About Circa 1886

An Elevated Culinary Experience in Historic Charleston

Opened in 2000, Circa 1886 is nestled in the original carriage house of the historic Wentworth Mansion®. Part of the Charming Inns® collection—a family-owned group of boutique hotels and a fine dining restaurant founded by Richard Widman in 1982—Circa 1886 embodies the founder’s dedication to providing unmatched guest service.

Circa 1886 offers a dining experience that blends timeless elegance with modern innovation. Under the glow of soft candlelight and surrounded by original architectural details, guests are invited to savor an evening of refined Southern hospitality.

The tasting menus and a la carte offerings showcase the artistry of contemporary cuisine—where classic techniques meet bold, modern flavor profiles. Each dish is crafted with intention, featuring the finest seasonal ingredients, many sourced from local purveyors. Every bite tells a story of creativity and craftsmanship, guided by Executive Chef Marc Collins, who has been at the helm for almost 25 years.

Consistently recognized among Charleston’s most acclaimed dining destinations, Circa 1886 continues to reimagine the fine dining experience, offering guests an unforgettable journey through flavor, history, and place. Chef Collins has elevated each dish to new heights, while Circa 1886 provides an intimate setting for celebrations, business dinners, and one-of-a-kind events.

RESTAURANT HOURS:
Monday, Tuesday, + Thursday-Saturday From 5:00-9:00 pm

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Dedicated to crafting an exceptional dining experience

Meet the Team

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Marc Collins

Though his childhood dream of becoming an Air Force pilot was grounded by less-than-perfect vision, Chef Marc Collins soon found his calling in the kitchen. At just 16, he apprenticed aboard Paradise II, a private yacht with presidential ties, sparking his passion for the culinary arts and leading him to the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts.

After refining his skills under celebrated chefs—including Culinary Olympics gold medalist David Spadafore and French chef Guy Collinet—Collins became Executive Chef at the Fairmount Hotel at age 23. In 2001, he brought his expertise to Charleston to lead Circa 1886. Just a few years later, his vision helped launch the first Charleston Wine + Food Festival in 2006, now one of the city’s most renowned annual events.

Collins has earned numerous honors, including the Charleston Wine + Food “Marc Collins Chef Award,” South Carolina Chef Ambassador recognition, and the 2020 Local Food Champion award from Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Beyond the kitchen, he’s dedicated to giving back through community outreach and local charity events. Today, Chef Collins continues to define Circa 1886’s reputation for refined Southern cuisine, blending innovation and tradition to create unforgettable dining experiences that embody the warmth and spirit of Charleston.

RESTAURANT MANAGER

Mark Severs

A Charleston native, Mark Severs got his start in the hospitality industry at a young age, working in various gift shops owned by his parents in Charleston. While attending the College of Charleston, he joined the staff at the Wentworth Mansion as a bellman in 1998, an experience he credits with nurturing his interest in hospitality. After earning his degree in Business Administration, Mark became a bartender at Circa 1886 in 2000 and, thanks to his tremendous enthusiasm and dedication, was named manager soon after.

OFFICE AND EVENTS MANAGER

Michael Dawson

A native of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Michael has spent the past decade immersed in Charleston’s vibrant hospitality industry. Inspired by the city’s rich history, culture, natural beauty, and people, he channels his passion into creating unique and memorable experiences for every guest. Michael is proud to work alongside the talented team at Charming Inns® and grateful for the support and camaraderie that make his work so rewarding.

EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF

Ashley Cardona

With more than a decade of experience in luxury hospitality, Chef Cardona brings creativity and precision to the Circa 1886 team. A North Carolina native, she earned degrees in Pastry Arts and Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte before refining her craft at École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie in Yssingeaux, France. Drawing inspiration from French technique and her Southern roots, Ashley creates modern interpretations of classic desserts and brings her industry knowledge and passion for fine food to Circa 1886’s pastry program.

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF

Christian Zehntner

Christian’s journey began in Germany, moving to America at eight years old with his family. His kitchen adventures with his mom ignited a culinary passion, leading to his first kitchen job in high school. Despite briefly studying automotive engineering, cooking remained his true love, kindled by cooking shows and shared meals with his mom. Inspired by his mother, Christian pursued a culinary education in Charleston, and he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in culinary management. New York beckoned, where he thrived as a sous chef at Zylo Restaurant at the W hotel in Hoboken. Returning to Charleston, he managed Kitchen 208 before circling back to Circa as Executive Sous Chef.

WINE DIRECTOR/SOMMELIER

Anne Hampton

Circa 1886 is delighted to welcome back Certified Sommelier Anne Hampton. Anne first joined the team in 2017 and has since built an impressive fine dining career, earning advanced certifications in wine and spirits. Her expertise is matched by a genuine passion for making wine accessible, engaging, and memorable. As Sommelier, Anne curates a thoughtful program that complements Chef Marc Collins’ cuisine, guiding guests to discover pairings that elevate every meal. Her return brings both a wealth of knowledge and a personal connection to Circa 1886. Outside of work, Anne enjoys Charleston’s farmers market with her dog, Nero, building projects by hand, and training for fitness competitions. Her “desert island” wine? “Always Champagne!”

Sous Chef

Zoe Mincey

Zoe’s culinary journey began in South Carolina, where she learned to cook at the kitchen counter with her mom from a young age. Her first restaurant experience came naturally, and she quickly realized that the food and beverage industry was where she belonged. After moving to Charleston in 2019 to pursue her education, Zoe was drawn to the city’s vibrant culinary scene. In 2024, she joined Circa 1886 as a roundsman, quickly working her way up to sous chef. Today, she brings creativity, passion, and heart to every dish she helps craft, finding inspiration in both the team around her and Charleston’s rich flavors. Outside the kitchen, Zoe enjoys Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, video games, anime, and exploring Charleston with her husband, Chris, and their dog, Coriander.

Owners

Rick Widman & Linn Lesesne

With a combined 60-plus years of experience in the hospitality industry, Rick Widman and his wife, Linn Lesesne, own and operate Charming Inns and Circa 1886, with Rick handling operations and Linn focusing on sales and public relations. Rick serves on the international board of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and, locally, on the advisory board for the College of Charleston’s Hotel, Tourism Management and Hospitality Program. He is Chair Emeritus of Charleston Wine + Food, while Linn is on the hotel committee and was part of the original team that founded the festival. Linn is the immediate past Chairman of the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Governors and past board chair of Louie’s Kids, a local nonprofit committed to fighting childhood obesity. When they aren’t working side-by-side, Linn and Rick enjoy spending time with their six children and five grandchildren, as well as traveling, watching college football, and cycling.

PRESIDENT

Michelle Widman Woodhull

Raised between the West Coast and Charleston, Michelle Widman Woodhull has long considered the Holy City home. Deeply inspired by her father, Richard Widman—who founded Charming Inns® in 1982—Michelle grew up immersed in the world of hospitality, even living for a time in a few hotels. After 20 years working in various roles in the family business, Michelle took the helm as President of Charming Inns® in 2019. She has led the family-owned collection of boutique properties and Circa 1886 Restaurant with a focus on community, history, and exceptional service. Michelle is passionate about preserving Charleston’s architectural heritage while fostering authentic guest experiences rooted in Southern hospitality. Under her leadership, the company continues to thrive thanks to a dedicated team of over 100 employees, many with decades of service. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys traveling with her husband, Peter, and their two children. Michelle is the current Vice Chairman of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Governors and serves on several other local industry and philanthropic boards.

Beyond the Table

Rooted in Community

At Circa 1886, our connection to Charleston goes far beyond the dining room. We’re proud to support the community we call home through year-round partnerships, events, and charitable initiatives. From local arts and education to wellness and hunger relief, these organizations inspire us to make a meaningful impact together.

Interested in Joining Our Team?

Joining the Circa 1886 team means becoming part of a close-knit family that values creativity, passion, and excellence. We take pride in fostering growth and celebrating individuality—qualities that have defined our success and earned the loyalty of our team members. Together, we create unforgettable dining experiences for our guests while inspiring one another to achieve greatness.

View Careers

"Circa 1886 is outstanding"

Circa 1886 is my favorite among Charleston's fine dining restaurants. The food is always outstanding, the service is impeccable and unobtrusive, and the layout is conducive to intimate conversation.

Jack H (10/27/25)
"The best meal my husband and I have ever eaten. "

We each choose a different menu and were so quiet when we dined. I think we were afraid to stop the flavors that were bursting in our mouths. Listen, we have done this in Vegas, New York, Brooklyn and Paris. This rivals Paris without the price tags.

Outstanding dinner in historic Charleston
"The food was over the top incredible."

Our recent dinner at Circa 1886 was exceptional. We opted for a la carte menu, very limited but both dishes were superbly done: creative, not overwrought (a frequent occurrence at high-end restaurants) and quite subtle. The wine list is very well composed, our Anjou Blanc was very good. The service was also quite impressive.

JustVadim (10/25/25)
"An exquisite dining experience in Charleston."

If you have time for a special experience, don’t miss dinner here. It was a birthday celebration for my lady. We indulged in the both the offered tasting menus. If you can, enjoy the experience. I did not see the Michelin star that this chef and his staff deserve.

Paul F (10/12/25)