The Palmetto Tree Service Difference
At Palmetto Tree Service, we believe that trees make the world a much more pleasant place to live. They provide us with refreshing shade, verdant beauty, cool shade, and emergency shelter. They add personality to our homes, raise our property values, and give us clean air to breathe. When your home is well-manicured, with healthy trees, everyone around benefits. That's why, as arborists, we are passionate about providing our customers with dependable Lowcountry tree care.
We believe that honest prices, state-of-the-art equipment, friendly arborists, and good old-fashioned hard work set us apart from our competition. With years of experience serving homeowners in South Carolina, you can rest easy knowing every member of our team is committed to:
- Conducting themselves in a professional manner
- Providing you with top-notch tree care services
- Arriving at your property on time and ready to work hard
- Providing you with reasonable tree care service rates
- Exceeding expectations
- Utilizing safe, time-tested techniques when trimming, pruning, or removing your trees and shrubs
- Friendly, helpful customer service
Our customers mean the world to us. When you hire our company for tree services in cityname, we take that responsibility seriously. No matter the size of your project, our team will always treat your home like it is our own. Plus, you won't ever have to worry about sneaky hidden fees or outrageous pricing. We believe every homeowner deserves access to affordable tree services!
Whether your home has overgrown trees that need trimming or you have unsightly stumps that require grinding, we're here to handle it all. Curious what kind of tree care we provide to homeowners in The Palmetto State?
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Eco-Responsible Tree Removal in Daniel Island, SC
We have removed thousands of trees over the years. However, we never recommend tree removal if it's not warranted. Some South Carolina tree service companies tend to remove trees when they should be saved or simply pruned. Others go the opposite direction and never recommend tree removal.
Unlike other companies, our arborists make educated recommendations based on experience, your trees, and your needs. We make the right call for you - not for us. If disease, destruction of foundation, or other circumstances necessitate tree removal, rest assured we're recommending it for a reason.
Benefits of Tree Removal


Though we never recommend this service unless it's needed, tree removal is often the only way to protect your property and family. When done properly, removing trees from your yard can have numerous benefits.

Prevent Damage to Your Foundation
When the roots of a tree spread and grow, they often damage concrete structures, like your home's foundation or driveway. This unsightly, unsafe situation is preventable with careful tree removal.

More Yard Space
If you've got to remove trees, you might as well make use of the space. Removing trees from your yard frees up space for fun, useful additions to your home firepits and pools. Some examples that we've seen from clients include removing more free space to plant vegetables and flowers and even room to build a new basketball court.

Enhanced Views
Another benefit of tree removal is that you can create a better view for your home, both inside and out. If you have unhealthy trees blocking the view of your property, removing the tree could be a solution. On the other side of the coin, you might want the exterior view of your home to remain intact and unobstructed by trees.
Tree Trimming in Daniel Island, SC
Have you noticed your favorite tree growing strangely? Are your trees so overgrown that it's making your home look like vagrants live there? Are the trees around your property weighed down by dead, dangerous branches? If you answered yes to any of those scenarios, Palmetto Tree Service has a solution to your problem.
Most folks don't know that trees respond to their environment. When trees aren't cared for, they can cause unwanted problems for the homeowner. Issues like overgrowth aren't just ugly - it's a potential safety hazard for your home and family. To prevent these problems from plaguing your property, it's important to keep your trees pruned and trimmed.
Our pruning and trimming have been described as "artistry" by our customers and are performed by highly skilled tree climbers per the Society of Arboriculture standards. Trimming procedures such as view enhancement and crown raising boosts curb appeal and open up obscured views. Proper pruning can also help establish your tree's structural integrity, which helps keep them planted firmly even in South Carolina wind gusts.
Because every shrub and tree is different, we approach our tree trimming projects with a detailed plan of action. That plan starts with our team of professional tree trimmers visiting your home. Once we see what kind of trees we'll be pruning or trimming, we'll put together an actionable plan which we'll share with you. As tree care specialists, we always account for unique variables like your tree's species and where they're located in your yard.

Benefits of Tree Trimming


For some folks, tree trimming seems like a minor detail in the grand scheme of homeownership. It can be tedious, but keeping your trees trimmed and well-maintained is more important than you might think. Below are just a few of the many benefits of keeping your trees and shrubs trimmed:

Tree Health
Part of the Palmetto Tree Service pruning and trimming process includes the removal of damaged, broken, dead, and diseased branches. When ignored, these dead and dying branches grow harmful fungi that can decimate the trees around your home or business. Removing these branches can help keep your trees healthy. Tree trimming also allows the sun and air to reach your trees, further helping to maintain their health.

Safety
As proud residents of South Carolina, we know how scary lightning storms and hurricanes are. Strong winds from these natural disasters result in fallen branches and uprooted trees. South Carolina's storm season is a serious concern for homeowners, especially those with tree-lined driveways, rec areas, and walking paths. When you trust Palmetto Tree Service, you're actually storm-proofing your home. If you have low-hanging limbs near home, pruning provides more safety and overhead clearance. That way, you don't have a panic attack every time the skies open up.

Aesthetics
Nobody likes the looks of a dying, disheveled tree. Tree trimming improves the general appearance of your tree and makes your whole yard and home look better. Tree trimming also helps prevent branches from intertwining with one another.

Developmental Tree Trimming
Pruning younger trees is crucial for their health as they age. This vital tree service in Daniel Island keeps young trees appealing and helps promote optimal branch structure.
Types of Tree Trimming
Not all tree trimming services from Palmetto Tree are the same. Our experts specialize in many trimming services, so you get the right kind of trim for your needs. Our team understands that even the slightest mistake can permanently affect your yard and trees. That's why we approach every project with precision and expertise.
Crown Reduction: When your trees age without proper care, they can develop too many branches on their interior. Trees like this give great shade, but too much is not a good sign. That's where crown reduction trimming comes in. By reducing the density of your tree's crown, our tree care experts improve its growth rate and health. Crown density reduction also promotes a longer lifespan and a more beautiful appearance.

Storm Prep and Cleanup: Trimming and pruning procedures like removing dead wood and thinning crowns should be done before a major storm hits. Reducing branches and leaves lessens the force that wind gusts have and helps minimize the chances of trees falling. If a storm does damage your land, Palmetto Tree Service has the team and tools to help. Having recently worked Hurricanes Charlie, Ivan, Wilma, Katrina, Ike, Irene, Florence, Dorian, and even Sandy, Palmetto Tree Service has vast experience with twisted and fallen trees. We protect your property from further damage and safely remove lumber from damaged structures.
Other tree trimming services that Palmetto Tree Service offers include:
- Hazardous Tree Assessments
- Shrub Trimming
- Pruning
- Cabling
- Bracing
- Corrective Trimming
Contact Us
Free EstimateStump Grinding in Daniel Island, SC
For most property owners, removing a tree can seem like a major project. While that notion certainly isn't wrong, tree removal is more straightforward and often easier than trying to remove an unsightly stump from your yard. Have you ever wondered why you see so many yards with stumps dotted around the land? It's because they're tough to remove. That is why Palmetto Tree Service offers stump removal services in South Carolina.
Our skilled stump grinders bring a depth of knowledge and modern tools to every project we approach. Available for any tree removal project, our fast, efficient grinding machines ensure stumps are 6-8 inches below grade. That way, you can plant your favorite bushes and shrubs where your stump used to be.
Our stump grinding and removal efforts don't just make your yard look great. They also save you time, money, and can prevent injuries. There's a time and place for DIY yard work, but stump removal isn't one of them. Going the "DIY" route can take weeks, even if you work an hour or two every day. There's also the issue of operating heavy machinery on your own, which is dangerous and costly. For these reasons alone, it's best to trust professional stump grinders to remove your tree stumps safely.

Benefits of Stump Removal in Daniel Island, SC



Pest Prevention
Tree stumps are notorious for harboring harmful pests that can ruin your property. We're talking ants, termites, carpenter bees, and other wood borers. If you've noticed an uptick in pests around your home, call Palmetto Tree Service for a quote on our stump removal. You could be killing two birds with one stone.

Eliminate Unwanted Growth
When you leave a tree stump in your yard, there's a good chance you could experience unwanted tree growth. These new growths cause clusters of small trees to grow at the base of your stump. This isn't only unsightly - it can kill nearby plants because the more recent growths hoard water and nutrients to themselves.

Better Looking Yard
If you're a homeowner who loves beautiful landscaping, well-sculpted hedges, and a neat law, you will love our stump removal services. Not just for the weight off your chest but for your home's enhanced curb appeal and resale value. This point is extra pertinent if you're going to sell your home soon.

More Space
If your yard is small, even one stump can affect your usable space. If you spend a lot of time playing sports or just enjoying your yard space, stump removal is a huge help. After all, nobody wants to toss a football if there are old stumps you've got to avoid. With their complicated root systems, stumps also take up considerable space below ground. Stump removal gives your family the space needed to grow vegies, plant flowers, erect water features, and more.

Reduce Headaches
Is stump removal impossible for non-professionals? Sure, in theory. You could take spend hours researching the best ways to remove stumps. You could go to your hardware store, rent a powerful stump grinder, and risk your safety trying to run it without training. You could spend every minute of your free time grinding the stump down. Or, you could work with a trustworthy stump removal company with trained professionals, as you'll find at Palmetto Tree Service.
Your Premier Tree Service Company in South Carolina
With years of experience, it's no wonder why so many South Carolina natives choose Palmetto Tree Service over the competition. Clients love us because we exceed expectations with a smile - no if's, and's, or but's.
Our commitment to superior service isn't a gimmick; it's a year-round promise. When you choose Palmetto Tree, you'll benefit from:
- Professional advice and expertise
- Seasoned, friendly, hardworking tree care experts
- Efficient, effective tree care services
- Competitive pricing
Ready to get started? We're ready to help! Give us a call to learn more about our tree care services and to schedule your first appointment today.

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Latest News in Daniel Island, SC
Daniel Island poised to see new $20M-plus hotel with restaurant, cottages and event space
Warren Wisehttps://www.postandcourier.com/business/real_estate/daniel-island-poised-to-see-new-20m-plus-hotel-with-restaurant-cottages-and-event-space/article_dfefc92a-f49a-11ec-acaa-735d618f0946.html
A $20-million-plus lodging with a restaurant, event space and guest cottages is being proposed for Daniel Island.The city of Charleston’s Design Review Board recently signed off on plans for a 38-unit hotel at 1995 Daniel Island Drive near the planned 320-unit Nowell Creek Village Apartments.The site is across from the former Blackbaud headquarters building, which is now a multitenant office structure called Marshside. The board suggested a few aesthetic ...
A $20-million-plus lodging with a restaurant, event space and guest cottages is being proposed for Daniel Island.
The city of Charleston’s Design Review Board recently signed off on plans for a 38-unit hotel at 1995 Daniel Island Drive near the planned 320-unit Nowell Creek Village Apartments.
The site is across from the former Blackbaud headquarters building, which is now a multitenant office structure called Marshside. The board suggested a few aesthetic revisions, but otherwise unanimously voted for the hotel project.
A small office structure currently occupies the site and can be moved to make way for the new project once it clears other approvals from the city.
JT Industries LLC, an affiliate of developer King and Society Real Estate of Charleston, bought the 1.5-acre parcel near Beresford Creek in 2019 for $1.25 million, according to Berkeley County land records.
“We have a unique and interesting waterfront property on Daniel Island and have been working to find the best use and need for this location,” said King and Society founder and CEO Troy Barber.
He estimated construction will take about 14 months after permits and other approvals are received and hopes the project will be completed in 2024.
Barber said a firm price had not been set on the hotel, but he believes the project will be more than $20 million.
The main 11,200-square-foot building will house guest rooms, restaurant and event space in three floors over parking. The proposal includes four guest houses of 8,500 square feet each, two 866-square-foot cottages, two 592-square-foot cabanas and 50 parking spaces.
The site plan shows the venue as a likely wedding venue, with separate suites for the bride and groom, a ballroom and an outdoor ceremony site overlooking Beresford Creek. Barber said it could also be used for corporate functions.
King and Society will be the developer and handle construction as well, Barber said.
Top sellers
At the mid-year point, South Carolina is home to three of the top-selling 50 master-planned communities in the U.S., even as sales slow from last year.
RCLCO Real Estate Consulting ranked Cane Bay Plantation in Berkeley County at No. 5 with 525 sales during the first six months of 2022. That’s down 9 percent from last year’s midpoint.
Nexton, also in Berkeley, came in at No. 22 with 308 sales, down 5 percent from the first six months of last year.
Latitude Margaritaville in Hardeeville near Hilton Head Island ranked No. 39 with 234 sales, down 29 percent from last year from January through June.
The top-selling, master-planned community continues to be The Villages, between Ocala and Orlando, Fla. It had about 1,500 sales, down 25 percent from last year at the midpoint.
Almost all of the top 50 are in the southern tier of states. Texas posted the most with 20, Florida landed 15, Nevada had four, California and Arizona saw three each, and Utah and Washington state notched one each.
Total new home sales among the 50 top-selling master-planned communities declined by 18 percent in the first half of 2022 compared to the same time period last year, according to RCLCO.
“Supply chain issues and inadequate new home inventory have continued to pose problems for developers, as price increases and interest rate hikes have begun to impact traffic from potential buyers in recent months,” RCLCO said in its mid-year report.
Nationally, the average price among all new single-family homes is up 15 percent since mid-2021.
“The results of this updated mid-year report confirm that supply chain disruptions continue to have an impact on the ability of master-planned communities to meet new home demand, though climbing interest rates and price appreciation have begun to have an impact on that demand, at least in the near-term,” said RCLCO principal Karl Pischke.
“However, it is important not to overreact to the slowing of sales seen over the last year, as these are still short-term trends,” he said.
“The long-term future of the for-sale housing industry, as evidenced by favorable demographic tailwinds, is strong,” Pischke said. “And the future of master-planned communities, particularly in their ability to capture an outsized share of buyer demand during uncertain or difficult economic times, provides another reason for optimism.”
Multifamily construction slated for Clements Ferry apartment complex
thedanielislandnews.comhttp://thedanielislandnews.com/news/multifamily-construction-slated-clements-ferry-apartment-complex
This week there are a large number of multifamily and large residential developments coming before the various City of Charleston boards and committees. Below are those items as well as the application results for specific items to Daniel Island and the Cainhoy area.More detailed agendas and results can be found at charleston-sc.gov/agendacenter.Feb. 2: A major subdivision road development plan at Cainhoy Del Webb on Clements Ferry Road and Cainhoy Road for 164 single-family residences.Feb. 9: A site plan at Mikasa Apart...
This week there are a large number of multifamily and large residential developments coming before the various City of Charleston boards and committees. Below are those items as well as the application results for specific items to Daniel Island and the Cainhoy area.
More detailed agendas and results can be found at charleston-sc.gov/agendacenter.
Feb. 2: A major subdivision road development plan at Cainhoy Del Webb on Clements Ferry Road and Cainhoy Road for 164 single-family residences.
Feb. 9: A site plan at Mikasa Apartments (Aventon) on Clements Ferry Road for the construction of five multifamily residential buildings (320 units), clubhouse and parking lot.
Jan. 26: A site plan at 1900 Daniel Island Drive for a proposed sidewalk, plantation mix path and yard inlets. Results: Revise and resubmit to TRC.
A site plan on Clements Ferry Road for one industrial building with a stormwater detention pond. Results: Revise and resubmit to TRC.
Berkeley Co. Bd. of Education meets twice each month. Executive Committee meets at 5:30 p.m.; meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.
Berkeley Co. Council meets fourth Mon. of each month, 6 p.m., Berkeley County Admin. Blg., 1003 Hwy 52, Moncks Corner.
City of Charleston Council typically meets the second and fourth Tues. of each month, 5 p.m., City Hall, 80 Broad Street, Charleston, SC and/or virtually via Conference Call #1-929-205-6099; Access Code: 912 096 416. Exceptions: Summer Schedule - 3rd Tues. of June, July, and August; December meetings on the 1st and 3rd Tues. Dates and locations subject to change.
City of Charleston Technical Review Committee meets every Thurs. at 9 a.m.via Zoom.
City of Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals – Site Design meets the 1st Wed. of each month at 5 p.m. via Zoom.
City of Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals – Zoning meets the 1st and 3rd Tues. of each month at 5:15 p.m., except for January and July when no meeting is held on the 1st Tues.
City of Charleston Design Review Board meets the 1st and 3rd Mon. of every month at 4:30 p.m.
City of Charleston Planning Commission meets the 3rd Wed. of every month at 5 p.m.
City of Charleston Board of Architectural Review – Large projects meets the 2nd and 4th Wed. of every month at 4:30 p.m.
City of Charleston Board of Architectural Review – Small projects meets the 2nd and 4th Thurs. of every month at 4:30 p.m.
New Berkeley County EMS unit to provide additional help during emergencies
Raymond Owenshttps://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/berkeley-county-news/new-berkeley-county-ems-unit-to-provide-additional-help-during-emergencies/
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – A new medical unit is patrolling Daniel Island designed to better respond to people experiencing a medical emergency.“We’ve recently added what we call a ‘QRV,’ or a Quick Response Vehicle,” explained Berkeley County EMS Chief Michael Shirey.The QRV includes everything you would find in an ambulance, including a paramedic. In fact, three paramedics were hired to put the vehicle in service.“It serves Daniel Island and the surrounding communities, and t...
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – A new medical unit is patrolling Daniel Island designed to better respond to people experiencing a medical emergency.
“We’ve recently added what we call a ‘QRV,’ or a Quick Response Vehicle,” explained Berkeley County EMS Chief Michael Shirey.
The QRV includes everything you would find in an ambulance, including a paramedic. In fact, three paramedics were hired to put the vehicle in service.
“It serves Daniel Island and the surrounding communities, and the purpose is to put a paramedic on scene faster,” Shirey said.
The only thing the QRV cannot do is take a patient to the hospital. But there is an ambulance that is stationed in the Daniel Island area that will respond when warranted. It also allows the QRV to respond to additional calls when the ambulance is in use.
“Often when a unit that is stationed on Daniel Island is already on a call, a second call for service comes in. We have to respond the unit from another location from another community,” he explained.
That can mean a long wait time for those who need immediate help.
“That response time could be anywhere from 15 to 29 minutes,” Shirey noted.
But this new unit will already be in the area to provide help to those in need.
“It is critical that we have this quick response vehicle that’s available to respond to that second call until that transport vehicle can get there,” said Berkeley County Councilman Josh Whitley.
And since the QRV can’t transport, that means there will always be a paramedic with equipment in the Daniel Island area.
“We’ve had response times in the 15-minute range for cardiac issues. It is critical that we get to patients as fast as possible,” said Shirey.
It also means better responses in other areas of the county.
“Adding this unit here may decrease the need to pull a unit from another part of the county that can respond to calls in Goose Creek and so forth, so it’s just good for the system, systemwide.”
Berkeley County still needs additional paramedics, however. They increased salaries for that job a few months ago.
Federal income tax refunds can be used to buy I-bonds, but should you?
David Sladehttps://www.postandcourier.com/business/federal-income-tax-refunds-can-be-used-to-buy-i-bonds-but-should-you/article_029cf5a0-ad7e-11ed-95c4-631ce95f08af.html
Series I federal savings bonds linked to inflation — I-bonds — were the hot investment last year when they briefly offered a 9.62 percent annualized interest rate.At one point the flood of purchasers crashed the U.S. Treasury’s website, treasurydirect.gov, which is the only place to buy I-bonds electronically. There’s also a way to buy them on p...
Series I federal savings bonds linked to inflation — I-bonds — were the hot investment last year when they briefly offered a 9.62 percent annualized interest rate.
At one point the flood of purchasers crashed the U.S. Treasury’s website, treasurydirect.gov, which is the only place to buy I-bonds electronically. There’s also a way to buy them on paper, and that’s to use the proceeds of a federal income tax refund.
And that brings us to today’s column. Using a federal tax refund to buy I-bonds allows people to avoid buying them online, which many find confusing, and also allows them to exceed the $10,000 per person annual cap on purchases.
Up to $5,000 in old-fashioned paper I-bonds can be purchased with an income tax refund. The minimum purchase is $50.
I-bonds are the only U.S. bonds you can buy in a form you can hold in your hands, and they can be purchased in the names of others and given as gifts.
If you’re anticipating a federal refund and want to use some of that money to buy I-bonds, just indicate that on IRS Form 8888 with your return. That’s the same form that tells the IRS where to send your refund.
I-bonds are meant to keep money from losing value to inflation, and the interest is exempt from state and local taxes (and federal taxes if used for higher education expenses).
I-bond interest rates change twice each year, in May and November. If someone were to purchase an I-bond right now, or any time before May 1, they would get the current annualized composite interest rate of 6.89 percent for six months. After that, the rate would become the rate that will be set in May, for the next six months, and so on.
I-bonds must be held at least one year before redeeming them, and if they’re redeemed in less than five years there’s a penalty equal to the last 3 months of interest. Otherwise, they gain interest for 30 years.
An important question to consider is whether I-bonds are still attractive. The gap between I-bond interest rates and bank-issued certificates of deposit has narrowed greatly since last year, and could potentially close when I-bond rates are reset in May.
Will the next rate be lower? Many people think so, because inflation has been easing. Some financial websites are predicting the May I-bond rate could be slightly north of 2 percent, which would make the 12-month interest rate a bit more than 5 percent if someone purchased an I-bond prior to the rate change.
Meanwhile, it’s become easy to find a one-year CD paying a guaranteed interest rate of 4.25 percent or more.
When I wrote about I-bonds in April, a 12-month bank CD was paying about 1 percent interest, and the annualized rate on I-bonds was 7.12 percent. That rate increased to 9.62 percent in May, and fell to 6.89 percent in November.
My takeaway is the I-bonds remain competitive with bank CDs but with less certainty about rates going forward. However, the interest on bank CDs is taxable, while I-bond interest is exempt from state income tax.
One nice thing about using an income tax refund to buy I-bonds is that you actually get the paper bond, which can be redeemed at a bank, and don’t have to worry about misplacing your password for treasurydirect.gov. Alternatively, paper bonds can be converted to the electronic version, if one prefers.
Technology is becoming a regular menu staple at restaurants across South Carolina.
Computer kiosks stand ready to take food and drink requests. Scrambled QR codes deliver menus via smartphone cameras. Small tableside devices invite diners to place their orders and pay their bills.
Restaurants have typically counted on front-end workers and wait staff to perform these routine yet critical tasks. But with an industrywide labor shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, finding those workers has become more difficult.
The S.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association estimated that the state needs nearly 5,000 employees to fill restaurant and hotel job vacancies.
And the hiring challenge is projected to worsen over the next couple of years.
The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce conducted a “Talent Demand Study” that found the need for workers will grow by 15 percent through 2025 to fill food preparation and service-related positions.
Faced with staffing shortages and hiring challenges, restaurant owners are embracing automation and robotic technology that was once limited to multinational franchises such as McDonald’s and Dunkin Donuts.
Ordering kiosks and customer-facing tabletop devices can reduce labor costs, decrease order wait times and improve accuracy. But the initial investment and upkeep of the devices can also increase restaurant operating costs and deliver a less-personal dining experience.
At the Dunkin Donuts on Dorchester Road in Summerville, an ordering screen sits at the counter with the orange and pink logo flashing, waiting for a customer to step up and use it.
Kimberly Dawn bypassed the machine, opting to place her order with Victoria White, who was running the cash register.
“I would rather talk to a human than to a computer,” Dawn said. She added, “I am old school.”
The kiosk gets minimal use, White said
“About one in every 20 customers might use it,” she said, noting most of them tend to be younger.
Hits and misses
Customer comfort with automated restaurant tools often dictates their use and restaurant owners’ decision to offer them.
For many whose idea of a dining-out experience is about consumption, the infiltration of technology at their favorite eating establishments is a welcome addition because of its time-saving convenience.
Jill Schenzel, co-owner of Bodega Todo, a quick-service restaurant on President Street in downtown Charleston, is set up with no front-end staff to speak of. She said she installed a kiosk to handle orders as a result of the pandemic.
Schenzel was first introduced to the technology when traveling the festival circuit with her food trucks — Semilla and Street Bird.
“When the pandemic happened, and labor issues started, people were coming into the restaurant to order, and we started to think about what that technology would look like,” she said.
Schenzel reached out to Toast Inc., a Boston-based restaurant management software company, for help. She said the kiosk works seamlessly for her neighborhood establishment, where about 80 percent of the clientele come in every day or three times a week and are familiar with how it works.
Schenzel said it was less successful at Rudy Royale, which she owns with brother Mcready Downer.
“We hoped to use technology there,” she said, adding that the higher-end East Bay Street restaurant is “more tourist-driven” and “we quickly realized it wouldn’t work.”
Some restaurant owners and operators are finding that customers seeking an enjoyable experience see the introduction of the type of technology they have at their fingertips in other situations as an impediment to a meaningful social engagement.
“I think that it’s a matter of listening to your customers and figuring out how to create a great experience for all,” said Steve Fredette, president of Toast.
“For some people, using digital tools like a kiosk or QR code — is hospitality to them. And that’s a better experience,” Fredette said. “Other people want to come in and say hi and talk. And that’s okay, too.”
“If restaurants can use technology to enhance their experience, which means restaurant workers can focus on higher value activities, then I think that’s a win for hospitality and a win for the guests who can get a better experience,” he said.
People pleaser
But more traditionally minded diners who are accustomed to perusing and then choosing their entrees from a conventional menu from a smiling server ready to take their order may find disconcerting the QR codes and tabletop devices.
And while the machines can take a load off of employees, the new systems don’t always get an enthusiastic response from the staff it is designed to help.
At Bahama Breeze, Rashaud Sutter, a bartender and server, pushes the tabletop device aside and directs customers to the personal touch.
“I don’t like it,” he said, pointing to the device. “I would rather engage with the customer.”
The technology was brought into the restaurant he works at on Rivers Avenue at Northwoods Mall for busy diners seeking fast service. Sutter said it takes away from the server experience he likes to provide.
“I look around and try to be at the table for whatever the customer needs,” he said.
A self-professed people pleaser, Sutter said he wants to give customers full, personable service to earn their satisfaction and his monetary reward.
Some have found that point-of-sale terminals increase the frequency and amount of tips by making it easier with preloaded options charged automatically to a card.
Sutter isn’t convinced.
“If they can order themselves and pay themselves, why do they need to tip me?” he asked.
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Ice skating rink coming to Credit One Stadium for the holidays
Tim Renaudhttps://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/ice-skating-rink-coming-to-credit-one-stadium-for-the-holidays/
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – Lace up your skates! Credit One Stadium is bringing an outdoor ice-skating rink to Daniel Island for the holiday season.“Skate the Stadium” will bring a new custom-built ice-skating rink to the entertainment venue featuring cozy fire pits, seasonal concessions, and special holiday events like holiday carolers, visits with Santa, and a Christmas tree lighting.“Our goal is to create thoughtful, unique experiences that bring joy to the communities we serve. By building an outdoo...
DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – Lace up your skates! Credit One Stadium is bringing an outdoor ice-skating rink to Daniel Island for the holiday season.
“Skate the Stadium” will bring a new custom-built ice-skating rink to the entertainment venue featuring cozy fire pits, seasonal concessions, and special holiday events like holiday carolers, visits with Santa, and a Christmas tree lighting.
“Our goal is to create thoughtful, unique experiences that bring joy to the communities we serve. By building an outdoor skating rink for the holidays we hope to create another way for people to engage in a new holiday tradition that encourages movement and social connection,” said Bob Moran, President of Charleston Tennis.
Tickets will cost $10 per person including the skate rental and a one-hour skating session. Organizers say non-skaters may enter for free. Special assistive devices will be available for those who need them.
Those tickets can be purchased at creditonestadium.com/skate-the-stadium
“Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Credit One Stadium is a drop-off site for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation,” said organizers. “Bring a toy, get $2 off a skating session.”
Guests can enjoy cookie samplers, smores kits, cinnamon sugar pretzels and other classic concessions will be available for purchase. Hot chocolate, cider, and a full bar with seasonal beer and cocktails will also be on hand.
‘Skate the Stadium’ will open Friday, December 2nd. Dates to skate include:
Thursdays and Fridays from 5-10 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. & Sundays 12 – 5 p.m.
The rink will be closed on Friday, Dec. 30 and Christmas Day.
Daniel Island Tree Lighting Ceremony | Friday, December 2, Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with the tree lighting at 6 p.m.
Enjoy musical performances from Charleston Concert Band, carolers singing and activities for the children then watch the holiday magic of a 22-foot tree lighting.
Holiday Carolers Thursdays | December 8, 25 & 22, 5:30-6 p.m.
Catch the holiday spirit with vocal performances from local High School choral groups.
Ladies Night/Bubbles on Ice | Thursday, December 8, 7-10 p.m.
Nibble on hors d’oeuvres and sip on bubbles from Moet. Browse some curated holiday selection from local vendors. This is a ticketed event, $35 per person and includes food plus cash bar.
90’s Glow Night | Saturday, December 10, 7-10 p.m.
Skate to your favorite songs of the 90’s and sport your best glow gear.
Jazz Night & Bourbon Tasting | Thursday, December 15, 7-10 p.m.
Sample all-you-can-eat oysters on the half shell and a bourbon tasting with entertainment by Grammy Award winning Charlton Singleton & The Contemporary Flow Band.
Visit with Santa | Sunday, December 18, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Stop by for a visit with Santa the last weekend before Christmas.
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