Chapin Welcomes New Sandwich and Sweet Shop
Get ready, Chapin! A fresh new spot is gearing up to open its doors and it’s bringing lots of sweet treats and savory bites to the table. Peter Kalogeropoulos and his daughter, Alexis, are hard at work re-launching the beloved Chapin sandwich and sweet shop, now named S&S Destination, and they’re hoping to throw the doors wide open by September 6—just in time for the town’s exciting Labor Day parade and festivities.
But let’s just say, things haven’t exactly gone without a hitch. Just a couple of hours before we chatted, Peter had a bit of a spill while tackling renovations. He ended up slamming his back on the countertop he dreams of serving delicious coffee and ice cream from. Yikes! But hey, nothing’s stopping Peter and Alexis from getting this new venture up and running.
Aren’t Scared of Challenges
While some might find the obstacles daunting, Peter isn’t too worried about whether or not people will dig their idea. “Selling quick savory fare and sweets at this spot is going to work,” he confidently shared. The location is prime—1200 Chapin Rd. is right in the heart of Chapin and is just a stone’s throw from the historic downtown area. People strolling through the area are likely to pop in for a bite, he believes. Plus, there’s a striking mural on the side, part of the Chapin Art Trail, which should grab the attention of passersby.
However, there’s one hiccup—parking is a bit of a challenge. “It’s a small spot along the train tracks, so we need to bank on foot traffic,” Peter explained, eyes shining with determination.
Historical Building with a Story
The location itself adds an intriguing layer to their story. This historic building has seen many lives since it was put up in 1948. Before it became S&S Destination, this spot has housed a variety of establishments, from a filling station to an optometrist’s office and even a local ice cream joint that kids from Chapin High School loved. In fact, Peter points out a plaque near the entrance that tells the rich history of the place. It’s an attraction in its own right, but keeping the space up to snuff has been a bit taxing. “Everything just sat in time,” Alexis said, reflecting on the impact of COVID on the building’s condition. “It needs some TLC for sure!”
The dynamic duo has their work cut out for them. With some roof leaks, corroded pipes, and non-working air conditioners, they still have a lot to do before the grand opening. But with Peter’s vision and Alexis’ experience from working in a smoothie shop back in New York, they have exciting plans in the works.
Menu Hints That Excite
Their menu looks to shake things up, expanding ice cream flavors from a mere six to a whopping twenty—perfect for those hot, sticky South Carolina days. Alongside coffee drinks, they’re planning to cater to athletes, especially Chapin High football players, by offering a variety of protein shakes.
Peter, who has a son on the team playing right guard, hopes their menu will become a favorite post-game hangout spot! Also, watch out for hot dogs and authentic New York bagels, because Peter insists he’s on the hunt for the real deal. “You guys have good water, not the crappy water we have in New York,” he joked, pointing out that it’s all about the quality of ingredients.
Keeping Southern Charm
But it’s not all about bringing a big city attitude to a small town. Peter and Alexis are keen to keep S&S Destination wrapped in Southern charm. “We don’t want to bring the hustle and bustle of New York City down here,” Alexis confirmed. They really want this place to embody a cozy, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home.
With their combined hard work and passionate vision, S&S Destination is set to become a buzzing hub in Chapin, welcoming everyone to enjoy tasty bites and delicious sweets while celebrating the town’s vibrant community spirit!
