[The Food Thread]

Wonderful clarification... I would like to add that Harry & Jean's is a great, locally owned family concept with delicious food, however the only fact that is not correct is that David Meranto is no longer the GM and has no affiliation with the restaurant and Pinnacle Hospitality.

While I might not have called out Quinn so vigorously as did StrangeCock, I am another reader who found that Quinn's original message seemed to have a xenophobic tone to it. I am not making any accusations as to anyone's intent; I'm just describing my impression of the message and my reaction to it. The expression "sold out" carries a decidedly negative connotation and suggests to me a good-bad relationship between "family-based American concept" and "foreign investor." The inference seems to be that these two concepts are mutually exclusive and that the ethnic background of an investor (American versus non-American) has some bearing on the legitimacy of the enterprise.

So, we have two apparently negative statements in a first-time post from a new member. I can see how this could be interpreted, by some long-time members at least, as a troll. I am relieved to learn that this was not the intention of the new member who posted the message.

Allow me to clarify some facts as I understand them. The Harry and Jean's brand is owned by Pinnacle Hospitality, LLC, a real estate developer and management company that is firmly established in the Upstate (http://www.pinnhospitality.com). Pinnacle Hospitality's corporate and management "Leadership Teams" are public record and include both Ralph Meranto, founder of Harry and Jean's, and his brother, David, who is the restaurant's general manager.

Pinnacle Hospitality was founded in 1999 by C.V. "Sam" Shabhag, an alumnus of North Carolina State School of Engineering as well as of Bombay University. Shabhag's previous real estate activities include development of shopping centers in Greenville and Spartanburg; development of Bennett’s Steakhouse, Prime Sirloin, De’metres and Chandi’s Bistro in Greenville, Duncan and Spartanburg; a medical center in Woodruff, and Parkway Plaza, a 126,000-square-foot class "A" office building in Greenville. In addition to serving as Chairman of Pinnacle Hospitality, Shabhag serves as a founder and a corporate director of First South Bank.

It would appear - and I am only speculating here - that the Meranto brothers were in need of investors and thus turned to this well established, locally owned company. There seems to be some evidence to suggest that the relationship was formed some months ago, perhaps even before the end of last year.

The Merantos, the Shabhag family and many others who are involved in Pinnacle Hospitality are settled Upstate residents who are clearly committed to business development in this region, thus allowing Harry & Jean's to be classified as locally owned, at least in my mind. That having been said, I hope that we have seen the last of any discussion regarding the ethnic heritage of any business owner or investor.

Welcome to the forum, Quinn. I look forward to your perspectives on Greenville.

[Disclaimer: I have no relationship to, or affiliation with, Pinnacle Hospitality, LLC, in any form other than as a well fed and watered H&J customer.]

[The Food Thread]

How frustrating! The exact same thing happened to me in Charleston today while at a local place for brunch. I ordered a mimosa, and our server said, "We don't have mimosas on Sunday." This, despite the fact that mimosas are listed on the brunch menu he gave us. Weird. The food was great, though.

[/still not over it]

Back on topic, I would like to try Harry & Jean's. It sounds like a neat place that will do well in Greenville, but they definitely need to get their Sunday liquor license.

Yes - not having an $80,000.00 per year Sunday liquor license is too bad - for many businesses. Completely understandable that will sway your Sunday brunch decision. (Whole Foods finally got their Sunday LL a while back, however now you cannot drink at the pizza/food bar as some kind of trade off.) It would be nice to see Greenville County as a whole get away from that ban on Sunday beer and liquor sales.

gsupstate, if your style is contemporary you should check out the Honeyvine which is attached to H&J. You might like it. The bar front is cork, the tasting room has contemporary tables, and the lighting is contemporary. Their specialty is an extensive wine list and a small selection of microbrews. Just remember that for now, you can only go there Monday thru Saturday.

[The Food Thread]

Checking this place out Thursday night with friends. Looking forward to it.

Well worth it. The food is good - the bartenders are friendly - the atmosphere is awesome!

[The Food Thread]

Welcome to UP, mandahewz! I hope they do well!

The Honeyvine opens this Wednesday - the 6th. It is connected to H & J but will have an amped up wine selection and special menu.

[The Food Thread]

There is a new restaurant in Greenville - and it is good! Check out Harry & Jean's next to Carrabbas on Woodruff Road (in the old Prime Sirloin space). http://www.harryandjeans.com/

They just opened their doors on Monday. The decor is upscale yet comfortable and the food is delicious and not over priced for the quality. There is a fireplace in the lounge surrounded by overstuffed chairs and sofas - a great place to relax and sip on a glass of wine and/or enjoy some calamari, a juicy steak, or some smothered flounder! They also have out of this world desserts. They offer private dining and have a nice bar, including an additional bar called the Honeyvine (opens after the holidays) that has its own wine list and will also offer microbrews. Harry & Jean's does not have their Sunday liquor license yet but are going to have a Sunday brunch (order off the menu, not buffet) from 11-3.

[The Food Thread]

There is a new restaurant in Greenville - and it is good! Check out Harry & Jean's next to Carrabbas on Woodruff Road (in the old Prime Sirloin space). http://www.harryandjeans.com/

They just opened their doors on Monday. The decor is upscale yet comfortable and the food is delicious and not over priced for the quality. There is a fireplace in the lounge surrounded by overstuffed chairs and sofas - a great place to relax and sip on a glass of wine and/or enjoy some calamari, a juicy steak, or some smothered flounder! They also have out of this world desserts. They offer private dining and have a nice bar, including an additional bar called the Honeyvine (opens after the holidays) that has its own wine list and will also offer microbrews. Harry & Jean's does not have their Sunday liquor license yet but are going to have a Sunday brunch (order off the menu, not buffet) from 11-3.