Matt Catchpole, a well-known figure in West Columbia’s hospitality industry, is poised to make a significant impact on the local dining scene with the launch of two innovative concepts. Drawing on years of experience as the general manager at Terra, a renowned fine-dining restaurant, Catchpole is now venturing into his unique projects. These new initiatives include a semi-private cocktail bar and supper club, as well as a fusion of alcohol retail and a relaxed wine bar complete with a kitchen. Both ventures signal the beginnings of a local hospitality group spearheaded by Catchpole and his family, aiming to enhance West Columbia’s culinary landscape.
Catchpole’s enthusiasm for West Columbia’s potential is palpable. He firmly believes that the area is in an ideal phase for growth and development. His deep personal and professional connections to the community have amplified his commitment to fostering local progress. Though he considered various other locations such as Aiken, Atlanta, Alabama, the coastline, and Greenville, West Columbia ultimately won his heart as the perfect fit for his new ventures. This dedication to the community’s growth emphasizes his investment in the area’s future.
A New Era for West Columbia Hospitality
Catchpole’s passion for West Columbia’s untapped potential is evident, echoing his commitment to seeing the area flourish. He perceives West Columbia as a place ripe for growth and development, driven by a confluence of factors that make it an ideal time for new ventures. His personal and professional history in the area deepens his resolve to contribute significantly to its progress. During the planning phase, Catchpole and his family considered several other promising locations, including Aiken, Atlanta, Alabama, the coastline, and Greenville. However, the unique attributes and opportunities of West Columbia ultimately drew them to establish their new enterprises in the city.
Catchpole’s decision to base his new ventures in West Columbia underscores his dedication to fostering local development. By planting roots in this community, he sets the foundation for creating transformative experiences that both reflect and enhance the area’s character. His ventures are not just businesses; they represent a strategic vision for West Columbia’s evolution as a vibrant, dynamic dining destination. Catchpole’s commitment to his community is reflected in every aspect of his plans, from choosing the locations to conceptualizing the offerings. His ventures aim to strike a balance between sophisticated and accessible, catering to a diverse demographic while promoting local growth.
Semi-Private Cocktail Bar and Supper Club: An Innovative Concept
The first of Catchpole’s new business ventures is already taking shape: a semi-private cocktail bar and supper club that is currently under renovation at a location on Sunset Boulevard near West Columbia’s River District. Scheduled to open in January, this establishment will combine classic and adventurous cocktails with high-end and casual food options under the tentative name “Ikie Lu,” a nickname of Catchpole’s grandmother. The unique “champagne and hot dogs” theme he envisions was inspired by a successful concept observed at Sea Wolf on Tybee Island. This mix aims to balance sophisticated wine offerings with approachable food choices, catering to a diverse demographic and making high-end dining more inclusive.
The cocktail bar and supper club will operate a few nights a week and will feature a small event space accommodating around 30 people, available for rental by members. Although the establishment is not intended to be a traditional country club, it will charge a modest membership fee. This business model underscores Catchpole’s commitment to creating a welcoming yet exclusive atmosphere. Patrons will be able to enjoy a variety of experiences, from relishing a fine cocktail to mingling at private events, all within a setting designed to be approachable and enjoyable for a broad audience.
Leonard’s Peach: A Long-Term Vision
Catchpole’s second venture, Leonard’s Peach, is a more long-term project with a strategic vision aiming for a blend of retail alcohol sales and a relaxing wine bar and kitchen. Set for 1051 Meeting St., this establishment has been a decade in the making, profoundly influenced by Catchpole’s grandfather, who instilled in him a love for quality food and drink. The name “Leonard’s Peach” itself pays homage to his grandfather’s frequent use of the term “peach” to describe something excellent. This project aspires to deliver an exceptional experience that combines shopping for fine wines with the casual enjoyment of them on-site.
Inspired by the spirit of Bacchanal in New Orleans, Leonard’s Peach will encourage patrons to walk through a wine shop, purchase a bottle to take home or enjoy on-site, and relax in a courtyard setting. This laid-back approach is designed to foster social interactions among friends while enjoying quality wine in a relaxed environment. The building will house a full-service bar and kitchen offering counter service, echoing the already successful beer-and-wine-retail model seen at WECO nearby. With its roots deeply embedded in both personal heritage and modern hospitality trends, Leonard’s Peach aims to be a unique addition to West Columbia’s dining scene.
Contributing to West Columbia’s Revitalization
Both of Catchpole’s ventures are aligned with broader development trends in West Columbia, particularly along Meeting Street, an area identified as ripe for revitalization. The city has been diligently working to enhance this corridor to boost commercial and pedestrian activity, aiming for a more vibrant, traditional downtown atmosphere. Catchpole’s businesses are expected to contribute significantly to this development, reflecting his strategic vision and commitment to fostering community growth. Each new establishment not only offers unique dining experiences but also plays a role in the collective effort to energize and uplift the area.
The infusion of Catchpole’s innovative concepts into West Columbia’s landscape signifies more than just the arrival of new dining options. His ventures are poised to become integral parts of the local cultural fabric, supporting broader revitalization efforts that make the city more attractive to residents and visitors alike. Catchpole’s dedication to community development is not only an investment in his businesses’ success but also a testament to his belief in West Columbia’s potential. By creating spaces that offer both top-tier and accessible experiences, his efforts will likely serve as a catalyst for continued growth and positive change in the area.
Balancing High-End and Accessible Offerings
Matt Catchpole, a prominent figure in West Columbia’s hospitality sector, is set to leave a considerable mark on the local dining scene with the introduction of two groundbreaking concepts. Leveraging his extensive experience as the general manager at Terra, an esteemed fine-dining establishment, Catchpole is now diving into his own projects. His new ventures include a semi-private cocktail bar and supper club, and a combination of alcohol retail and a laid-back wine bar with a kitchen. These establishments mark the start of a local hospitality group led by Catchpole and his family, aiming to uplift West Columbia’s culinary offerings.
Catchpole’s passion for West Columbia’s potential is evident. He strongly believes the area is ripe for growth and transformation. His personal and professional ties to the community have strengthened his resolve to support local development. Although he considered other places like Aiken, Atlanta, Alabama, the coastline, and Greenville, West Columbia ultimately emerged as his top choice for these new enterprises. This commitment to the community’s advancement underscores his dedication to the area’s future.
