Dagwood Social, an elevated American restaurant and bar, is preparing to open at 197 E. St. John St. in Spartanburg, across from Chapman Cultural Center. The restaurant, part of Hub City Hospitality, is targeting a November opening. Photo by Melissa Rhine
Short rib grilled cheese, a Wagyu birria burger and a martini served with a charcuterie skewer. Those are just a few of the offerings giving Spartanburg diners something new to anticipate as Dagwood Social prepares to open on East St. John Street.
Located at 197 E. St. John St., across from Chapman Cultural Center in the former Ciclops building, the restaurant is targeting the second week of November for its debut, although a firm opening date hasn’t been announced.
For Chris Olson, who is helping bring the restaurant to life, the concept centers on making everyone at the table feel welcome. That means giving gluten-free dishes and nonalcoholic drinks the same attention as everything else on the menu.
“The emphasis on gluten-free and sober-curious is a big deal to us,” Olson said. “We want to offer no-compromise options, meaning the quality and flavor are no less than the other items on the menus.”
Dagwood Social is the newest addition to Hub City Hospitality, the Spartanburg restaurant group behind Willy Taco, Flock Shop, Venus Pie and FR8yard. Each has its own personality, with community and hospitality connecting the restaurant family.
Olson describes Dagwood Social as an elevated American restaurant and bar pairing familiar favorites with Southern hospitality. Plans include a gluten-free menu nearly as large as the original and zero-proof drinks developed with the same care as the cocktails.
Local sourcing is another part of that approach.
“We’re proud to source from nine local farms and purveyors we know and trust, because great food starts with fresh ingredients,” Olson said.
About a year of developing, revising and tasting has gone into the concept. The menu preview brings together comfort food and combinations that give diners plenty to consider before their first visit.
Sandwiches include a double smashburger, chopped Italian, Dagwood club and Wagyu birria burger. A short rib grilled cheese adds another tempting option for anyone whose idea of comfort food starts with a sandwich.
The selection extends well beyond burgers and bread. Entrees include steak frites, filet mignon, short rib, miso-glazed Atlantic salmon, chicken kabobs and chargrilled swordfish. Salads and bowls round out the offerings.
Another dish features yuzu-marinated yellowfin tuna with crisp celery salad, Fresno aioli and sesame on wonton, with a gluten-free version planned, too.
The bar offers its own conversation starter: the Dagwood Martini, served with a sidecar and charcuterie skewer. Guests can request their preferred preparation, including gin or vodka and dry or dirty variations. Those skipping alcohol will have thoughtfully developed zero-proof choices.
As work continues on the space, the restaurant has also been assembling its opening team. Recent hiring announcements invited applicants with enthusiasm for food and service to reach out about remaining opportunities.
For Spartanburg’s food community, Dagwood Social offers another reason to gather around a table — and a menu designed to give more people a place at it.
Follow Dagwood Social on Facebook and @dagwood197 on Instagram for opening announcements, menu previews and updates. Learn more about its restaurant family at hubcityhospitality.com.
