The past month of Andrea Royko’s life has been a whirlwind.
And so, when she pauses after being asked about her decision to depart her managing partner role at Jianna for a new role at Abyss in downtown Greenville, it’s not that Royko is avoiding the question. She just isn’t sure where to start.
In the past few months, Royko lost her father-in-law, celebrated a Michelin recognition, earned a James Beard semifinalist nomination for outstanding beverage service and started a new job.
She is just beginning to process things. One thing of which she is certain? She is excited for something new.
While Royko’s official title is general manager at Abyss, located at 1 N. Laurens St., she will eventually also help oversee the wine programs as the restaurant group’s other concepts – The 05, The 07 and The One5.
Royko had job offers in cities from Atlanta to Charleston, but after nearly a decade in Greenville, the city has her heart.
“I knew I wanted to stay in Greenville because I wanted to continue to impact this hospitality community,” she said. “I also wanted to help impact a restaurant and a restaurant group that has so much potential.”
Before Royko chose the hospitality industry, she had plans to become a lawyer. But her passion was for hospitality.
She started in restaurants at the age of 14, bussing tables at a brunch and barbecue spot. She earned her first manager role before she was old enough to drink, at the age of 20.
Royko spent a decade working at some of Atlanta’s great restaurants, including Ecco, where she discovered an interest and a knack for wine. She earned a certified level three sommelier and a certified wine specialist of wine, honors that denote a deeper understanding and mastery of wine.
It was Neighborhood Dining Group and the opening of Husk that brought her to Greenville in 2017. She had the choice between Savannah and Greenville. She doesn’t regret her decision.
After departing Husk, which has since closed, Royko spent time at Table 301 and then she joined Jianna. The thing about Jianna, Royko said, is that she admired the restaurant and chef and owner Michael Kramer from the very beginning. Jianna, located at 600 S. Main St., earned a recommended mention in the inaugural Michelin Guide American South in 2025.
Late last year, Royko felt in her soul a need for a new adventure to pursue.
A new challenge for Andrea Royko
“I have opened 11 restaurants, I like challenges, I like tasks,” she said of the decision to make a change. “I like all these things that come along with this business because this business is why I chose not to go to law school and it took my parents 15 years to accept that.”
That’s when Peter Bouharoun rang. The longtime friend introduced her to Anmar Natheer of Abyss and The 05 concepts. It was kismet. A month in, Royko said she feels at home, at peace and energized.
The restaurant team has already bestowed her with a nickname – Dre.
Royko spent two weeks changing the wine menu to fit executive chef Dom Angelo’s seafood-focused menu, leaning into old and new world varietals from the northern hemisphere. She has also spent extensive time teaching and training the staff, honing the edges of the restaurant’s hospitality.
The intention is to continue to add and to develop the restaurant’s level of service, wine and operations to create memorable experiences for guests.
Her goal?
“I want to get them a Michelin recommendation,” Royko said with a grin. “I think that we can.”
Andrea Royko on her James Beard semifinalist nomination:
“That’s like the Oscars of my business. It is so humbling and I am so grateful. When Chef Dayna (Lee-Márquez) called me on Tuesday morning I answered and she said ‘congratulations.’ I stood up on my bed and I’m like, ‘what are you talking about?’ She said ‘you’re nominated for a James Beard; you’re a semifinalist.’ I said ‘Jianna is?’ And she goes ‘no, you are, it’s yours.’ I said ‘what is it for?’ She said ‘outstanding beverage professional.’ In the Southeast? No, nationally. I was just shocked. I didn’t even know what to think about it. It probably was the second happiest day of my life.”
Andrea Royko’s wine picks for spring;
- “I will always love whites from Friuli. I call them the ‘Super Whites,’ as Tuscany has the ‘Super Tuscan’ Reds. They are approachable and ageable.” Look for Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, and other recognizable varietals such as Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc.”
- “My next stop is Slovenia and Croatia. Underrated and missed but affordable and similar to what you would find in Friuli. Rebula in Slovenia is Ribolla Gialla (in Italy).”
- “I used to list Albariño as my favorite white wine (it’s still close) but after meeting Greek’s bone-dry mineral explosion of Assyrtiko, I find this a new and esoteric white to cleanse the palate and is porch pounding. If you can find a white Priorat from Spain from Clos Mogador jump on it as well.”
- “Then near and dear to my heart is Sicily. Look for Carricante and Cattarato.”
