A bold new musical takes flight in Charleston, South Carolina
By Mark A. Leon
PURE Theatre’s world premiere of “Pleasure Never Lies” is a witty, emotionally resonant and intellectually daring new musical promising a bright future beyond its Charleston debut.
Let’s take a journey together: Visualize 2 plus hours in an intimate theater where a cast, crew, animators and musicians take you on a journey influenced by the groundbreaking narratives of Grant and Hepburn, The Muppets, Monty Python, Rent and Legally Blonde. Add in a splash of sexual tension wrapped nicely in the pleasure of intimacy and finally sprinkle memorable musical numbers that will stick with you long after you depart the theater.
This is “Pleasure Never Lies”, a world premiere musical with book & lyrics by Marshall Hagins, music by Brad Moranz and the inspired direction of Sharon Graci.
How do you make a musical about Ornithology, the study of birds?
It’s often said great entertainment is defined by its ability to continue the conversation. When a piece of entertainment truly leaves a lasting impact and connects with its audience, it becomes a breathing entity that consumes us and furthers a dialogue. Whether it was the intended purpose or not, this production did just that.
Over the next few days, I debated, discussed and theorized evolution, survival of the fittest, love vs pleasure, gender norms and societal impact and the now vs the future.
All these topics blended in homogenous harmony throughout this performance and what a joy it was to see.
Central Antagonism and Attraction
The central conflict lies in the relationship, academic status, believes and secrets of Sam and Charles played beautifully by Kindred Moore and Matt Shingledecker. Both actors brought skilled musical talents and confidence to every scene. Their energy played off like the spirits of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy were hovering over the stage.
If you read up on their careers, it is clear not only are they both driven by a passion for musical theater but have been rewarded with such credits as ‘Into the Woods”, “Wicked”, “Rent”, Les Misérables”, “West Side Story” and “Spring Awakening”.
Both, natives of Charleston, were thrilled to return home and make their debuts on the Pure stage.
What the audience will see is through strength of character both were able to remain firm to their beliefs, create an authenticity of persona and exude vulnerability without compromising goals.
An Ensemble of Joy
The casting was near flawless with the supporting players adding vocal chops, humor and romance to the story.
Maddie Casto as Destiny, was comic legend. She nailed her scenes like a pro and resulted in some of the highest volume of laughter in the audience. The number “Observable Facts” will play again on Spotify, in other cities and perhaps on Broadway. It was something that could have been written by The Marx Brothers if they were feminist comics.
Tiffany Parker as Sheila brought her 23 years of stage experience with a prominent appearance wrought with raw candor, power and wit. A tour de force indeed!
Teresaa Catherine as Becky was nothing short of whorishly charming in her subtle innocence dabbled in flirtatious charm. She brought love and comfort to the cast and played it beautifully well.
We adored Shivam V. Patel as the beta with a heart of gold and Noah Anderson as the cautious and slightly worrisome Eddie. Yet, it was Noah’s leadership and Shivam’s hopeless romanticism as just the right moments that were needed continue the flow of the production.
Birds of Another Feather
We must give a special recognition to Josiah Albright, College of Charleston graduate and puppet designer as well as Anna Rob who assisted as puppeteer. They effortlessly used suspension of reality to mimic the birds in their natural habitat.
Conclusion
“Pleasure Never Lies” is a unique musical story that will leave you very satisfied. We feel this production will have a long future and are so grateful to Pure Theatre and the City of Charleston for serving as the first stop for this new production.
Now playing through May 3, 2025 – Click HEREfor tickets.
Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen, located at 1271 Folly Road (James Island) announced today on Instagram they will be closing their doors on April 27, 2025.
A new restaurant will be taking over the space. There are no further details.
if you can, stop by for one more meal or a few drinks. We have certainly loved our time at Florence’s and with the staff all the love.
Permanent Protection of Ecologically Significant Property Further Preserves the Santee Deltas
Charleston, SC, April 22, 2025 –Lowcountry Land Trust, a nonprofit committed to preserving Lowcountry landscapes and waterways for current and future generations, is proud to announce the permanent protection of an additional portion of Fairfield Plantation—an ecologically rich and historically significant property located on the South Santee River at the gateway to Charleston County along both sides of U.S. Highway 17.
This conservation success adds 254 acres to an already impressive network of protected lands in the region. Fairfield Plantation lies within a mosaic of large private conservation easements, reinforcing a nearly contiguous landscape of preserved forest and wetlands that shields the Santee Delta from increasing development pressure encroaching from the south. The conserved property also sits in direct proximity to more than 350,000 acres of publicly protected lands, including Francis Marion National Forest (259,000 acres), Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge (66,306 acres), Santee Coastal Heritage Preserve (24,000 acres), and Hampton Plantation State Historic Site (300 acres).
In 2013, the landowners placed 480 acres of Fairfield Plantation into a perpetual conservation easement with Lowcountry Land Trust. In 2024, they returned to complete their conservation vision by bargain-selling an easement on an additional 254 acres of the property.
“Thanks to this private family’s excellent stewardship and their generous donation of value in placing a conservation easement on the remainder of Fairfield Plantation, the Santee Delta will continue to thrive in its ecologically rich, relatively natural state,” said Hunter Allen, who managed the project for Lowcountry Land Trust. “We’re proud to help secure the future for this remarkable part of the Lowcountry.”
Fairfield Plantation’s conservation easement expansion now stands as a powerful example of how public-private partnerships, community values, and landowner generosity can unite to preserve the Lowcountry’s natural and cultural heritage. The protection of Fairfield Plantation was made possible in part through funding from the Charleston County Greenbelt Program, underscoring the collaborative nature of conservation in the region.
Stay connected by following @LowcountryLandTrust on social media and signing up for their email newsletter to receive the latest updates on conservation efforts and ways to get involved.
ABOUT LOWCOUNTRY LAND TRUST
Lowcountry Land Trust—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—permanently protects land throughout coastal South Carolina that is foundational to the area’s coastal ecosystem and residents’ quality of life. Having protected over 163,000 acres of land since its founding in 1986, Lowcountry Land Trust is one of the most impactful local land trusts in the United States. More information about Lowcountry Land Trust is available at www.lowcountrylandtrust.org.
Trader Joe’s hass officially published the location of its 5th South Carolina location coming soon. In addition to 2 locations in Mount Pleasant, one in Columbia and one in Greenville, Trader Joe’s will be opening a new location in Myrtle Beach, SC at 115 SayeBrook Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
There is no indication of a open date but early chatter indicates Fall timeframe, perhaps October 2025.
Click HERE for a listing of all South Carolina locations.
KERSHAW, S.C. — The ADM soybean processing plant in Kershaw will be closing later this spring.
“It’s a total shock to me and to everyone here,” said Kershaw Mayor Mark Dorman, who was notified of the impending closure in an email Tuesday, April 15, from Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), a multinational food processing corporation based in Decatur, Ill.
“ADM has made the difficult decision to close the soybean processing plant in town,” said Christopher Riley, ADM director of state government relations, in the email. “I know this is not easy news to hear, either for our colleagues or for our partners and the Kershaw community. Kershaw has been a great community for ADM to be a part of for over 50 years.”
“It’s been there for decades. It’s a landmark here — everyone knows where ADM is,” Dorman said of the plant at 413 N. Hampton St., just blocks from Kershaw Town Hall. “This is a major blow to us, and a lot of people here are upset about it.”
ADM has run the facility since 1973, when it bought the former Kershaw Oil Mill from the J.T. Stevens family.
Company officials shared the news with employees at the plant later Tuesday, dismissing the front office staff immediately, according to one employee who had been with the company for 21 years.
“We have about 40 colleagues at the facility,” Riley said. “They’ll be able to stay on until we end production, which we expect to be in late May… Once we reach that date, they’ll receive severance, including outplacement assistance. A small number will stay on a little longer to clean and do maintenance in order to safely shut down the plant.”
Why is it closing?
The decision comes as ADM is in the midst of a global restructuring. In February, Reuters reported that ADM planned to cut 700 jobs (1.7% of its global workforce) and cut costs by $500 million to $700 million in the next few years. In late March, Reuters said ADM began cutting jobs in its oilseed division in its European headquarters.
“Many alternative courses of action were considered, but ultimately it was determined that a smaller, older facility like Kershaw is unlikely to be able to compete and serve customer’s needs efficiently,” Riley said.
It is also on the heels of the escalating tariff trade war with China, which is a big importer of U.S. agricultural products, including soybeans and oilseeds. China has recently imposed a 125% tariff on farm products.
ADM spokesperson Dane Lisser said Friday afternoon that the closure is not related to the tariffs, but “to our long-term view of this facility’s ability to compete and serve customer needs efficiently.”
“ADM has an unmatched footprint in North America and around the globe, and we’re continuing to look at opportunities both for strategic simplification and organic growth to ensure we’re operating the right assets to meet the needs of our customers and our company,” Lisser said.
Other impacts
Dorman said beyond the job losses, the closure will also impact town finances as ADM is one of its three largest water and sewer customers. So will Lancaster County Natural Gas Authority.
“I hated to hear that ADM is closing,” said Rocky A. Hudson, LCNGA general manager. “They are our biggest customer. We will take a big hit with this.”
Dorman also expressed concern about others who will be affected by the closure, including local farmers.
One of those farmers is David Kirk, 54, who’s been farming in the Heath Springs/Rich Hill area all his life, first with his father and now with his son, Brady, on about 2,000 acres. They usually plant about 150-200 acres in soybeans right about now.
He said the only bright spot about this is the timing of the ADM closing announcement, since it came before most farmers have planted their soybeans. At least now, he said, farmers can make some decisions about what to plant, rather than finding out in June or July when the beans are already in the ground.
He said the additional cost of hauling the soybeans to Fayetteville, N.C., which will be the nearest processing plant, will hardly be worth it.
“Soybeans have fell off some from what they were a few years ago. A year or two ago, they were $12-$13 per bushel, now it’s $10,” Kirk said. “Around here, our soils are not so good as soils out west like Iowa and Illinois, where they can make double the bushels per acre. If we make 40-50 bushels here, we’re lucky.”
With that kind of margin, there’s not much extra money or time for hauling the beans further, or waiting in long lines at the plant, like they’ve done at ADM.
“We’re not equipped for long hauls,” Kirk said, noting that they will probably plant more corn to feed their cows, and let some fields lie fallow. His farm also raises turkeys and row crops, so it’s not dependent just on the soybeans, which he said were often planted as a follow-on crop behind corn, wheat or oats.
“It will hurt a lot of farmers,” he said, especially those who grow a lot of soybeans. “It’s like anything else — you have to change with the times and keep going.”
Don Hinson, owner of J&D Inc. in Lancaster, says the closing presents a challenge to his business, which buys soybean meal, hulls and oil from ADM, and also sells them soybeans. His company buys and sells soybean products and trucks them to other farms, usually hauling 10-12 loads a week from the ADM plant.
Some of the products, such as soy hulls, will be harder to get, he said, and soy meal will have to come from the Midwest.
Hinson said it will be, “logistically difficult and will definitely cost us because it will involve more hauling.” But he noted that it will cost farmers more. Where they are used to paying about 25 cents per bushel for hauling, now it will likely be 75 cents, he said.
Hinson said the closing will also impact the local railroad, with fewer cars going to and from Kershaw.
The Kershaw ADM plant’s closing will leave just one soy crushing facility in the Carolinas — the Cargill plant in Fayetteville, two and half hours away, Hinson said. The other closest ones are the Cargill plant in Gainesville and the ADM plant in Valdosta, both in Georgia.
“We hate that it happened,” Dorman said of ADM’s closing. “We pray for the best and hope that some other company will buy it,” noting the plant is next to the vacant property once occupied by the Springs textile mill.
“We feel for the employees and their families, and the farmers, town government, and on and on,” Dorman said of the ripple effect it will have on the community.
Jeff’s Bagel Run is set to open its first Charleston location on April 23, 2025, bringing authentic New York-style bagels and craft coffee to the Lowcountry. The new shop will be located at 1721 Clements Ferry Road, Unit 106, near Daniel Island.
Known for their “always baked, never toasted” bagels, Jeff’s Bagel Run offers a variety of fresh bagels and house-made cream cheeses, with flavors ranging from classic to unique options like funnel cake and salted caramel.
The Charleston location will be open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., providing early risers and breakfast lovers a perfect spot for a fresh bagel and coffee to start their day.
This opening is part of a larger expansion plan, with five locations planned across the Charleston area, including spots on Isle of Palms, Bees Ferry Road, Indigo Square in Mount Pleasant, and James Island, aiming to enhance the local breakfast scene.
Jeff’s Bagel Run started as a small home-based business and has grown rapidly, now expanding beyond Florida with a strong presence in the Southeast. The Charleston expansion is led by franchise owner Matt Immerfall, who is enthusiastic about bringing the brand’s fresh, handcrafted bagels to South Carolina for the first time.
Bagel lovers in Charleston can look forward to enjoying freshly baked bagels made multiple times daily, paired with a selection of craft coffees, making Jeff’s Bagel Run a new favorite breakfast destination in the area.
The incredible team at Explore Charleston have compiled a list of 18 new eateries in the Tri-County (Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester) from coffee to Italian; bagels to biscuits; gelato to Indian and everything in between for your consideration. This group of restaurants and dining establishments is a testimony to the evolution and diversity of the Lowcountry food scene, yet remains true to its core roots.
Get your pen and paper or iPhone out because a few of these will be added to your foodie bucket list.
BAGELS BY KISS 19 Broad Street, Charleston kiss-cafe.com | @kisscafe.ji
Bagels by KISS is an extension of the KISS Cafe on Johns Island. The full-service casual dining experience brings the taste of New York-style bagels to their existing menu. Enjoy these authentic bagels made from scratch every morning, using only the finest ingredients. Bagels by KISS and the KISS Cafe are focused on sourcing local products as often as possible to support our Charleston Communities. Opened February 2025.
BISCUIT BELLY 118 West Richardson Avenue, Suite 100, Summerville biscuitbelly.com | @biscuitbellybiscuits
Inspired by the savory cuisine of their hometowns, former pharmacists-turned-restaurateurs Chad and Lauren Coulter wanted to create a space where guests could get authentic Southern brunch fare with a flair. The Coulters enlisted the expertise of renowned executive chef Tavis Rockwell to build an inventive brunch menu filled with bold new takes on Southern favorites. Tavis’s focus was to perfect their now proprietary biscuit recipe that you can now experience for yourself. Opened February 2025.
CAFE ROCA 1303 Ashley River Road, Charleston caferoca.com | @caferoca_chs
Café Roca serves elevated twists on breakfast and lunch favorites, created in particular for commuters on the go. The menu features “traffic bites” that play off favorites such as wontons, street tacos, toasts, bagels, bowls and sandwiches. For instance, the Green Eggs and Ham puts a spin on deviled eggs by adding avocado to the egg yolk. Opened February 2025.
Cane Pazzo is a new neighborhood osteria led by Chef/Owner Mark Bolchoz, Jr., formerly the Indigo Road Culinary Director. With his deep family roots in Charleston, Bolchoz will infuse classic Italian dishes with a Lowcountry twist, telling the story of his Southern upbring through a menu of fresh, handmade pastas, seasonal small plates and wood-fired proteins. The extensive wine list will complement the cuisine and the ambiance will blend old-world charm with classic Italian details, including an outdoor patio with picnic seating and a lighter menu. Opening Spring 2025.
CREMINO GELATO 901 Warrior Way, Suite 104, Mount Pleasant creminogelato.com | @creminogelatousa
Cremino Gelato will bring the taste of Italy to Mount Pleasant with its authentic gelato, coffee and more. The menu will showcase 24 gelato flavors, complemented by a variety of hot and cold coffee beverages, Italian-style paninis and indulgent desserts. While the offerings will differ slightly from their Brazilian locations, guests can still look forward to the same high-quality, authentic flavors that define the Cremino experience. Opening Spring 2025.
DANIELA’S DOWNTOWN 132 Spring Street, Charleston danielaschs.com | @danielasdowntown
Daniela’s is a European-inspired market and deli that offers a variety of takeaway items. They include pre-cooked heat-at-home dishes, freshly prepared salads, pastas and main courses available in eco-friendly to-go ware. Visitors are welcome to enjoy their meals on-site, either on the patio or in the indoor seating area. The market features local produce, fresh flowers, a selection of dried goods and cold cases of grab-and-go items. Additionally, vegan and gluten-free options are available. Opened January 2025.
HIDEOUT 630 King Street, Charleston hideoutchs.com | @hideoutchs
At the corner of King and Line Street, this new bar and club will pair Charleston’s largest street-level garden bar with live music and nightlife. The outdoor patio will boast a brand-new beach-themed bar and private cabanas, while the interior will feature a pool table, projector screens and DJ booth. The menu will regularly offer cocktails, frozen drinks and pub fare. The food program also promises to highlight local pop-ups and food trucks throughout the week. Opened March 2025.
Coming soon to the Charleston International Airport is a new restaurant inspired by Food Network chef and local Sea Island resident Kardea Brown, by way of her cookbooks, TV show and retail products. Brown brings her deep roots in traditional Gullah cooking to a welcoming space that reflects the Lowcountry’s rich history, vibrant culture and hospitality. The restaurant will embody her signature style, offering guests an immersive experience that celebrates the flavors and heritage of Gullah cuisine. Opening Spring 2025.
Katsubō, a new ramen restaurant, derives its name from the Japanese word for “craving,” which speaks to owner Joe Nierstedt’s goal of catering to a broad audience. He plans to do so at this new restaurant by offering ramen alongside a range of Japanese dishes, from charred edamame to okonomiyaki and including blistered shishito peppers with bonito flakes, gyoza dumplings and fried chicken wings. Opening March 2025.
Kersey House is a new French Bistro and Event Venue by French Master Chef, Nico Romo of NICO and Bistronomy Renown. The restaurant serves as a celebration of French bistro classics in a fully renovated historic home in downtown Summerville. Committed to providing guests with an authentic culinary experience, the menu balances tradition with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Beyond daily dining, the space transforms for exclusive private events, creating unforgettable, tailored gatherings that reflect the warmth and sophistication of Nico Romo Hospitality Group. Opened February 2025.
MERCI 28 Pitt Street, Charleston mercichs.com l @mercichs
Set in a historic, 1820s Federal-style building on the corner of Pitt and Montagu Streets in the charming residential Harleston Village, Merci is a neighborhood bistro offering a European-inspired menu in a cozy, convivial setting. Menu highlights include an updated spin on classics, from steak tartare and foie gras to Beef Wellington and roasted duck. Merci is primarily inspired by the European travels of Chef Zentner and his family, but also by beloved neighborhood bistros in New York and Boston. Opened March 2025.
NAAN 915 Houston Northcutt Boulevard, Mount Pleasant naanatmtpleasant.com | @naanmountpleasant
The Naan Group of restaurants started in 2013 and has brought its signature Indian cuisine to the Mount Pleasant area. Naan is a family-run, modern restaurant that is blueprinted to exhibit the diversity in Indian cuisine through its flavorful and indulgent food. Now open daily for lunch and dinner, menu options include lamb curry, butter chicken and vegetarian dishes like paneer bhurji and dal tadka. Opened January 2025.
Pelato, a play on the Italian term for a “peeled tomato,” will be a new restaurant celebrating the Scotto family owner’s Brooklyn heritage. It will feature a small plate-style dinner service with traditional Brooklyn-Italian dishes, including classics like Potato Croquettes and Chicken Parmigiana, alongside fresh house-made pasta. Exclusive regional specialties will also highlight local Charleston ingredients. Sundays will feature a special “Sunday Sauce” dish, prepared in limited quantities. Opening Spring 2025.
Prince Street Pizza
PRINCE STREET PIZZA 350 King Street, Charleston princestreetpizza.com | @princestreetpizza
Prince Street Pizza, the renowned and award-winning New York pizzeria established in 2012 and celebrated for its signature Spicy Spring pizza, has announced its expansion to Charleston with a new location. With many locations already established across the United States and Canada, the pizzeria has garnered a loyal following for its delectable Sicilian-style pizza and unwavering dedication to using only the finest quality ingredients. Their iconic slices and pies are made daily from scratch, utilizing a water filtration process to replicate the water used at the original location in New York City. Opening Spring 2025.
Housed in an old Charleston single house, Seahorse is a new cocktail bar from the team behind Chubby Fish. The modern cocktail bar plays up the nostalgia of the old home with cocktails inspired by classics, with an innovative culinary edge from bartender Christian Favier. The food, helmed by Chef Carlos Paredes and Chef-Owner James London, are playful small bites and snacks, with serious flavor using some of the best ingredients Charleston has to offer. The whole thing is tied together by the cozy, inviting, beautifully designed space, with low lighting and a hi-fi sound system. Opened December 2024.
SUMMIT COFFEE 411 Hibben Street, Mount Pleasant summitcoffee.com | @summitcoffee
Summit Coffee has opened its third location in the Charleston area. The family-friendly and welcoming cafes serve many single-origin celebrated coffee roasts, seasonal coffee drinks and made-from-scratch baked pastries. Summit Coffee strives to create joyful, family-friendly environments for guests to relax and enjoy their coffees. Opened February 2025.
TWO BIT CLUB 288 King Street, Suite 101, Charleston twobitclub.com | @twobitclub
Two Bit Club, named in homage to the centuries-old South Carolina Society organization, will offer flavorful Vietnamese-inspired small plates as well as a cocktail-focused beverage program. Helmed by Executive Chef Jesus Tria, the vibrant and lively space located in the soon-to-open Hotel Richemont will invite guests to enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor seating year-round. The restaurant will also feature an adjacent private dining space, the Garden Room, that acts as a bridge between the lush courtyard and Two Bit Club. Opening Spring 2025.
This award-winning women-owned brewery has opened its first brick-and-mortar location in North Charleston. Wyrd Sisters Brewing creates culinary-inspired brews that break the norm and challenge what beer can be. The Wyrd Sisters offer more than just beer as they provide an array of the most flavorful beverages from around the world, including alcohol alternatives, non-alcoholic drinks and more. Opened February 2025.
Koz Films has quickly become a standout name in Charleston’s creative landscape, blending cinematic artistry with strategic brand storytelling. Founded in 2019, this production company is redefining how local businesses and national brands alike connect with audiences through video.
A Charleston-Born Vision
Koz Films was established by Jake Kozmor during his freshman year at the College of Charleston. What began as a student passion project has evolved into an award-winning production company recognized for its digital commercials, marketing videos, and branded content. The company’s portfolio spans hospitality, healthcare, architecture, and influencer-driven entertainment, reflecting Charleston’s diverse business community and creative spirit.
What Sets Koz Films Apart
Koz Films specializes in digital video advertising, commercial production, and brand storytelling. Their services include:
Scriptwriting and concept development
Full-scale production management
Post-production editing and color grading
Social media video content
Corporate event coverage and testimonials
The company’s approach is collaborative and client-focused, starting every project with an in-depth consultation to ensure each video aligns with the client’s vision and business goals. This attention to detail, paired with flexibility and creative problem-solving, allows
Koz Films to deliver high-impact results within a range of budgets.
Their commitment to quality and innovation has not gone unnoticed. Koz Films won the 2023 Spark! Award for Best Video Marketing in Charleston and was nominated for Best Videographer in the 2025 Best of Charleston awards, cementing its reputation as a leader in the region’s media production scene.
Spotlight on the Owner: Jake Kozmor
Jake Kozmor’s journey into filmmaking began in middle school, when he documented fishing trips on an action camera. By high school, he was honing his craft in broadcast media courses and interning at Lubetkin Media Companies, where he contributed to award-winning news productions.
After moving to Charleston for college, Jake launched Koz Films, initially serving the hospitality sector before expanding into corporate and commercial work. He graduated with a Business Administration degree and has since grown Koz Films into a trusted partner for brands seeking to elevate their visual storytelling.
Jake’s leadership is marked by resilience and adaptability. He openly discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship—balancing creative ambitions with business realities, navigating client acquisition, and overcoming self-doubt. Through perseverance and a commitment to continuous learning, he has built a company that thrives on relationships, quality, and measurable results.
Beyond Koz Films, Jake is active in the Charleston marketing community, serving on the Board of the Charleston American Marketing Association and leading collegiate outreach initiatives. When not behind the camera, he enjoys Charleston’s waterways and local film culture.
Charleston Connection: Local Roots, National Reach
Koz Films’ deep ties to Charleston are evident in its client roster and creative collaborations. The company partners with local businesses, nonprofits, and influencers, helping to amplify Charleston’s unique stories to broader audiences. Notably, Koz Films has worked with BravoTV’s Southern Charm cast and produces “Offseason,” a YouTube series with Olivia Flowers that spotlights influencers, athletes, and celebrities.
Charleston’s vibrant culture and supportive business community have been instrumental in Koz Films’ growth. The city’s blend of tradition and innovation provides endless inspiration for the company’s projects, while its collaborative ethos fuels creative partnerships.
Looking Ahead
With a growing list of accolades and a reputation for excellence, Koz Films continues to help Charleston’s brands shine. Through cinematic storytelling, technical expertise, and a passion for community, Koz Films is shaping the future of video marketing in the Lowcountry and beyond.
For businesses seeking to tell their story with impact, Koz Films stands ready to turn ideas into unforgettable visual experiences.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Savor Restaurant Group, a boutique investment firm specializing in distinctive restaurant concepts, announced today its investment in The Wine Vault, an upscale wine bar and small plates concept with locations in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The brand has built a reputation for sophisticated yet approachable wine experiences paired with artisanal small plates in elegant, intimate settings. Each location features sommelier-curated wine lists with over 200 selections available by the bottle and 40 premium pours by the glass, complemented by seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine.
Elevating the Guest Experience
Founded in 2018 by hospitality veterans, the concept quickly established itself as a destination for wine enthusiasts and upscale diners in North Carolina’s urban centers. Its success stems from a commitment to knowledgeable service, rotating wine selections, and creating memorable social experiences.
“This represents exactly what we look for in a partner – passionate operators who’ve created something with both soul and impressive unit economics,” said Pat Martin, Managing Partner at Savor Restaurant Group. “We’re excited to preserve what makes this brand special while supporting its growth into new markets.”
The founders will remain actively involved in the business.
Strategic Growth Potential
Savor’s investment comes at a pivotal moment. The concept has maintained consistent same-store sales growth, achievements Savor attributes to the founders’ operational expertise and unique positioning in the market.
“What attracted us was not only its current success but its potential for thoughtful expansion. We see tremendous opportunity to bring this concept to similar upscale neighborhoods in secondary markets across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions,” said Martin.
The partnership will leverage Savor’s operational resources to enhance profitability while maintaining the brand’s premium guest experience.
Preserving Brand Identity While Scaling
Unlike traditional private equity approaches that often focus on aggressive expansion and cost-cutting, Savor emphasizes preserving the unique character and guest experience that made the concept successful.
“We bring tools, partners, and playbooks that give our brands an unfair advantage,” said Martin. “Our approach here will be to enhance what already works while carefully implementing systems that support scale. We’re particularly impressed by the loyal clientele they’ve cultivated and see that as something to protect and nurture.”
Initial plans include opening two additional locations in Virginia in 2027, followed by measured expansion into Nashville, Tennesseeand Charleston, South Carolina.
The founders expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We built our business to create spaces where people could connect over exceptional wines in a welcoming environment. In Savor, we found partners who truly understand our vision and bring valuable expertise to help us reach more communities while staying true to our core values.”
Looking Ahead
This investment continues Savor Restaurant Group‘s strategy of investing in distinctive hospitality concepts with strong operational foundations and growth potential. For this brand, the partnership provides access to capital, infrastructure, and expertise needed to scale thoughtfully while maintaining the intimate guest experience that defines the concept.
The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The Wreckfish Bar & Grill, a highly anticipated new seafood and BBQ restaurant, officially opened its doors in downtown Charleston, SC, on the evening of March 17, 2025. This fresh dining destination, located at 6 North Market Street, has quickly became a must-visit spot for seafood lovers and locals eager to experience its unique blend of Key West vibes with Charleston’s coastal charm.
Located in the heart of Charleston, The Wreckfish offers guests an inviting atmosphere that combines casual elegance with a focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood. The restaurant’s name pays homage to the wreckfish, a deep-water species caught off the Charleston coast, known for its rich flavor and firm texture similar to grouper. This connection to local sustainable fishing practices highlights The Wreckfish’s commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.
The grand opening event was met with enthusiasm as diners enjoyed a menu featuring a variety of fresh seafood dishes and BBQ specialties. The Wreckfish’s culinary offerings include classic Southern favorites elevated with modern twists, promising a memorable dining experience. The restaurant’s $15 special for opening night welcomed guests to savor their fresh flavors without hesitation.
Beyond the food, The Wreckfish captures the essence of coastal living with its vibrant décor and laid-back ambiance reminiscent of Key West, making it a perfect new addition to Charleston’s bustling food scene. The restaurant aims to be a gathering place for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of the Lowcountry’s seafood heritage paired with a festive, welcoming environment.
As part of Charleston’s dynamic culinary landscape, The Wreckfish joins a growing list of exciting new eateries that emphasize local ingredients and innovative menus. Its opening marks a significant addition to the city’s reputation as a top food destination in the South, blending tradition with contemporary dining trends.
The Wreckfish’s grand opening in Charleston, SC, heralds a new chapter for seafood and BBQ enthusiasts. With its fresh catch offerings, sustainable sourcing, and vibrant atmosphere, it promises to be a standout spot in the city’s vibrant restaurant scene.
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