Beaufort’s Fat Patties to Close Soon
A Fresh and Unique Italian Concept to Replace the Beloved Burger Joint
Beaufort, SC — Residents are preparing to bid farewell to an established local favorite, Fat Patties, as it announces its impending closure scheduled for August 24, 2024 after 12 successful years in business. However, food enthusiasts don’t have to reel in disappointment for long, as owner Nick Borreggine has a delicious plan in motion. A new venture named “Scratch Italian Kitchen and Bar” is set to take up the mantle, promising to fill a gap in the local culinary scene.
Fat Patties: A Chapter Ends
Owner Nick Borreggine teamed up with his sister, Deanna Gray, who also acted as the restaurant’s general manager, to inject life into Fat Patties. The duo transformed the restaurant into a cheerful spot that served mouthwatering burgers and craft beer to both locals and visitors. As announced by the sibling duo, the burger joint along the Parris Island Parkway will soon shut its doors, marking the end of an era in Beaufort’s dining scene.
Scratch Italian Kitchen and Bar: A New Chapter Begins
Fat Patties’ departure will hardly leave a void, as preparations are well underway to introduce Scratch Italian Kitchen and Bar. Borreggine promises an authentic Italian cuisine experience, with all pasta made in-house. He not only plans to serve traditional Italian dishes but also aims to inspire Beaufort’s culinary scene with a coastal Italian twist.
From Burgers to Italian Delicacies
Borreggine anticipates the transition from Fat Patties to Scratch Kitchen will be swift, given that the work required is mostly cosmetic. The ending of the Fat Patties era and the emergence of Scratch Italian Kitchen and Bar, Borreggine believes, will provide guests with a broader and richer culinary experience while optimizing the potential of the location along the Parris Island Parkway.
The Challenges of the Restaurant Business
In a statement, Borreggine acknowledged a dip in business due to the opening of Shellring Ale Works in Port Royal in 2022. He also mentioned a decrease in guests attending graduation ceremonies at the nearby Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot, which traditionally resulted in a bump for Fat Patties. In addition, the rise in inflation and wage rates made it increasingly challenging to maintain a balance between affordable menu prices and the use of fresh, local ingredients.
In spite of their forthcoming closure, the community’s support for the restaurant hasn’t waned, with Fat Patties reporting record-breaking sales since the announcement. Grey shared her gratitude for their regulars who have become like family, adding that they are eagerly anticipating their return once Scratch Italian Kitchen and Bar opens its doors.
