Sunrise Bistro Expands Into Former Cookie Cafe Space
The restaurant chain is taking over the lease of a West Ashley bakery to open a new location.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Sunrise Bistro is set to open a new restaurant in West Ashley after acquiring the lease from Annie O Love's Cookie Cafe. The owner of the cafe, Annie Oswald, decided to sell the business in February 2026 to focus on other personal pursuits.
Why it matters
This lease transfer marks a significant expansion for the local restaurant chain, which has steadily grown its footprint across the region since 2009. The closure of the allergen-friendly bakery marks the end of a long-standing fixture in the community.
Sunrise Bistro currently manages branches in Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, and Beech Island. This new site succeeds the bakery space that Annie Oswald established in 2017.
The players
Annie Oswald
She is the local entrepreneur who opened the bakery in 2017 and currently operates Anahata Yoga.
Sunrise Bistro
This established restaurant chain has been operating in the region since 2009 and is expanding its footprint.
The details
The transition occurs at the West Ashley building previously occupied by the vegan and gluten-free bakery. Annie Oswald, who also operates the nearby Anahata Yoga, successfully facilitated the transfer of the lease to the growing bistro brand.
Timeline
Sunrise Bistro opened its first location on Johns Island in 2009.
Annie Oswald opened Annie O Love's Cookie Cafe in 2017.
The cafe owner opened Anahata Yoga in 2024.
Annie Oswald officially listed the business for sale in February 2026.
Market Landscape
This move highlights the ongoing consolidation of local dining, where established regional players capitalize on available commercial real estate to extend their reach. It reflects the broader trend of local brands absorbing boutique spaces to capture suburban traffic.
Local diners in the West Ashley area will see a change in available food options once the new restaurant location begins operations. While the allergen-friendly bakery will close, the incoming bistro adds another established dining option to the corridor.
The takeaway
When local businesses shift hands, it often signals an evolution in a neighborhood's dining scene rather than a decline in retail activity. Residents looking for specific dietary accommodations may need to seek out new venues following the transition of this specialized bakery.
Further reading
For more information on retail changes in the area, visit the Charleston Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Post and Courier.
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