Meet Our Team

Nico Romo | Chef/Owner

Born in Lyon, France, Chef Nico Romo is the youngest-ever US member of The French Culinary Academy (l’Académie Culinaire de France) and Master Chefs of France (Maîtres Cuisiniers de France), one of just 66 French Master Chefs in the country, and the only recipient in South Carolina. Both elite organizations represent and comprise the most highly skilled chefs in the techniques and traditions of the French culinary art.
Chef Romo graduated from the Helene Boucher Culinary Art School in Vénissieux at age 19 and perfected his skill under French Master Chef Patrick Henriroux at the dual-Michelin Starred restaurant La Pyramide in Vienne, France.
Chef Romo spent a decade directing Patrick Properties Hospitality Group’s culinary programs and helmed the kitchen at Fish Restaurant. During that time, he was named a Monterey Bay Aquarium Sustainable Seafood Ambassador and member of the Seafood Watch Blue Ribbon Task Force recognizing his commitment to ocean-friendly seafood and Lowcountry fishermen.
In 2017, Chef Romo opened his first concept, NICO, bringing his European training and appreciation for locally sourced ingredients, particularly seafood and oysters. In 2020, he opened Bistronomy by Nico in a quaint spot in downtown Charleston. Bistronomy by Nico is an approachable French Bistro that highlights innovative techniques and ingredients. His third concept, Laura, opened in Spring 2022 serving rustic Italian food as an ode to his Italian Heritage.

Margaret Robey | General Manager

LAURA General Manager, Margaret Robey was born in San Francisco, California and she went on to graduate with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Primary Certification. She has lived in many different cities thanks to her career in hospitality. Margaret worked for Wolfgang Puck in Las Vegas, at the Colony Palms Hotel in Palm Springs and the Waldorf Astoria in Key West, Florida. Some of her accolades include being given the Diversity Ambassador role while working with the International Internship Program at the Waldorf Astoria, and being awarded manager of the year in 2014. She then moved to Charleston in 2015 and worked with the Hall family for 6 years as general manager at the Old Village Post House and High Cotton.
Margaret was drawn to hospitality when she began working wedding events on weekends while teaching during the week. She loved being a part of creating memories for people. She then transitioned to the restaurant side and has been involved ever since. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband Darren and their dog Franklin. We are so excited to have Margaret on the team and know she will lead in a compassionate and thoughtful manner.

Dominique Holsopple - Head Chef — Dominique Holsopple | Head Chef

Head Chef, Dominique Holsopple was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She won the Rio Show New Chef contest in 2010 there, as well as worked at Claude Troisgros restaurants. She was also featured on the front cover of a famous Brazilian magazine for the first restaurant she became head chef. After moving to the US, she worked for Michelin-star chef, Sachin Chopra. Throughout her career, Dominique has been executive chef at 1 Brazillian, 2 Italian, and 1 American restaurant. She is proud of her accomplishments and is thrilled to be able to bring her talents to LAURA.
Dominique is ideally suited for her role due to her experience, strong leadership skills, love for teamwork, and passion for cooking. We are so thrilled to have her with us at LAURA.

Rachel Blue | Assistant Manager

We are pleased to introduce our Laura Assistant Manager, Rachel Blue! Rachel was born in Westerville, Ohio, and grew up in the small town of Minford. After graduating from Oak Hill High School in 2008, she pursued her passion for music at Berea College in Kentucky as a vocal music major. Her family’s move to Charleston in 2009 introduced her to a new chapter, and she’s called the Lowcountry home ever since.
Rachel’s journey in the hospitality industry began in 2012 as a server and bartender, where her love for meeting people and building connections flourished. Over the years, she’s gained invaluable experience, mastering every role from host to bartender, cook, and expeditor, and eventually working her way into management. Her position of Assistant Manager is a role she embraces with pride and dedication.
With a deep passion for hospitality, Rachel is committed to creating exceptional guest experiences. Her diligence, adaptability, and belief in continuous learning make her an invaluable asset to the team.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys time with her four beloved dogs—Camri, Raja, Boo, and Ozzy—who bring endless joy to her life.

Rommy Cole | Sous Chef

Our Sous Chef, Anthony Cash was born in 1990 in Atlanta, Georgia, where he lived for 33 years before relocating to Summerville in September 2023. He holds a degree in Food Science from Georgia State University. With 13 years of experience in the fine dining industry, Anthony has dedicated himself to learning and exploring the culinary traditions of various cultures.

His passion for making people happy through food is evident in his work, and he is constantly seeking new knowledge and inspiration from those around him. After gaining extensive experience in diverse cuisines, Anthony has decided to specialize in Italian food, inspired by his family's Italian heritage and his love for making pasta.

He is happily married to his wife, Nina, and they share their home with two cats, Nigel and Nellie.