Celebrating Charlotte’s First Michelin Star: Counter- and ColsenKeane
Charlotte just made culinary history. Counter-, led by chef and visionary Sam Hart, has officially earned the city’s first Michelin Star. For those of us who have watched Sam build something truly experiential at their restaurant, this recognition feels both extraordinary and entirely fitting.
At ColsenKeane, we are proud to have a long-standing partnership with Sam and their team. Our No. R201 Check Presenter has been part of the Counter experience for years, quietly sitting at the intersection of leathercraft and hospitality. It holds the final moment of a guest visit with the same intention and care as the dishes that came before it.
Craft Meets Culinary Experience
Restaurants like Counter- understand that hospitality is more than service. It is storytelling. It is the way a dish is plated, the way a dining room sounds, and even the way a bill is presented at the end of the night.
That philosophy is what guides our Restaurant Collection. These pieces are designed for chefs, sommeliers, and hospitality leaders who believe every detail should reflect their craft. Our check presenters, menu covers, billfolds, and custom branded leather pieces are created from full-grain hides and finished in our Charlotte studio by our small seven person team. They are durable, tactile, and built to patina with every service. Each piece reflects the heritage and heart that independent restaurants pour into their work.
A Moment for Charlotte’s Culinary Scene
Sam’s achievement is more than a star. It is a milestone for the entire city's culinary landscape. It reflects the creativity, grit, and innovation happening across Charlotte kitchens every day.
We are honored that ColsenKeane leather is part of the Counter- story, and we look forward to continuing to champion the restaurants that turn dining into something unforgettable.
Explore the Restaurant Collection
Whether you are a chef shaping a new concept, a GM refining guest experience, or a hospitality group seeking custom branded pieces, our team is here to help bring your vision to life.
Browse the Restaurant Collection →
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To Sam and the entire Counter- team, congratulations. Charlotte is celebrating with you.
