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 Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant, SC
Lucy Beckham leaves no doubt with trouncing of Mount Pleasant rival Wando
Andrew Millerhttps://www.postandcourier.com/sports/highschool/lucy-beckham-leaves-no-doubt-with-trouncing-of-mount-pleasant-rival-wando/article_8cb3de84-4126-11ee-94b6-67f456503c8b.html
MOUNT PLEASANT — A year ago, Lucy Beckham quarterback Chalmers Ballard admitted he was a little nervous when the Bengals faced crosstown rivals Wando in front of 10,000 fans.The junior quarterback had no such jitters this year.Chalmers threw for 147 yards and two touchdowns and running back Stephen Segars rushed for 112 yards and added two more TDs as Lucy Beckham routed Wando, 43-0, on Aug. 25 before a standing-room-only crowd at District 2 Stadium.The Bengals, who are playing in just their second varsity season, ...
MOUNT PLEASANT — A year ago, Lucy Beckham quarterback Chalmers Ballard admitted he was a little nervous when the Bengals faced crosstown rivals Wando in front of 10,000 fans.
The junior quarterback had no such jitters this year.
Chalmers threw for 147 yards and two touchdowns and running back Stephen Segars rushed for 112 yards and added two more TDs as Lucy Beckham routed Wando, 43-0, on Aug. 25 before a standing-room-only crowd at District 2 Stadium.
The Bengals, who are playing in just their second varsity season, have beaten Wando both times the schools have faced each other. Lucy Beckham edged the Warriors, 8-6, a season ago in the first varsity matchup between the two schools.
Unlike the game last season, which featured two stingy defenses and little offense, the Class AAAA Bengals moved the ball at will against the AAAAA Warriors, scoring on five straight offensive possession in the first half.
“I didn’t do this all by myself, I had a lot of help from all of my teammates,” said Chalmers, who completed 13 of 19 passes on the night. “They’ve put in so much work in the offseason and we just get on the field and did the things that we’ve been practicing for the past four months.
“I think the final score shows that Beckham is here and we can play. We’ve worked so hard and it’s great to see it pay off with this kind of result.”
As good as the Bengals offense was, the defense was even better. The Bengals, under former The Citadel defensive coordinator Tony Grantham, limited the Warriors to less than 100 yards of total offense and only 26 rushing yards.
“We are a relentless defense,” said Lucy Beckham coach Jamel Smith, who used to be the defensive coordinator Wando. “We always preach finish plays, finish tackles, don’t assume that someone else is going to make that tackle. We swarm to the football and it showed tonight. They kids have bought into what we are doing.”
Keeping with tradition that started last year, the losing principal had to kiss “Billy the Goat” at midfield after the game was over.
Wando principal Chas Coker did the honors Friday night.
“My boss ain’t kissing no goat tonight,” Smith said with a chuckle.
Lucy Beckham grabbed momentum when the Bengals marched 80 yards in 11 plays to take an 8-0 lead late in the first quarter.
Chalmers finished off the drive when he hit tight end Bryce Rothwell in the end zone for a TD with 2:06 to play in the opening quarter.
Lucy Beckham running back Charles Byrd pushed the Bengals’ lead to 15-0 when he capped a 6-play, 65-yard drive with an 11-yard TD run with 10:10 to play before halftime.
Chalmers threw a 27-yard strike to Mason Ombres that took the ball down to the 11-yard line to set up Byrd’s TD run.
After a short punt, it took Lucy Beckham just two plays to go ahead by three touchdowns. Segars gave the Bengals a 22-0 lead with a 1-yard TD run with 7:33 to play before halftime.
Chalmers threw his second TD pass of the first half, connecting on a 7-yard TD to Henry Brosey to give the Bengals a 29-0 lead with 5:38 left before halftime.
Segars scored for the second time on the Bengals first play from scrimmage to start the second half. After a bad snap on a punt, the Bengals recovered the ball at the Wando 3.
Segars went around the right side untouched into the end zone to give Lucy Beckham a 36-0 lead with 10 minutes to play.
Robert Myers’ 23-yard TD run gave the Bengals a 43-0 lead with 3:14 left in the third quarter.
Florida-based restaurant chain plans to add 2 Charleston-area locations
Warren L. Wise wwise@postandcourier.comhttps://www.postandcourier.com/business/real_estate/melting-pot-charleston-mount-pleasant-sc/article_d0966d56-2f0b-11ee-86ab-1717627623a4.html
You’re seeing The Post and Courier’s weekly real estate newsletter. Receive all the latest transactions and top development, building, and home and commercial sales news to your inbox each Saturday here.A fondue ...
You’re seeing The Post and Courier’s weekly real estate newsletter. Receive all the latest transactions and top development, building, and home and commercial sales news to your inbox each Saturday here.
A fondue restaurant chain plans to expand into the Lowcountry.
Bob Johnston, CEO of The Melting Pot, said the Tampa, Fla.-based company is looking to add two locations in Charleston and Mount Pleasant. He cited the Palmetto State’s strong tourism industry as a key reason for the expansion plan.
MONCKS CORNER — Cherry Collins probably knew her career path as a toddler.
She had devoured so many books by the time she reached kindergarten age, she was already at a fourth-grade reading level.
After a few odd jobs when she finished high school, Collins invested $4,000 to start a used bookstore called Dreamalot in Goose Creek. It eventually migrated to Moncks Corner.
Over the next few weeks, the business she has operated in three locations for the past 24 years will write its last chapter.
Dreamalot at 1013 Old Highway 52 is going out of business. The last day originally was set for the end of September, but the lease has been extended through October, according to Phil Rowe, a longtime friend from Connecticut who is helping her close the shop.
“It’s breaking my heart,” said Collins, as tears welled up in her eyes while waiting on customers in the 3,050-square-foot shop near a Big Lots discount store. “But I can no longer afford it.”
Her inventory of more than 100,000 books, along with games, puzzles, trinkets, pictures and some clothing, is all marked down 50-90 percent. Shelves and displays also must go. Items in a lending library in the back of the store are free.
Collins, who uses a wheelchair due to ailments, noted she tried to find a business partner to keep the business going.
“I wasn’t able to do that, and I can no longer do it by myself,” the 51-year-old said.
Dreamalot started on Aug. 1, 1999, in a small shop on Highway 52 in Goose Creek, where it operated for 18 years before moving up the street for a short stint. Just before the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, the business moved to the edge of Moncks Corner.
“This has been an excellent location,” she said. “My business doubled overnight after I moved here.”
Collins not only sells pre-owned books. She also donates supplies to jailhouses in Berkeley and Charleston counties and charter schools in the Lowcountry. She also tries to help the homeless as much as she can.
“I’m sad that I won’t be able to do it any longer,” she said.
Customers browsing the stacks Sept. 12 lamented the shop’s imminent demise.
“This has always been my place to come when I’m feeling sad,” longtime patron and retiree Penny Maguire said. “This is my happy place. You can come here and look and browse and find all kinds of things you didn’t know you were looking for.”
Dr. Morgan Glass glanced through the shelves for some fiction titles.
“It’s kind of sad that it’s closing,” the pediatrician said. “I bring my boys — 6 and 10 — here all the time. I don’t know what I’m going to do now. I will probably get back to the library more.”
Cane Bay resident Brandon Lorick is part of a group that tries to read at least one book each month, but he aims for two.
He used to shop at Mr. K’s Used Books in North Charleston before it closed last spring. He called the closing of shops such as Dreamalot “a shame.”
“You can get deals online, but you don’t get that personal experience when you go through the checkout line and they talk about the books you selected,” Lorick said.
Rowe, Collins’ friend from Connecticut, called the clearance sale a huge undertaking.
“We have a lot of everything, and we have two storage units filled with books as well,” he said. “Everything has to go.”
He urged shoppers to bring boxes and bags and noted items will be sold in bulk at reduced prices near the end of the sale to help clear out remaining merchandise.
The shop is open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
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Downtown and Mount Pleasant galleries teaming up for rock ‘n’ roll exhibit
Kalyn Oyerhttps://www.postandcourier.com/charleston_scene/downtown-and-mount-pleasant-galleries-teaming-up-for-rock-n-roll-exhibit/article_c1dd2574-36d2-11ee-8489-d3791138b7f0.html
MOUNT PLEASANT — Downtown Charleston’s Revealed Gallery has teamed up with Mount Pleasant’s White Gallery for an upcoming rock ‘n’ roll exhibit.Scott Parsons, owner of Revealed Gallery, is one of the two artists being featured in the show, which will include portraits of famed classic rockers across a variety of media. The second participant is one of Parsons’ featured artists and friend Mauricio Sánchez Rengifo, who goes by Masáre.Both will showcase their large-scale works at W...
MOUNT PLEASANT — Downtown Charleston’s Revealed Gallery has teamed up with Mount Pleasant’s White Gallery for an upcoming rock ‘n’ roll exhibit.
Scott Parsons, owner of Revealed Gallery, is one of the two artists being featured in the show, which will include portraits of famed classic rockers across a variety of media. The second participant is one of Parsons’ featured artists and friend Mauricio Sánchez Rengifo, who goes by Masáre.
Both will showcase their large-scale works at White Gallery, 709 Coleman Blvd., for the “TripLineDrop” art show from 7-10 p.m. Aug. 25. There will be food and drink vendors, as well as music by Paul Harris, Graham Whorley and DJ Moldybrain, on-site during the show.
Parsons grew up with a brother eight years older than him who loved comic books. He experienced art from an early age and started to attempt drawing his favorite characters at age 7. In middle school, he gravitated toward graffiti and was hired for his first mural in Washington, D.C., in 1997. He moved to Charleston in 2000 and started doing murals again after a hiatus. In 2010, he transferred from spray can to brush and canvas. He also experiments with acrylic pouring.
“My subject matter isn’t easily defined,” said Parsons. “I paint images that strike me when doing figurative work. ... The pouring paintings I do are experimenting with color and are very organic. I direct the paint to a certain extent, but then it’s kind of out of my control, which is very fun for me and I hope for the viewer as well.”
Parsons said he will be bringing a “whole lot of color” to this show, as well as new pour experimentations. This is the first time he has shown at White Gallery.
Masáre studied and graduated as an architect in Colombia in 2005. He spent six months locked in his studio painting some of the works that will be on display at this exhibit, including portraits of Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin.
His portraits are created from layered textures on rigid surfaces; he uses glass, fabric, wood, beads, plastic, metal, glitter, paper, petals and more. The materials used often coalesce with the story of his subject matter.
“Any material and medium the concept of who I am painting, life and work, dictates me to use,” he said. “For instance, in the Kurt Cobain paintings, there was a shotgun. Frida Kahlo, nails; Jim Morrison, fire and soot; Amy Winehouse, wine bottles and plastic roses.”
Masáre said he loves optical illusions and rock music. So this themed show was the perfect opportunity for him.
Among featured pieces will be a reimagined “Dark Side of the Moon” cover featured 16 video laser discs; hypodermic needles embedded into one work; and paintings of David Bowie’s ascending black neon star and Gustavo Cerati’s sidereal evolution.
He has been in Charleston since February. Both Parsons and Masáre have been featured muralists at the former D.B.’s Cheesesteaks on Savannah Highway in Avondale, West Ashley. Masáre has another upcoming mural along with eight other artists in Mount Pleasant.
Wagyu beef, exotic meats: Florida-based market opens in Mount Pleasant
Parker Milnerhttps://www.postandcourier.com/food/heights-meat-market-opens-in-mount-pleasant/article_6fac077e-16cb-11ee-888d-4b74af082afe.html
A former chiropractor’s office has been transformed into a specialty market selling meat, sauces, seasonings, grilling accessories and more.Owned by Maddy and Jeremy Park, Heights Meat Market is now open at 426 W. Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant.Prior to its July 1 opening, the Parks moved to Charleston from Florida, where the original three Heights Meat Market locations operate. The Mount Pleasant venue is the first to open outside of the Su...
A former chiropractor’s office has been transformed into a specialty market selling meat, sauces, seasonings, grilling accessories and more.
Owned by Maddy and Jeremy Park, Heights Meat Market is now open at 426 W. Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant.
Prior to its July 1 opening, the Parks moved to Charleston from Florida, where the original three Heights Meat Market locations operate. The Mount Pleasant venue is the first to open outside of the Sunshine State.
With everything from classic pork chops to Australian wagyu filet, alligator tenders, duck and even kangaroo, the new specialty shop stands out while offering products across the price spectrum.
Mount Pleasant’s new butcher shop Heights Meat Market is now open on Saturday, July 1, 2023.
Maddy Park and her husband Jeremy Park take a customer’s order at the now open Heights Meat Market in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff
Kati Israel grills up samples at the now open Heights Meat Market in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff
A variety of spices are seen at the now open Heights Meat Market in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff
Charlie Henson, 7 (from left), Millie Henson, 8, and Jessica Henson look at the tasting bar at the now open Heights Meat Market in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff
Kati Israel serves up samples at the now open Heights Meat Market on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff
A Japanese Wagyu beef cut is sold at the now open Heights Meat Market on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff
Alyssa Cleary and Shawn Cleary look at cooler at the now open Heights Meat Market on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff
Jeremy Park talks with a customer at the now open Heights Meat Market on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff
People try out sauces at the tasting bar at the now open Heights Meat Market on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff
Jeremy Park serves up chicken samples at the now open Heights Meat Market in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff
On the weekends, Heights’ employees are cooking up samples for customers, imparting some edible entertainment into the shopping experience.
“It’s a fun place to shop,” Maddy Park said. “If they come in on any weekend, they’re going to get some tasty treats.”
Heights Meat Market is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit heightsmeatmarket.com.
Restaurants serving oysters are plentiful in Charleston.
From casual counter service to white tablecloth fine dining, here are a few places to start your journey:
167 Raw
193 King St., downtown Charleston
In 2014, College of Charleston alumnus Jesse Sandole opened 167 Raw as an extension of his family’s seafood market at 167 Hummock Pond Road in Nantucket, Mass. The restaurant served lobster rolls, ceviche, raw and fried oysters, pastrami-style swordfish and more. It relocated to King Street in 2020. 167 Sushi Bar now resides in its old East Bay Street location.
Bowens Island Restaurant
1870 Bowens Island Road, James Island
It’s hard to argue with an evening at this spot five minutes from Folly Beach. Enjoy cold beer and fresh oysters picked from the waters surrounding the 13-acre island daily while watching the sunset.
The 75-year-old establishment, declared a James Beard Foundation American Classic, is an essential introduction to steamed oysters. But don’t expect white tablecloth service. At Bowens, piles of oysters are dumped onto half or full trays, and guests are handed oyster knives for self-shucking. This, and the unmatched setting, makes a meal here an immersive experience and prerequisite to a classic Lowcountry oyster roast.
Chubby Fish
252 Coming St., downtown Charleston
Chef/owner James London features what could be described as a locally focused oyster-on-the-half-shell offering, with four of the six options coming from South Carolina.
Developing strong relationships with local purveyors has helped London bolster his supply. Steamboat Creek Oyster Farm, Barrier Island Oyster Co. and Braden Oyster Farm are among the farms London works with consistently.
Delaney Oyster House
115 Calhoun St., downtown Charleston
Delaney’s offers a rotating selection of oysters that are refreshingly cold and without a speck of shell to pollute their cleanly shucked meat. Even better, the varieties are clearly labeled with tags affixed to bamboo picks. Delaney offers at least six types of fresh oysters, along with peel-and-eat shrimp and caviar and a variety of small and large cooked seafood plates.
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
186 Concord St., downtown Charleston
Fleet Landing is owned by Tradd and Weesie Newton and is housed in a 1940s-era naval debarkation building. It might just be the only downtown oyster-serving waterfront restaurant. Visited by the likes of celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern, Fleet Landing serves oysters on the half-shell with house-made cocktail sauce.
Breakfast spot to replace Cabana Burgers in Mount Pleasant
charlestonbusiness.comhttps://charlestonbusiness.com/news/hospitality-and-tourism/83617/
The burgeoning Mount Pleasant region will add another business to its lineup. Big Bad Breakfast, known for its custom-created meats, fresh biscuits and preserves and locally roasted coffee, will be moving into the former Cabana Burgers and Shakes at 2664 N. Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant.Wayne Bumgardner, who accepted the job as chief operating officer of the company early this year, resides in the growing area and anticipates an August opening.Working the way up through the ranksBumgardner touts a long hi...
The burgeoning Mount Pleasant region will add another business to its lineup. Big Bad Breakfast, known for its custom-created meats, fresh biscuits and preserves and locally roasted coffee, will be moving into the former Cabana Burgers and Shakes at 2664 N. Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant.
Wayne Bumgardner, who accepted the job as chief operating officer of the company early this year, resides in the growing area and anticipates an August opening.
Working the way up through the ranks
Bumgardner touts a long history of restaurant work, starting in fast food as a teen, then later working at Ruby Tuesday’s, first as a line cook, then as a regional trainer and later as a general manager.
Bumgardner then moved to Outback Steakhouse, opening an eatery in Blowing Rock, N.C.
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“The company became quite successful and I became a joint venture partner in North and South Carolina,” said Bumgardner. After that, Bumgardner joined up with Dallas-based Raising Cane’s, a fast casual, chicken tender restaurant where he became franchise leader. “This too, was very successful and the company bought the franchise back,” said Bumgardner, explaining that industry connections led him to his latest partnership with Big Bad Breakfast.
“Fresh Hospitality based in Birmingham, Alabama approached me with the opportunity to partner with them in a Big Bad Breakfast located in downtown Charleston,” said Bumgardner, whose goal as COO is to grow the brand.
The Big Bad Breakfast brand
According to Bumgardner, the Big Bad Breakfast brand is comprised of 15 restaurants, yet each one is different and represents the local area where they are situated.
“The décor is regionalized and is unique from restaurant to restaurant. You wouldn’t know that we’re a chain by walking into any of them,” he said.
Big Bad Breakfast is the brainchild of James Beard award-winner John Currence, who is reported on the company website as always having a “love affair with breakfast.”
“We add a chef’s touch to everything that we do. Plus, everything is scratch made and our menu is what we call unapologetically Southern,” Bumgardner said.
Among the menu selections are fried oyster scrambles, Creole omelets topped with homemade tomato gravy, cathead chicken biscuits with gravy, huevos rancheros grit bowls and chicken and waffles. If all of that has you contemplating a nap afterwards, there are light choices as well.
“We make our own granola and add it to yogurt and our avocado toast is out of this world,” Bumgardner said. Big Bad Breakfast also touts a full bar, so customers can avail themselves of mimosas and other drinks to top off their meals.
As for staff, Bumgardner acknowledges the difficulty that restaurants are having reaching a full contingent of servers, but recognizes that Big Bad Breakfast, with its shortened hours, appeals to those seeking an acceptable work-life balance.
“Because we’re only open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, our staff works from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., which attracts all kinds of people who dislike working nights and that’s a big advantage to us,” he said.
As for opening up in the Mount Pleasant area, Bumgardner said that he’s delighted to be in his neighborhood and part of a fast-growing area.
“Mount Pleasant used to be a sleepy little town near the beach, north of Charlestown and now it’s a sought-after area that has exploded in growth,” said Bumgardner, adding that new people are moving to the area every day and the fact that they can be at a beach in just a few minutes just adds to the area’s appeal.
“We’re looking forward to being a part of the fabric of the Mount Pleasant Community and are looking forward to what the future brings.”
Stephanie Kalina-Metzger is a contributing writer for SC Biz News.
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