Chapin Welcomes a New Taste Adventure: S&S Destination
Chapin, South Carolina is buzzing with excitement as the father-daughter duo, Peter and Alexis Kalogeropoulos, gear up to relaunch the beloved Chapin sandwich and sweet shop, S&S Destination. Their big day? Mark your calendars for September 6, just in time for the town’s Labor Day festival and parade. Though that timeline is a bit ambitious, they’re pushing hard to have everything ready. But let’s just say, the journey hasn’t been without its bumps — quite literally!
A Bumpy Start
Just hours before we caught up with Peter and Alexis, the determined Peter had a little accident. He took a spill while working on the shop’s renovations, hitting his back hard on the counter. “Nothing like a good fall to remind you you’re working too hard,” he chuckled. Thankfully, he seems to have shaken it off, which is a real testament to his passion for this new venture.
Building Dreams
S&S Destination finds its home at 1200 Chapin Rd., a charming historic building that’s been a part of the community landscape since 1948. But this isn’t just any building. This spot has witnessed a fascinating history, from serving as a water tower to a general store, and even an ice cream and hot dog joint known as “Eagles Corner.” Now, Peter and Alexis are ready to bring it back to life, drawing on its past to shape their future.
Lessons from the Past
Despite Peter’s confidence in their business model, he acknowledges the challenges they face — most notably, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which took a toll on the previous owners. “It was a tough time,” he said. “They had to close shop just a few months after opening.” The cozy location is perfect, right in the heart of town with great foot traffic potential, but the space itself needs a lot of love.
A Place That Requires TLC
As Alexis points out, “Everything just sat in time.” And they plan to change that narrative with a whole lot of hard work. Roof leaks, corroded pipes, and air conditioning issues are just the tip of the iceberg. But the duo is rolling up their sleeves and diving in, turning what was a difficult situation into a labor of love.
Something for Everyone
Their culinary vision is both bold and exciting. They’re planning to serve a diverse menu that includes savory snacks, sweet treats, and your caffeine fix. With an impressive offering of over 20 ice cream flavors (up from just six!), they are more than prepared to keep everyone cool during those hot South Carolina summers. Plus, Alexis’ previous experience at a smoothie shop means there’ll also be protein shakes tailored for local athletes — think Chapin High’s football team!
A Hint of New York in the South
Though they’ve made the move from Long Island to Chapin, the Kalogeropoulos family is keen on infusing their culinary offerings with some New York flair. Hot dogs will feature prominently on their menu alongside searching for a vendor who can provide those authentic New York bagels. Peter joked, “Everyone says it’s the water down here. I guess you need some of that ‘bad’ water to make it taste right!”
Community Connections
Both Peter and Alexis are excited about being part of Chapin’s close-knit community. They’re committed to embodying the Southern charm folks value while steering clear of the cutthroat vibe associated with the bustling New York food scene. As Alexis puts it, “We’re not gonna bring the whole New York attitude down here,” and it’s clear they want S&S Destination to feel welcoming to all.
Looking Ahead
As their grand opening nears, anticipation builds not only for the delicious food and sweet treats but also for what S&S Destination will bring to Chapin’s historic downtown. With a blend of hard work, a rich history, and a vision for the future, the Kalogeropoulos family is all set to embark on this new culinary adventure!
