Sarah Anne's gives way to decor shop

Sarah Anne's Ltd. , a longstanding children's shop at 279 King St., will be putting away its toys for good by May 1.

After 32 years in retail -- 21 of them on King Street-- owner Sarah Anne Summers said she is excited to close this chapter of her life, though she wouldn't do so until she found the right tenant for her building.

Enter Pierre Deux, a French country furniture, fabric and home decor retailer based in New York City, which recently signed a lease for the 3,900-square-foot space next to a Williams-Sonoma kitchen store.

The company, which began as a Provence-themed antiques shop in 1967, operates nearly 20 stores, showrooms and outlet locations across the country.

"It's something different for the area, and I think it will complement Williams-Sonoma," Summers said.

Summers said she has no plans to relocate Sarah Anne's but is not opposed to getting back into retail if she finds she misses it too much.

"I think I'll miss the children the most," said Summers, who refers to herself as Peter Pan. "I refuse to grow up, and they keep you young."

Chef shuffle

Old Village Post House in Mount Pleasant is undergoing what some might call a spring cleaning of sorts.

The Maverick Southern Kitchens restaurant and East Cooper favorite has changed its dining hours and acquired a new executive chef.

Chef Frank Lee, of Slightly North of Broad fame and vice president of culinary development for Maverick South Kitchens, has taken the helm at Old Village Post House.

But don't worry, Lee will continue to cook up his award-winning Lowcountry cuisine at S.N.O.B.; he'll just divide his time between the two delicious gems.

Effective today, Old Village Post House will discontinue its daily a la carte lunch service, making the afternoon menu available only for private group dining.

Nightly dinner, Sunday brunch and happy hour Monday through Friday will maintain the same hours.

On and off the radar

--Cache: The chic ladies boutique is opening a store on Belk Drive in Mount Pleasant Town Centre on or slightly before May 1. Cache has another Charleston location at 126 Market St., in the Shops at Charleston Place.

--Grazi's Shoe Cafe and Wine Bar: The boutique at 14 Resolute Lane in the I'On subdivision in Mount Pleasant, is closing its doors.

Reach Abi Nicholas at 937-5524.