One could argue the interiors of a restaurant are just as important to the dining experience as the food. For The 5th Street Group, this is a guiding principle. Owned by Patrick Whalen, Alejandro Torio and Jamie Lynch (a Top Chef alum), the North Carolina-based restaurant group believes the act of celebrating incredible food is enhanced by equally awe-inspiring surroundings. Here we take a look at the company’s long-beloved and latest spaces.
5CHURCH CHARLOTTE
Opened in 2012, 5Church Charlotte features New American cuisine in a hip, loft-style setting. Tucked within The Ivey’s Hotel, the space has exposed ductwork, a white concrete bar, black leather banquettes, eye-catching chandeliers, large-scale artwork and a hand-painted ceiling that displays the full verbiage of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. The food, too, is confident and bold, with ingredients from executive chef Jamie Lynch’s own 6-acre farm.
5CHURCH CHARLESTON
In 2015, a historic, 5,200-square-foot and 104-year-old church welcomed a new host: 5Church Charleston. Adorned with many of the design elements that characterize Charlotte’s original 5Church, this stunning aesthetic also incorporates the original stained-glass windows. Renowned chef Adam Hodgson brought a beloved brunch menu and more, with locally sourced items.
SOPHIA’S LOUNGE
Named for the U.K.’s Queen Sophia Charlotte, Sophia’s Lounge was founded in 2017 and offers a truly royal ambience in the heart of The Ivey’s Hotel. Opulence meets a vintage touch and vibrant European flair in its spaces, where guests can sip on decadent craft cocktails (Come on Spin and Higher Education must be had) and shareable plates by chef Jamie Lynch.
The Viper cocktail is a must-try.
TEMPEST
5Th Street Group will soon add to its Charleston repertoire. Scheduled to open this fall, Tempest will make its home in what once was The Harriott Pinckney Home for Seamen, next door to 5Church Charleston. This is quite fitting, as the restaurant will offer upscale seafood from Low Country fishermen and oyster farmers, cooked by chef Jamie Lynch. Enjoy it all on an outdoor patio, in upstairs space for private events, at the bar or tucked into the main dining room, where the eye is drawn to a handcrafted ceiling mural by a local artist.
CHURCH AND UNION
In its latest endeavor, 5th Street Group will make its way to Nashville. Set to open downtown in 2021, Church and Union will exude all of the sophistication of the brand’s other locations. The vibe will be relaxed, yet elevated, and the food will take on a playful approach while prioritizing local seasonal bounties.
