Michael and Courtney Zentner have been operating The Drifter, a Charleston, S.C.-based culinary event and design company, since April 2020. They opened during the pandemic, initially selling focaccia. They’ve long wanted to expand their hospitality offerings in the city, and after a year of planning and recipe testing, they’ve done exactly that.
Merci is a new European-inspired bistro located in downtown Charleston. It opened on March 22 shortly after the debut of its sister property, a neighborhood market called Petit Merci that sits next door.
The Zentners were well-positioned to open a restaurant. Michael is a veteran chef who’s worked for prominent groups in Washington, D.C., and Boston before moving to Charleston in 2018 to serve as chef de cuisine at Charleston Grill. Courtney has extensive experience in design and events and has coordinated state dinners at the White House.
It’s the first restaurant concept from Michael and Courtney Zentner after years working in the industry. Photo credit: Lindsey Shorter
Merci is set in a historic 1820s building. The design is inspired by the Zentners’ travels to Europe and by some of their favorite neighborhood bistros in New York City and Boston. The space is small, but heavy on ambiance, with vintage tableware, antique furniture, handmade lighting, and custom millwork.
The 20-seat dining room is joined by a six-seat bar, and outdoor dining will open in the coming months.
Merci’s menu is tightly curated, featuring shareable small plates and entrées that will evolve through the seasons to highlight local purveyors. Current options include focaccia stracciatella with Benton’s ham and pistachios, crispy duck ballotine with Cumberland sauce, striped bass with white bean fondue, fennel, and olives, and a beef Wellington that’s presented tableside.
Merci is open Wednesday through Saturday for dinner. Petit Merci opens at 11 a.m., offering a rotating list of soups, breads, take-and-bake meals, and pastries, along with a selection of fresh produce, sundries, and homewares.
Merci’s menu includes seasonal small plates and entrees. One standout dish is the focaccia stracciatella with Benton’s ham and pistachio. Photo credit: Lindsey Shorter
“Our location is in the heart of a really charming neighborhood in downtown Charleston, so it was always our dream to add an offering to the neighborhood that could be accessed regularly by everyone in the community,” Courtney Zentner said. “A small restaurant with limited hours isn’t necessarily approachable for everyone, so adding a small market was a great solution to connect with a wider audience.”
Diners may choose to make a reservation at Merci for beef Wellington and wine, or they can grab a lasagna from the market to prepare at home.
The Zentners aren’t new to the industry, but this is their first solo venture, so they’re taking their time and operating thoughtfully.
“If you can, start slow,” Courtney suggested. “We’re starting with dinner service just four nights a week. This allows us to hire a smaller staff and really focus on training them intentionally, while also homing in on the menu and service style. We’re a small restaurant and aim to make every night feel like a dinner party, so details really matter.”
