This Beaufort County Italian restaurant will be renamed and revamped soon. Here’s what to know
A fresh chapter is unfolding for one local Italian eatery.
Nonna Rosa, long known for its cozy atmosphere and classic Italian flavors, is now under new ownership — and with it comes a new name, new energy and a thoughtfully updated vision.
Craig Phinn, a restaurateur with family roots in the industry, officially acquired the restaurant this summer after a six-month acquisition process that began in February with quiet visits as a regular customer.
Originally from Brooklyn and now based in the metro Atlanta area, Phinn brings a unique blend of culinary heritage and business strategy.
“I spent about six months just visiting, eating here and observing,” Phinn said. “I wanted to experience the business from the inside as a customer before stepping in to find out what enhancements and changes could take place.”
Located in Okatie Village at 198 Okatie Village Drive in Suite 105, near The UPS Store and Food Lion, here’s what to know about this revamped eatery.
A restaurant that never closed, but needed revival
Despite public concern listed on social media platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor, Phinn clarified that Nonna Rosa never officially shut down.
“Nonna Rosa never closed its doors,” he said. “But there were definitely struggles and as a result, the public saw a decline in service over the years.”
The former owner, Giuseppe “Peppe” Gialone, has since moved back to Italy and, according to Phinn, is doing well.
From Nonna Rosa to Basil & Bourbon
With the official business license secured at the end of July, the restaurant is undergoing a full rebrand, with a new name: Basil & Bourbon.
The new name will be accompanied by a brand-new website, social media presence and a fresh visual identity — all expected to launch by Sept. 15, Phinn noted.
What’s staying & what’s changing
Phinn has promised that the core of the authentic Italian menu isn’t going anywhere in the rebrand, but customers can expect to see some new American-inspired dishes added to the menu over the next few months, such as lamb chops.
“We’re going to be taking customer feedback into account to make necessary enhancements to the menu while also maintaining the foundation of authentic Italian cuisine, he said.
Phinn also added that the restaurant will be expanding its spirits, wine and beer options.
Other upgrades include an interior refresh with new paint and updated furniture in the dining area soon.
Price-wise, Phinn states that the current menu item pricing will remain the same and that any new items will be priced “accordingly, but they will still be affordable.”
When can you visit?
Nonna Rosa, soon-to-be Basil & Bourbon, is open for dine-in and takeout from 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
The restaurant will remain closed on Mondays through August for renovations, but is set to transition to service seven days a week starting in September.
For customers hoping for the grab-and-go dining style, Phinn states these options are still available by phone at (843) 707-1750, DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub during regular restaurant hours.
While there is no website currently, the team is actively building out a new online presence, including a brand-new Facebook page.
Phinn and his staff have also taken steps to correct past confusion caused by outdated online listings.
“We’ve made it a priority to keep Google updated,” he said. “We want customers to know exactly when we’re open and what to expect.”
About Craig Phinn
Despite the jump to the Lowcountry, Phinn is no stranger to the restaurant world.
His family ran a Brooklyn-based restaurant called Docks for over 40 years, which has since closed, where his father was the head cook. He’s also a co-founder of a successful Atlanta-area restaurant.
This story was originally published August 16, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
