The life of Sam Hart in Charlotte NC did not take a direct flight to the culinary industry. Instead, there was a pit stop at a liberal arts college, a brief layover in corporate America, and then a series of connecting flights to arrive where they are today: James Beard Award finalist, executive chef, restaurant owner and innovator, and creator of the newly formed restaurant group Irreverently Refined Hospitality.
Like much of what Sam Hart in Charlotte NC creates, the group departs from the typical in powerful ways. Most notably, it is employee owned, composed of leadership from the hospitality group’s restaurant portfolio. In addition to Sam Hart, key players include Beverage Director Michael Myers, Director of Operations Colbie Browne, Director of Research & Development Ashley Quick, Executive Pastry Chef Faith Morley, and Director of Communications Audra Harman. “We make almost every decision together,” says Hart, “That way, any decision is part of a singular vision.”
Sam Hart in Charlotte NC places emphasis on community involvement. “We believe that our hospitality group has a responsibility to support our community. In doing so, we must renew why restaurants began in the first place: nurturing people, telling stories, showcasing the season, and supporting agriculture,” says Hart. Irreverently Refined invests in a number of local organizations. This includes Time Out Youth, which supports LGTBQ+ teens/young adults. Another example is The Relative, which provides support, safety, and resources to vulnerable youth. Additionally, there’s Art Pop, which increases visibility of and access to local art, and Carolina Farm Trust, which fosters resilient local food systems.
Three Restaurants, One Group
The hospitality group unites three dining concepts, all of which Hart opened: Counter-, Maneki, and Spaghett. Counter-, which opened about five years ago, opened with a promise of launching a new dining experience each quarter. Each experience includes multiple courses and a collection of details intended to pique each of the senses. And, in characteristically Hart fashion, their top priority when opening Counter- was to pursue a business model where the whole team could receive livable wages, health insurance, and paid time off. Things that are sadly uncommon in the restaurant industry.
Maneki, the second restaurant in Irreverently Refined Hospitality’s portfolio, is a pop up turned robatayaki food stall at The Alley at Latta Arcade in Uptown. Here, local proteins and produce are grilled over charcoal flames. The result is old school, no frills, completely delicious skewers and more, plus an exclusive four-seat omakase experience.
Spaghett, the final concept, occupies the historic Young-Morrison house in Fourth Ward. Serving up traditional Italian cuisine typically starring a bed of handmade pasta in the $12-18 range, Spaghett is as approachable as it is delicious. The second floor of the restaurant houses a speakeasy-style bar called The Upstairs. Here, guests will find a separate small bites menu and distinct cocktail menu. As a matter of fact, the cocktail menu exclusively features drinks invented before the Young-Morrison house’s construction in 1908.
With these three stars, Irreverently Refined Hospitality has drafted quite the starting lineup. And, with Hart at the helm, we can expect to see the group’s portfolio and community footprint continue to grow.
