Inside a Dreamy, Modern Food Court
The first of its kind in Charleston, this sophisticated food hall gives burgeoning restaurant owners and chefs a place to test new menus.
Featuring a bright white industrial space, the Charleston food court, Workshop, could feel sterile or even hokey—but it doesn’t. On the contrary, it’s delightful. Exposed ductwork, bright windows, and light wood tables provide a modern feel. Flints of copper speckle the space, adding Southern charm and polish.
Workshop was founded by restaurateur Michael Shemtov and chef Jonathan Ory, and designed by Betsy Berry of B. Berry Interiors. The first of its kind in Charleston, this sophisticated food hall gives burgeoning restaurant owners and chefs a place to test new menus. The beauty of Workshop is that patrons can sample cuisine ranging from cold Vietnamese noodles to Tex-Mex, all in a modern, comfortable space. Stalls turn over on a staggered schedule to make room for a different set of culinary delights.
Flanked around stunning natural communal tables, black Bentwood Chairs offer an iconic, feminine design while Brady Barstools keep things modern with their simple steel frame. The Windsor-inspired Hugh Chairs split the difference of modern and classic, feminine and masculine.
Mixing seating styles and design eras can be risky. But Berry’s use of black and natural colors throughout keep the design harmonized. The eclectic mix of seating echoes Workshop’s overall goal: fusing concepts and ideas in a community-rich space. And forget the mall food court—details like hand painted signage, heritage copper pots, and glossy pendant lights create interest and cohesion from stall to stall despite the diverse dining and seating options.
