James Island has a new "shabby speakeasy" opening Thursday

Terrace Theater frequenters, your favorite cinema is getting a new neighbor. How Art Thou Cafe is gone and Bowties, a JI Speakeasy, is in and opening tonight.

The bar is the work of Gorman Swift and Wes Lybrand, restaurateurs from Hilton Head. The partners have worked together on numerous projects, including Beaufort’s Rosie O’Grady’s and Hilton Head’s Twisted.

With Bowties (1956 Maybank Hwy.), the idea is a tapas bar and lounge — though they’ll open with just cheese plates — Swift says.

“We’re gonna run a DJ on Friday and Saturday night once we get going. Friday will serve an upbeat younger crowd, and Saturday for date night we’ll do more ’70s, ’80s, and Motown.”

But don’t expect the space to look wildly different from How Art Thou. Gorman says the renovations have been minimal befitting the “shabby speakeasy” look they’re going for.
And in keeping with the theme, Bowties will have a cork board for bow tie enthusiasts to leave their favorite tie on display.

“We moved here because we feel this is where it’s up and coming,” says Gorman.

Bowties opens today and 4 p.m.