April 24, 2024 By Carol Britton Meyer

Ironwood Inc. will become South Shore Country Club’s new restaurant and banquet facilities operator beginning Jan. 1, 2025, following recent unanimous approval by the Select Board and the South Shore Country Club Management Committee.

Tina Conte, who has served as Raffaels’ head chef for more than two years, is partnering with colleagues Jessica McInnis and Danielle Barnes to establish Ironwood, Inc. Their shared work experiences in the catering, restaurant, and event business include popular South Shore restaurants such as Siros, Raffael’s, Steel & Rye, Abby Park, and Novara. With their combined expertise and passion for the industry, the Ironwood team looks forward to making their mark at the South Shore Country Club starting in 2025.

Ironwood Inc.’s in-progress website refers to the new venture as a place “where culinary excellence meets unparalleled dining experiences at the South Shore Country Club. We can’t wait to share our vision with you.”

Following a 15-year partnership, Raffael’s/Greenside Grille owners Frank and Elio Ricci will be moving on to different ventures at the end of 2024. The Club has greatly benefitted from their years of dedication, which created a strong brand and fostered a sense of community.

“We look forward to a seamless transition for all parties involved, especially for the restaurant and banquet facility patrons,” CCMC Chair Christine Smith said.

The Riccis will continue to serve their guests through the end of the year and wish the Ironwood team “nothing but success in their endeavors at a place we have called home for the past [many] years.”

While their time at SSCC drawing to a close at the end of the year is “bittersweet, we are happy to hear that the Select Board and the CCMC have put their faith in Chef Tina and her team for the future of South Shore Country Club’s restaurant, event, and culinary experiences,” the Riccis said.

As the new operator of the Club’s restaurant and banquet facilities, Ironwood Inc. brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Club.

Raffael’s & The Greenside Grille Restaurant will continue to operate as the Club’s exclusive food and beverage operation through December 2024 and will  accept reservations for daily dining and private events until that time at www.raffaels.com and www.greensidegrille.com.

For inquiries for 2025 and beyond, go to www.ironwoodhingham.com for further information.

“We look forward to welcoming Ironwood to Hingham and invite the public to enjoy the final season with our Raffael’s friends,” SSCC Executive Director Kevin Whalen said. “Thank you to all members of the transition team for their diligence and creativity.”
Stay tuned for updates.