Popular Port Royal eatery closing, will reopen as Italian restaurant ‘Scratch’
By Mike McCombs
The Island News
Roughly a week after it’s recent 12th anniversary, Fat Patties restaurant in Port Royal, known for its hamburgers and craft beer, announced on its Facebook page last week that it was closing.
Owner Nick Borreggine told The Island News on Tuesday, Aug. 20, that, though the restaurant was doing well, there were numerous reasons to make a change.
Borreggine said that before Shellring Ale Works opened in Port Royal – also owned by Borreggine – Fat Patties was the main craft beer outlet on that side of town. But they lost a lot of that business … to themselves.
“It IS profitable,” Borreggine said. “But we feel competing with ourselves is not the best use of use of our real estate.”
He also cited inflation issues and a need in the community for an Italian restaurant.
Fat Patties will close for what Borreggine hopes will be about four weeks before re-opening as Scratch, a restaurant with an Italian concept.
“If you go out only one time a week for beer and/or dinner, this diversifies our company, he said. “Scratch Italian Kitchen.”
Borreggine said all of his current employees are still employed and will carry over to Scratch, which he says will have a “fun neighborhood vibe, not stuffy.”
Where the ice cream window is currently at Fat Patties, Borreggine said you’ll be able to see the pasta being made “all day long.” He said the menu won’t be heavy, but will instead have “coastal flair, a lot of light, fresh coastal flavors.”
The last day of business for Fat Patties will be Saturday, Aug. 24.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
