WISE COLUMN: Towne Centre getting 2 new restaurants

Existing and vacant restaurant space at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre is about to undergo big changes.

Massachusetts-based Burton's Grill will take over the site of On the Border Mexican Grill, which has been at 1875 U.S. Highway 17 since 1999.

On the Border will close by the end of March. After renovations, the new 6,300-square-foot restaurant should open in August, said Burton's CEO Kevin Harron. The casual restaurant chain offers appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees such as seafood, steak and burgers but will adapt its menu to local tastes.

"We will keep the core menu intact," Harron said. "We are not coming to Charleston to compete in Lowcountry cuisine."

Burton's operates eight restaurants in New England and Virginia. This will be its first location in South Carolina. The restaurant will hire up to 75 workers and begin taking applications about six weeks before it opens.

Also, coming to Towne Centre is Grimaldi's Pizzeria of Scottsdale, Ariz. It will take over the building at 1244 Belk Dr. left vacant in August 2010 when Benito's Brick Oven Pizza pulled out after its 10-year lease expired.

Opening in late spring with its first restaurant in South Carolina, the pizzeria will sell hand-tossed, coal-fired, brick-oven pizzas, calzones, salads and desserts in a 4,000-square-foot indoor area and patio.

The interior will be renovated, said Towne Centre spokeswoman Kristi Tolley. A job fair will be held closer to the opening date.

Dining deals

Charleston Restaurant Week has come and gone, but some West Ashley restaurants are reviving it.

The first-ever Avondale Restaurant Week will kick off Monday through Feb. 12. Diners can get three courses for $20 at Triangle Char and Bar, Pearlz Little Oyster Bar, The Roost, Mellow Mushroom and Al Di La. Complimentary valet parking will be offered on the busiest nights. The eateries are clustered near the juncture of Magnolia Road and Savannah Highway.

Cast away

Gilligan's at 14 N. Market St. near the City Market in Charleston has closed.

"Gilligan's management did decide to close the downtown location after being contacted by an out-of-state restaurateur that was very interested and aggressive in moving into the Market area," spokeswoman Wanda LeNoir said in an email.

"We felt that this was an offer that was in our best interest, and we are considering other spots in the Lowcountry to re-open in the future."

A mid-price steak restaurant reportedly will take its place.

Do you know of a business that is opening, closing or expanding? Reach Warren L. Wise at 937-5524, wwise@postandcourier.com or twitter.com/warrenlancewise.