Popular Thai restaurant Basil will not renew its lease at 460 King Street this year. According to sources close to the restaurant, the lease ends in May. Rumors have circulated about the shutter since the beginning of the year, but manager Kelly Morris sent an email out yesterday confirming that “… with COVID and other unfortunate circumstances Basil will no longer be open downtown …” as she announced her new career pivot to real estate agent.
As of January 2, 2021, the downtown location of Basil shut down its dining room and now only offers carryout and delivery in the evenings.
Basil opened in 2002 in a former Huddle House — way before Upper King was seen as a destination spot. Now, almost 20 years later, that area is packed with bars, restaurants, shops, and loads of tourists. It’s just speculation, but one can imagine that the rent price for the Basil space has skyrocketed since 2002.
Eater Carolinas requested to speak with owner Henry Eang but has not heard back.
The Mount Pleasant and Park Circle locations of Basil will remain open, so there’s still two options for a taste of the restaurant’s popular pad thai.
• Basil [Official]
This content was originally published here.