Greenville’s own James Beard Award finalist Chef Joe Cash is expanding the city’s dining scene with a new Italian restaurant, Dootsie’s, slated to open in early December. Located at 1233 Pendleton Street in the Village of West Greenville, the 77‑seat venue will serve classic pasta dishes inspired by Cash’s late grandmother, affectionately known as Dootsie.
Family Roots and Culinary Vision
Cash grew up attending Sunday dinners at his grandmother’s house, where her bell‑pepper‑heavy spaghetti Bolognese left a lasting impression. Dootsie’s is meant to capture that same sense of comfort and hospitality, offering a place where patrons feel as welcome as a family gathering. “For all of our restaurants, we want people to come in and have fun,” Cash said. “We’re here to make sure that you have a great time and have a great experience.”
Menu Highlights
The menu will focus on pasta, with fresh noodles rolled daily by chef Tony Keely. Chef de cuisine Robert Yates will oversee daily kitchen operations. Signature items include Cash’s take on his grandmother’s spaghetti with sirloin and bell peppers, fried house‑pulled fontina cheese, and a three‑fold ravioli featuring beef cheek, celery root, and bordelaise sauce.
Design and Atmosphere
The space, previously home to LashBar and Red@28th, has been renovated in collaboration with Katie Skoloft of In Site Designs. Cash described the design goal as “if you went to your crazy eclectic aunt’s house that lived in the middle of Rome, what would that look like?” The result is a vibrant interior with multicolored tiled floors, terracotta countertops, cream stucco walls, and handmade wood tables crafted locally. A glass‑enclosed pasta room showcases the noodle‑making process, while watercolor artwork by Cash’s late great‑aunt, Dootsie’s sister, decorates the walls.
Opening Details
Dootsie’s will open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, with online reservations available through Resy. The restaurant aims to become a regular spot for both casual weeknight meals and special celebrations, reinforcing Greenville’s growing reputation as a culinary destination.
Chef Cash’s Track Record
Cash first opened Scoundrel in 2021 after returning to his hometown with experience from world‑renowned kitchens such as Noma in Copenhagen and Per Se in New York. Scoundrel earned its first Michelin star in 2025 and retained it for 2026, while also being a James Beard Award semi‑finalist for Best New Restaurant in 2024. Dootsie’s marks his second venture in Greenville, continuing the chef’s commitment to elevating the local food scene.
Community Connection
Beyond the menu, Dootsie’s will feature a dessert homage to Cash’s grandmother—a quadruple‑stacked chocolate cake that already appears on Scoundrel’s dessert menu. The restaurant’s emphasis on family‑style hospitality and locally sourced design elements underscores its role as a community gathering place.
Follow @dootsies.gvl on Instagram for updates on the grand opening and upcoming events.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
