Meet I'On's Business Owners

Allison Elebash


After two visits to Charleston, South Carolina, we decided that would be our new home. In late
June of 2016 we were searching for a home to rent in Mount Pleasant, we stumbled across the beautiful I’On neighborhood. When we pulled in and saw families sitting out in front of the
restaurants, kids on bikes, adults in golf carts, the gorgeous homes, the creeks and lakes. We
never knew such a place existed. We were determined to find a rental in there. Lucky for us there was 1. Literally 1 rental at that time. We didn’t give up until we got someone on the phone and scheduled a showing for the next day. As we were waiting for our showing on Ionsborough
Street we drove past the corner restaurant, now Community Table, and said wouldn’t it be so
amazing if someday that was our restaurant where we could walk to work, and the kids could
stop by after school and do their homework. We thought it was just a dream. Well, dreams do
come true and thanks to a friend we were able to open Community Table back in 2019. Although sadly we don’t live in I’On anymore, we still absolutely love the neighborhood, the people, and the feeling we get every time we drive in.

Kelleanne and Ryan Jones
Free Reign Restaurants

At Spirit of I'On - Wine & Spirits, we chose the I'On community for its vibrant neighborhood spirit and love of local businesses. We’re proud to be part of this unique area, offering residents a curated selection of fine wines, hand-picked spirits, and a variety of ready-to-drink beverages. Our monthly wine tastings are a local favorite, and we’re excited to launch an exclusive wine club very soon. We're here to cater to the I'On community’s tastes and preferences, offering personalized service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Respectfully,
Chris & Alex Bestros

O'Brion's Pub & Grille has been the heart of the I'On community for over 20 years, and we’re more excited than ever to serve our loyal patrons! We’ve got big things coming, including a fresh new menu and major renovations set for early next year. With over a dozen big screens, there’s no better spot to cheer on your favorite sports team! We love this neighborhood and can’t wait to keep delivering great food, cold drinks, and a lively atmosphere. Come join us for an ice-cold Guinness and the ultimate game-day experience!
 
Chris Bestros & Chad Frierson

At William Means, we chose I'On as our headquarters because it exemplifies the values we hold dear—community, quality, vision, and exceptional service. This special neighborhood isn’t just our base; it’s a reflection of who we are. With a team of nearly 40 dedicated agents, we help clients buy and sell in I'On and Charleston’s finest communities, making your real estate journey as welcoming as the neighborhoods we serve.

Lyles Geer, President and Broker-in-Charge, William Means Real Estate


The Shellmore is a quaint hidden gem that was started in 2017 by Chef Eric Milley and Chad Besenfelder. After working in New York City for years, they thought a small intimate restaurant would be perfect to open in I’on. 
Eric and Tara are the dynamic duo that run the restaurant, with many years of combined experience in Food and Beverage. Eric is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York for Culinary Arts. Tara graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence for Hotel/Restaurant Management and Event Planning.  
The Shellmore is a place where you can gather and enjoy fresh seafood and local flavors with Chef Eric's daily changing menu. Savor the taste of oysters, fresh fish, lamb chops, pasta and more. You can pair your delicious dinner with a glass of wine poured by Tara at the u-shaped bar and talk to your neighbors or hang out in the garden outside. 
We appreciate all the love we get from the I’on community and we thank you for your continued support. 

Love,
Eric and Tara 


"I fell in love with I'On the first time I visited the neighborhood (to get my haircut the first month Grace SalonSpa opened in early 2000!)  I knew the community was special, and after working at the reception for a few years I was thrilled to have the opportunity to purchase the beautiful salon in January 2004. Serving the Lowcountry with wonderful talent, great services and AVEDA products has been an important priority for me.  I still enjoy the uniqueness of the square and welcoming new businesses, new guests and new team members.  It's been a pleasure watching I'On grow and I look forward to another 24 successful years and pampering wonderful guests like you!"

Laura Durkalski- Owner Grace Salon


As our restaurant recently celebrated our 21st year, we can’t think of a better spot than our corner shop on the square in I’ON. With its tree-lined sidewalks and tight-knit community it has been a perfect neighborhood location for us. Of the many things we love about I'ON,  the best is being part of bringing families together, through lunches in the park, take-home meals, and even seeing the four-legged furry friends enjoy a pup cup snack. Over the years we've gotten to know many of our customers on a first-name basis, and we enjoy being that comfortable and familiar place where people gather, and neighbors meet new neighbors. We consider the community of I’On an important part of our success and daily lives, and serving all who visit us here helps drive our goal of making every meal a great experience. Thank you all for making us feel at home!

Cary Zapatka, Owner Square Onion


My husband, LeGrand, and I have lived in I’on for 23 years and raised our 2 children here. We
absolutely love I’on and the lifestyle that comes with living here. When the space in the front of
the neighborhood became available several years ago, I jumped on the opportunity to relocate
my interior design business to the corner of I’on Square. I love being able to walk to the
restaurants in the square for lunch or dinner and we often go for office team happy hours at
Saint Urbans. I can walk to work and have drinks and dinner on the way home–it’s a dream
come true!

Allison Elebash, Allison Elebash Interior Design


After years of bursting at the seams just across the hall at The Shellmore, expanding
our footprint so guests could enjoy Saint Urban’s before or after dinner, or as a stand-
alone evening, was the right decision. People pop back and forth all night long and it’s
really a great time.

As for I’ON, it’s one of the most highly lauded neighborhoods in the country and
deservedly so. More importantly, we absolutely love and are quite close with our
regulars. They make doing what we do so worthwhile.

Warren Johnson, Big Cheese, Saint Urban’s


Spartina Kitchens & Baths was started in 2007’ and moved into the I’on Square in 2008’.  We are a high-end luxury Kitchen & Bath design-build firm that features custom bespoke cabinetry to fit our most discerning clients’ tastes. As President and Principal Designer and a native of Charleston it was important to me to be in close-knit community in Mt Pleasant where I was born and raised.  I love the community here in I’on with the support of our neighbors in business.
 
Melissa Watson, Spartina Kitchens & Baths