After several weeks of inactivity on Twitter, Shine Charleston tweeted earlier today: “Shine was dear to our heart but we had to let it go. We thought new owners would reopen. Will keep u posted.”
Shine owner Dean Johnson did not return an e-mail from CP, but we did talk to Drazen Romic over at Lana Restaurant, who confirmed that he is interested in buying the Line Street restaurant. Romic said he has not signed any lease, but that he is currently pursuing a purchase.
According to Romic, he originally intended to buy only a share of Shine. “One of the partners wanted to get out of the restaurant, and I was approached,” said Romic.
However, the other owner of Shine later decided that he also was interested in selling his share, and Romic is now in negotiations to purchase full ownership.
Romic also confirmed that he has applied for an ABA license for Shine, which can take several weeks to attain. Romic said that he has some ideas of changes he might make at Shine, but wouldn’t discuss details at this time.
Rumors have been flying about Shine Restaurant for a while now among locals who keep up with the Charleston food scene. The Upper King restaurant has only been open for about a year, after the owners completely renovated the old Raben’s Tavern, turning it into a swanky spot serving street food and spinning music late into the night.
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