Rooted in Food, Family & Hospitality

Nico Romo Hospitality Group: Allez, Allez

Let’s go, let’s go! The Charleston area is home to so many incredible restaurants, it’s hard to choose just one—but with the eateries of Nico Romo Hospitality Group, you always know you’re getting great food, exceptional service, and that little something extra. Don’t believe us? Here’s why you should.

Chef and Owner Nico Romo’s original spark for creating the hospitality group came from his love of food and family. “I wanted to create restaurants where people feel at home,” he says. “Places that combine my French and Italian background with the warmth and charm of the Lowcountry, bringing people together over great meals and memorable experiences.” Since 2017, they’ve been doing exactly that.

Their portfolio includes Nico Oysters + Seafood, home to some of the freshest seafood on the banks of beautiful Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant; Laura Summerville, offering what might just be the most authentic Italian food this side of the Atlantic; Bistronomy by Nico, a downtown French bistro highlighting innovative ingredients and techniques; and Kersey House, a stunning French restaurant and event venue, perfect for a Summerville wedding or gala.

To Romo, these aren’t just restaurants. His mission also includes, he says, “running businesses where my employees can grow.” His official job titles may be owner and chef, but these days he adds chief problem solver to the list. He wouldn’t change a thing, though. When asked how he differs from his competitors, he turned to an employee for the answer—and in an age when celebrity chefs often make headlines for poor behavior in and out of the kitchen, her response speaks volumes. “She said that I am more open to ideas than most other employers she has worked for,” he says, adding, “I definitely can be particular, but I try my best to ensure my team’s voices are heard. We are constantly trying to innovate and improve. We never want to get complacent.”

And when asked for a fun, behind-the-scenes tidbit about his restaurants, he’s quick to shine the spotlight elsewhere. “My amazingly talented wife, Harmony, who is not only my wife but a full-time accountant, our CFO, and takes care of our kiddos, has painted the artwork we have up in our restaurant, Bistronomy,” he says, adding “proud husband” to his list of titles. “She is beyond talented and is truly the support I need to keep all of these restaurants up and running.”

Any way you spin it, the Nico Romo Hospitality Group—and the man behind it all—is rooted in food, family, and hospitality. And here in the Lowcountry, we’re all the better for it.

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