Carl Sobocinski and Soby’s Wins Big! Wine Spectator Grand Award & the Story Behind It

A Taste of Legacy: The Rise of Soby’s New South Cuisine & Table 301

When Carl Sobocinski opened Soby’s New South Cuisine in 1997, tucked inside a renovated historic building in downtown Greenville, he sparked a renaissance—both for a restaurant scene and a city. Fast forward to June 2025, and Soby’s just clinched the prestigious Wine Spectator Grand Award—the first ever for a South Carolina restaurant—landing it among just 97 elite wine programs worldwide (Wine Spectator).

🍷 Wine Excellence Meets Southern Charm

Soby’s signature style? Comfort meets creativity. Think fried green tomatoes with jalapeño pimento cheese, shrimp & grits with andouille, and house‑smoked crab cakes atop corn succotash—served alongside a world‑class wine list and cork‑popping ceremony. Wine Spectator praised the “folksy comfort with a world‑class wine list” and lauded its warm ambiance and open‑kitchen spectacle (Wine Spectator).

Carl says it best: “It’s wonderful for Soby’s, it’s wonderful for Greenville. This is for South Carolina.” (Greenville.com).

Listen to my conversation with Carl:

Visionary Leadership: Carl Sobocinski

Born in New Hampshire, shaped by Clemson’s campus life and working at Keowee Key as a student, Carl dedicated himself to Greenville. Before Soby’s debut, he’d opened The 858, and in 2006 co-founded the Euphoria food, wine, and music festival. Today, as President of Table 301, his vision spans over 25 years, award-winning impact, and a deep commitment to mentorship, community uplift, and hospitality excellence (Table 301).

Table 301: More Than a Brand, It’s a Family

Named after the iconic chef’s‑table at Soby’s mezzanine, Table 301 symbolizes openness—between kitchen, staff, and community (Table 301). From charitable roots to restaurant-building savvy, here’s the group’s growing lineup:

• Soby’s New South Cuisine – The crown jewel, Wood‑fired, wine‑rich, Southern‑tuned.
• The Lazy Goat – Mediterranean-inspired with riverfront vibes.
• NOSE DIVE Gastropub – Elevated sandwiches, cocktails, and lively fare.
• CAMP – Modern American Eatery
• The Jones Oyster Co. – Coastal seafood and oyster bar.
• Tavola – Authentic Italian Dishes
• Highway 301 Food Truck – Mobile comfort food.
• CAMP, Tavola, Table 301 Catering, The Loft at Soby’s – Diverse formats for unique dining experiences.

Legacy in Action: Partnering Chef-Win Success

Carl’s succession model puts talent first. He empowers long-time team members to own the concepts they helped build:

• Papi’s Tacos: Born from ex‑dishwasher Jorge Baralles, launched 2013, fully owned by Jorge since 2019—and now two locations strong (Table 301, Restaurant Hospitality, Table 301, Table 301).
• Jianna: Co-founded with doyen chef Michael Kramer in 2017; raised to sole proprietary hands in 2020 (Table 301).
• Passerelle Bistro: Aquired in 2013; general manager Michael Minelli took full ownership in 2021 (Table 301).
• Southern Pressed Juicery: Co‑launched with Olivia Esquivel in 2015; now fully hers as of 2023 (Table 301).

This legacy program illustrates Carl’s philosophy: build young leaders, grow with hands-on mentoring, and invest for continuity.

Greenville’s Culinary Future

From the cozy hush of Table 301 itself—transparent, welcoming, community-owned—to the city‑wide influence of Euphoria and beyond, Carl’s mission has always been growth from the ground up. He’s mentored teams through the pandemic, implemented strategic closures for safety, and built a succession model rooted in empowerment (foodandwine.com, foodandwine.com).

Final Toast

Here’s to the next 25 years of Carl Sobocinski and Table 301. The Grand Award is more than a trophy—it’s a testament to resilience, bold leadership, and regional pride. When you next sit at Table 301—ask for that legendary Table 301 at Soby’s mezzanine, gaze into the kitchens, and taste the culmination of legacy in every dish and every glass raised.

Carl’s story remains a masterclass in hospitality: build with soul, invest in people, and take pride in community success. And in Greenville, Southern hospitality never tasted so sweet—glasses are up, Greenville is proud, and the future looks delicious.

**photos courtesy of Table 301

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Posted By: Joey Hudson