The recently shuttered O’Charley’s in West Ashley is getting a new look and a new name, yet keeping its signature apostrophe.
The restaurant will soon reopen as Underground Chuck’s, a casual bar-focused concept from the Tennessee-based dining group.
The first Underground Chuck location was opened in a former O’Charley’s in Dayton, Ohio.
The Charleston conversion at 2126 Henry Tecklenburg Drive will be the second for the new brand, said Thomas Mulgrew, a representative from O’Charley’s.
Nashville-based O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar opened in 1971 and operates 51 restaurants across the Southeast and Midwest. Its only remaining Lowcountry location is in Summerville.
The chain closed its West Ashley location Aug. 20.
“We are always thinking about how to drive the best long-term value at each of our locations and how they fit into our overall portfolio in the future,” said Lee Rathbun, O’Charley’s president and chief administrative officer. “We are excited to announce that a new chapter for this location is coming soon — a brand new concept with a vibe and menu all of its own. “
The chain has begun hiring for all positions for Underground Chuck’s at the location.
Making a racquet
A racket-sport club with locations in Atlanta and Louisville is bringing its game to Mount Pleasant, announcing plans for “padel” and squash courts that are set to open in early 2026.
The company, called pATL and owned by former college tennis teammates Andrew Herring and Kevin Ye, has not yet disclosed the location.
While padel uses paddles, the game differs from tennis and pickleball in that the court is surrounded by glass walls and a metal cage. The surfaces can be played off in racquetball-style rallies.
According to the social media post, pATL’s upcoming Charleston-area location will be the company’s largest, with six indoor padel courts with 30-foot ceilings, an outdoor stadium court, two singles squash courts, two hardball doubles squash courts plus a gym and recovery space.
Taking a walk
A national footwear brand known for its durable work boots has exited the Charleston retail scene.
Red Wing Shoes, founded in 1905, recently closed its Rivers Avenue store in North Charleston. The Minnesota-based retailer opened its first shop in the region around 1984.
Red Wing’s nearest South Carolina location is a outlet store in Myrtle Beach. Its products also are carried by other footwear merchants.
Mall waffles
A new vendor is now serving up dishes featuring a longtime breakfast staple in the food court at Citadel Mall.
Waffle Sensations, owned by Kenneth Dozier, began as a food truck and expanded to catering before branching out to its own permanent space.
The West Ashley shopping mall also announced that Next Level Photo Education has opened next to the Planet Fitness gym, offering photography skill classes for all ages.
Neat pour in Nexton
Downtown Nexton is poised to raise a glass.
Neat & Noble Bourbon Bar plans to open a location by early 2026. It’s the newest line of tenants announced for the $300 million downtown retail center.
The upscale cocktail spot will showcase an extensive bourbon selection alongside crafted cocktails, bar snacks and light bites. The bar joins a growing lineup in the mixed-use development.
Nearby, FU-O BBQ, a sushi and Asian restaurant, is set to bring an interactive dining experience with authentic Korean barbecue prepared tableside as well as appetizers and house-made sauces.