Charleston, South Carolina boasts a top-notch restaurant scene that has become a culinary destination. In such a crowded market, it can be difficult to stand out, but Frannie & the Fox, a wood-fired eatery with Italian sensibilities located in the Emeline hotel, has found a way to attract both locals and tourists alike.
"Since opening amid the pandemic, Frannie & The Fox has focused on building a loyal local following," says Riley Nail, head of Brand & Lifestyle Experiences at Makeready Experiences, which created and manages the restaurant. "As a beloved city restaurant located within a hotel, it also appeals to travelers. By earning the trust and recommendations of Charleston locals, the restaurant successfully attracts both residents and visitors."
But operating a restaurant within a hotel offers unique advantages and challenges. "On the plus side, the restaurant benefits from a steady flow of hotel guests and access to specialized hotel resources, such as engineering and housekeeping," says Emeline’s Executive Chef Daniel Dalton. "However, challenges include managing the expectation that hotel guests are guaranteed seating, especially in popular spots like Frannie’s, and overcoming the common perception of hotel restaurants as mediocre. Fortunately, Frannie & the Fox has built a reputation that transcends its association with the Emeline hotel."
Frannie & the Fox has also not been immune to some of the major challenges in the restaurant industry, including finding labor. "Staffing remains a significant challenge in Charleston, particularly due to the transient nature of our hourly team members, many of whom are college students," says Dalton. "While our focus is always on hiring the best individuals, and we take pride in our current team, the need for frequent rehiring and training occasionally strains our leadership team. Ensuring consistency and maintaining service standards are ongoing priorities amidst these challenges."
Another priority is its focus on seasonal ingredients and the innovation of its Italian-inspired dishes to stand apart from its competitors. "Our menu is designed to be both comforting and approachable while also offering surprising elements" says Nail. "We aim to provide something for everyone, which is something our guests truly appreciate."
The menu features shareable dishes sourced from local purveyors. "Frannie & The Fox is a hyper-seasonal restaurant, changing our offerings more than four times a year to utilize the best that local farms and fisheries have to offer each season," says Dalton. "All the chefs contribute to seasonal changes, consistently delivering a thoughtful and honest approach to delight our guests day after day."
On the cocktail menu, guests can find bright and fresh offerings. "While not exclusively Italian-centric, we incorporate Amari and other liqueurs to complement the Italian influences in our kitchen," says Dalton, who notes the seasonality found on its food menu translates into its cocktails as well. "Our menu reflects a strong collaboration between the kitchen and the beverage program, utilizing seasonal fruits and vegetables to create harmonious pairings."
A harmony of pairings between Charleston's coastal and historic charm can also be found in Frannie & the Fox's design, featuring tropical prints along with deep blues and greens. "The design of Frannie & The Fox was inspired by the Southern Charleston aesthetic. We drew design elements from the lush ferns and greenery found throughout historic downtown Charleston, including those growing from cobblestone roads and climbing historic houses," says Nail. "The overall look is playful, clever, and comfortable, reflecting the Frannie & The Fox brand."
The look is also emblematic of the restaurant's fictitious muse, Frannie. "Frannie is depicted as a refined and polished Charleston socialite who, after a few drinks, transforms into her playful alter ego, the Fox," explains Nail. "She charms with her wit and exuberance, enjoying food without pretension and with a fun-loving personality."
Frannie’s also includes The Den, a secret hideaway bar area tucked within the dining room, which features an inverse of the seating colors in the main restaurant—a gold couch with green, tropical print pillows. The space has its own menus and can also be booked for private events. A courtyard and adjacent greenhouse offer open-air dining with a gardenesque vibe and are also available for private events.
Frannie & the Fox's collective efforts to offer Charleston something different was rewarded earlier this year as the restaurant was named a Top 10 Honoree in the Best U.S. Hotel Bar – U.S. East category in Tales of the Cocktail's 2024 Spirited Awards.
"It's an honor to be named alongside so many other great bars in the U.S.," says Dalton. "Being on the list of nominated bars is wonderful recognition for the hard work our team puts in every day."
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