What’s Good Here: Rise Gourmet Goods & Bake Shop

Rise Gourmet Goods & Bakeshop is called a Southern boulangerie, or French bake shop, for a reason.

Southern culinary familiarity melds with French flair using only the freshest, highest quality and – in most cases – locally grown ingredients. Patrons can pick up a pretzel that has undergone hours of rising, shaping and baking and is made with heirloom flour – which means it offers more nutrients.

The Roasted Apple Galette – a type of baked apple tart – is made with fresh apples. Other favorite breakfast, dessert or afternoon pick-me-up items include the Sorghum Sticky Bun and the Ham and Cheese Hand Pie. There are a host of other delectable treats, too, including the Salted Espresso Brownie.

Also made in-house are the breads for the sandwiches: brioche, baguettes, and Sally Lunn, a house white that is fluffy and British-inspired.

Popular sandwiches are The Gamecock – with fried chicken, house pickles and spicy mayo – and This Little Piggy – with shaved porchetta (Italian pork roast), kimchi aioli (a sweet, tangy and spicy sauce), City Roots micro cilantro, Jicama (an edible Mexican root vegetable) slaw and citrus soy vinaigrette.

There are Bowls for Early Risers: One has Congaree Milling Company cheddar grits, housemade sausage, and a poached egg, while others include granola, fruit and yogurt, or bloomed buckwheat, candied pecans, sorghum syrup and golden raisins. Bowls for Late Risers have veggies and are sometimes protein-filled.

Ideal for holiday giving and other occasions, Rise’s gift baskets can include baked goods, as well as such take-home items as pimento cheese, bacon butter, truffle mushroom spread and shmears, which are cream-cheese-based spreads in various flavors.

Drinks include Counter Culture Coffee with the option of housemade creams, Charleston Tea Plantation teas, housemade sodas and freshly squeezed lemonade.

How did Rise get its start?

Spring Valley High School graduate Sarah Simmons made her mark on the Charleston culinary scene and in New York City, where she has two establishments: City Grit and Birds & Bubbles. She collaborated with former Oak Table restaurant pastry chef Charley Scruggs to develop Rise, which combines his desire for a bakery and hers for a quality sandwich shop. Rise opened in early October.

Simmons grew up patronizing the Five Points area, so settling on the location for Rise was a no-brainer.

What does the place look like?

The color scheme is light, bright and open with stark white and retro blue and gold. The glass display case features baked goods; cold spreads and other take-home items are in a glass-front cold case. Sandwiches and bowls are made to order.

Seating is on a patio, weather permitting, while most orders are take-out.

Who eats here?

Seasoned travelers used to French-style breads and pastries are thrilled about Rise, as are foodies seeking creative culinary twists. Early morning operating hours make it a pit stop for college students and professionals alike.