Showmars: A South Carolina Greek Restaurant Chain With Roots in the Lowcountry

What Showmars Is and Where to Find It

Showmars is a casual Greek restaurant chain with locations across South Carolina, known for gyros, Greek salads, and Mediterranean-style sandwiches served fast enough for lunch but with the flavors of a sit-down taverna. The chain started in Charleston and has expanded to multiple locations in the Lowcountry and beyond, each one operating as a neighborhood spot rather than a corporate-feeling franchise.

You'll find Showmars locations in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and other areas around the coast. Each location has its own character—some are small counter-service spots, others have dining rooms where you can linger. The menu stays consistent across locations, so you know what to expect whether you're stopping in for a quick lunch or sitting down for dinner.

Key Takeaways

• Showmars serves Greek food in a casual, fast-casual format, with gyros, salads, and Mediterranean sandwiches as the core menu.
• The chain has multiple South Carolina locations, primarily in the Charleston area and surrounding communities.
• Most Showmars locations offer both counter ordering and table seating, making them work for quick meals or longer dinners.
• Prices are moderate for the portion size and quality, typically in the $10–$18 range for entrees.

The Menu: What to Order

The gyro is the signature item—thin-sliced meat (lamb, chicken, or beef) wrapped in pita with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce. It's the kind of gyro that tastes like it came from a Greek street vendor, not a chain, because the meat is seasoned properly and the pita is warm. Most people order it with a side of fries and a drink.

Greek salads come with feta, olives, tomato, cucumber, and onion over lettuce, dressed with olive oil and oregano. You can add grilled chicken or shrimp if you want protein. The portions are generous—a salad alone can be a full meal. Showmars also makes Greek meatballs, saganaki (fried cheese), and spinach pie, which rotate in and out depending on the location and season.

Souvlaki—grilled meat skewers—appears on some menus alongside the gyros. Sandwiches beyond the gyro include chicken and lamb options, all built on pita or flatbread. Sides like tzatziki, hummus, and Greek olives round out the ordering options. Dessert is usually limited to baklava or Greek yogurt, depending on what's available that day.

Atmosphere and Seating

Showmars locations vary in size and setup. Some are small, with a counter and a few tables squeezed in—the kind of place where you order at the register and eat while standing or at a high-top. Others have more substantial dining rooms with booths and regular tables, creating a more relaxed environment for families or groups.

The decor tends toward simple and clean rather than elaborate. You'll see Greek touches—maybe a blue and white color scheme, photos of Greece, or Mediterranean-style tiles—but nothing overdone. The focus is on the food and the speed of service, not on creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop. It's the kind of casual spot where you can show up in work clothes or gym gear without feeling out of place.

Price and Value

A gyro with fries typically costs between $10 and $14, depending on the meat and location. Greek salads run $12 to $16 with protein. Combination platters, which include a protein, sides, and bread, usually fall in the $14–$18 range. Drinks and desserts are extra. These prices are reasonable for the portion size—most people leave full—and competitive with other casual Greek restaurants in the state.

Showmars doesn't have a loyalty program or frequent-diner discount that's widely advertised, but some locations may offer specials or deals on certain days. It's worth asking when you visit or checking the location's social media page, as promotions can vary by site.

How Showmars Fits Into South Carolina's Greek Food Scene

Greek restaurants in South Carolina are scattered, and Showmars is one of the few chains that has maintained a presence across multiple cities. Most Greek food in the state comes from independent restaurants or small family-run operations, so Showmars' consistency—the same menu, the same quality standards—makes it a reliable option if you know what you're looking for.

The chain's roots in Charleston matter. Charleston's food culture has always been open to Mediterranean influences, and Showmars grew out of that environment. It's not trying to be fancy or trendy; it's trying to serve good Greek food at a fair price to people who want lunch or a casual dinner. That approach has kept it relevant in a city where restaurant trends shift constantly.

Hours, Locations, and How to Find Current Information

Showmars locations are open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by site. Some close on Sundays or Mondays, so it's worth checking before you go. The easiest way to find current hours, exact addresses, and any location-specific details is to search for "Showmars" plus the city name (Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, etc.) online, or call ahead if you're traveling to an unfamiliar location.

Most locations do not take reservations—you order at the counter and either eat there or take your food to go. During lunch hours (roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.), expect a line, especially at the Charleston and Mount Pleasant locations. Dinner is usually quieter, and takeout moves faster than dine-in if you're in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Showmars locations have vegetarian options?

Yes. Greek salads can be ordered without meat, and most locations offer spinach pie and saganaki (fried cheese). Hummus and other dips are also available. Call ahead if you have specific dietary needs, as some items may vary by location.

Can I order Showmars for delivery or takeout?

Most locations accept takeout orders at the counter. Delivery through third-party apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats may be available at some locations, but not all. Call the location directly to confirm what options they offer, as this varies by site.

Is Showmars good for families with kids?

Yes. The casual atmosphere, simple menu, and reasonable prices make it family-friendly. Kids often enjoy gyros and fries, and portions are large enough to share. Locations with dining rooms are more comfortable for families than counter-only spots.

What's the difference between a gyro and souvlaki at Showmars?

A gyro is sliced meat cooked on a vertical spit and served in pita bread. Souvlaki is meat cooked on a skewer and typically served on a plate with sides. Both are Greek, but the cooking method and presentation are different. Souvlaki is often considered more upscale, while gyros are the casual street food.

Are there Showmars locations outside the Charleston area?

Showmars has expanded beyond Charleston, but the chain remains primarily concentrated in the Lowcountry and surrounding communities. Search online or call to confirm whether there's a location near you, as the number and location of restaurants can change.