Some businesses are built on vision. Others are built on survival.
The Pass is both.
When Philadelphia native Anthony Marini opened his counter-serve sandwich shop at 207-A St. Philip Street in 2021, he wasn't thinking long game. He was a classically trained chef — the kind who ran high-end, full-service kitchens — and figured sandwiches would be a placeholder.
"I thought it was just going to be me making sandwiches for a year and then I was going to go do something else," Marini told the Post & Courier.
Five years later, he's got two locations.
A Crash That Changed Everything
The turning point wasn't a glowing review or a viral moment. It was a Maserati.
When a sedan careened through The Pass' façade — destroying the dining room — Marini got his answer about whether Charleston actually cared. For seven months, customers lined up at a makeshift takeout window while repairs were underway.
The community showed up. Every day.
That kind of loyalty changes a person's plans.
East of the Cooper
The Pass is now open at 976 Houston Northcutt Blvd. in Mount Pleasant, tucked inside the strip center alongside Taverna Philosophia and La Pizzeria — just over the Ravenel Bridge.
The new spot is roughly twice the size of the original, which means more room to enjoy the same 12 signature sandwiches that built the downtown following.
A few standouts worth knowing:
The Bear — cool roast beef, melty provolone. Simple. Serious.
The Cacio e Pepe — three cheeses, housemade truffle honey, local sourdough. This one has no business being this good.
What's Next
Marini isn't done evolving. He's planning to extend hours into the early evening, adding wine and small bites for a happy hour stretch. For now, The Pass is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Mount Pleasant, your lunch problem just got solved.
More info at thepasschs.com.
This is a summary of an article published in the Post & Courier. Click here if you'd like to read that article.
