There’s no question the Charleston culinary scene is hot. But the heat isn’t just coming from the kitchen. According to Maverick Southern Kitchens President and Founder Dick Elliott, “folks all over the country are interested in coming in” and investing in successful Holy City restaurants. And, as the owner of three such places — High Cotton, Old Village Post House, and Slightly North of Broad — Elliott says that Maverick is in ongoing discussions with multiple interested parties.
“Strategic mergers, one party acquiring the other, one party acquiring one business — virtually all of it has been discussed,” Elliott says.
One interested party has been Bill Hall, owner of Halls Chophouse, Elliott confirms, but adds, “we have ongoing discussions with two other parties.” But Elliott, who has been a major player in Charleston’s culinary scene since purchasing The Colony House in 1989, admits that selling one of his properties would take a very alluring offer. He likens the idea to selling a beloved pet.
“If you have a dog you love and someone says ‘I’ll give you $10 for your dog.’ You’d say, ‘no,’” explains Elliott. “But what if they offered you $10 million? I think there’s a point where you’d say yes.”
That said, Elliott tells CP that no deals are concrete at this point. “We have a great operation,” he says. “I’m extremely proud.”
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