon N’ Bubbles, please email info@bourbonnbubbles.com.
About Bourbon N’ Bubbles
Bourbon N’ Bubbles is the newest restaurant to take up residency on upper King Street in the heart of Downtown Charleston, S.C. Our specialized curated approach and design, coupled with a premier selection of champagne, bourbon, handcrafted cocktails, and perfectly paired à La Carte eats will deliver a modern-day twist on Southern sophistication to the trendy Upper King Street entertainment district located at 570 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403. For more information, please visit Bourbon N’ Bubbles, and follow us on Instagram @bourbonnbubbles; Twitter, @bourbonnbubbles; and Facebook.