Charleston Daily Seeking all the beauty that is Charleston, South Carolina

By Mark A Leon

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Sometimes a superhero really is in the right place at the right time.

On September 10, 2025, WYFF reported on an incident that recently unfolded at Falls Park on the Reedy in downtown Greenville, where an 18-year-old local known as the “Greenville Spider-Man” helped rescue two people who had become stuck near the waterfall. 

According to the teen, he saw one of the individuals nearly slip and immediately sprang into action. He climbed across the rocks, found a place to brace himself and helped pull the person to safety until emergency crews could arrive. 

The rescue was more than a one-time act for the young man behind the mask. He regularly patrols downtown Greenville in his Spider-Man costume, interacts with children and visitors, picks up litter and looks for opportunities to help people in need.

He is also CPR-certified and says he listens to an EMS scanner so he can respond to emergencies and provide assistance while waiting for first responders. 

“My intention is to help the people of Greenville, protect and honestly spread kindness along the way.”

That philosophy has helped turn the Greenville Spider-Man into a local social-media sensation — but his most memorable appearances may be the ones where the costume becomes secondary to simply helping another person.

In a city known for its beautiful downtown and Falls Park, this particular Spider-Man is offering a reminder that sometimes being a hero isn’t about superpowers.

It’s about seeing someone who needs help — and stepping in.

📸 Photos courtesy of Greenville Spider-Man
– www.instagram.com/greenvillespiderman⁠

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By Mark A Leon

Charleston’s restaurant industry is one of the city’s most recognizable economic engines — but behind the polished dining rooms, award-winning chefs and increasingly large restaurant groups, a number of businesses are also dealing with lawsuits, financial disputes, ownership battles and contract litigation.

A review of current Charleston County court records, federal court filings and recent court reporting identified several significant cases involving Charleston restaurants and restaurant groups.

The cases vary considerably. Some involve relatively ordinary contract disputes. Others reach into questions of ownership, millions of dollars in alleged financial transfers, unpaid loans and the financial collapse of a multi-state restaurant group.

Importantly, a lawsuit is an allegation, not a finding of wrongdoing, and several of the cases remain unresolved.

Church & Union: A restaurant caught in an ownership and financial dispute

Perhaps the most consequential current dispute involving a Charleston restaurant is the legal battle surrounding Church & Union Charleston and the 5th Street Group.

The downtown restaurant was established through 5Church Charleston LLC, involving Patrick Whalen and outside investors. Court records describe Whalen as the company’s manager and say he owns a 40% interest, while WP Church holds a 35% interest. Whalen also leads Fifth Street Group, which operates other restaurants under the Church & Union umbrella and related concepts. (North Carolina Courts⁠)

The dispute has centered on allegations by minority investors concerning the handling of money involving the Charleston restaurant and affiliated businesses.

The investors have alleged that millions of dollars were transferred to affiliated concepts without proper authorization and have raised breach-of-fiduciary-duty claims. Those allegations have been contested.

The litigation has now moved beyond a simple ownership disagreement.

In September 2026, a court ordered limited receivership involving Church & Union Charleston, with BDO Consulting Group overseeing restaurant expenditures and debt payments. The development represents an unusual level of court involvement in the operation of a functioning Charleston restaurant. (Bizjournals⁠)

The broader litigation has also produced extensive court findings concerning the ownership structure and relationship between the Charleston restaurant and Fifth Street’s other restaurants. (Midpage⁠)

Why this matters

This isn’t simply a disagreement between business partners.

It raises a larger question for Charleston’s increasingly consolidated restaurant industry:

What happens when a local restaurant’s finances become intertwined with a larger restaurant group and affiliated concepts in other cities?

That question is particularly relevant as Charleston continues to attract multi-concept hospitality companies.

Rodney Scott’s BBQ and the Pihakis collapse

Another major Charleston restaurant legal story involves Rodney Scott’s BBQ and the financially troubled Pihakis Restaurant Group.

A lender, Itria Ventures LLC, sued Rodney Scott’s BBQ Charleston LLC and several Pihakis-related companies in Charleston County in April 2026.

The lawsuit alleged that the defendants defaulted on a $350,000 loan. The loan documents called for payments of nearly $11,800 twice a month for 18 months and carried a 25.99% annual interest rate. (WCIV⁠)

The defendants included:

• Rodney Scott’s BBQ Charleston LLC
• RSBBQ Partners LLC
• Nick Pihakis
• Pihakis Restaurant Group LLC
• Pihakis Investment Group III LLC
• JER Spirits Investments LLC

A Charleston County judge subsequently entered a default judgment totaling approximately $391,425.39, including interest, costs and attorney fees. (https://www.wbrc.com⁠)

The lawsuit arrived just days before Rodney Scott’s Charleston restaurant abruptly closed in May.

The closure was part of a much larger financial crisis involving Pihakis Restaurant Group, which had restaurants and concepts in several states. (WCIV⁠)

The financial fallout has continued.

Nick Pihakis filed personal Chapter 7 bankruptcy in August 2026, listing more than $44 million in liabilities against approximately $10.6 million in assets, according to reporting based on the bankruptcy filing. (https://www.wbrc.com⁠)

The Itria judgment has also begun traveling beyond South Carolina. In September, the lender filed in Alabama seeking recognition of the South Carolina judgment so it could pursue assets there. (https://www.wbrc.com⁠)

The Charleston connection

This case illustrates how quickly financial problems at a regional restaurant group can become a Charleston story.

Rodney Scott’s was not simply another restaurant. It was a nationally recognized Charleston barbecue destination.

And while the lawsuit names multiple Pihakis-related entities, the legal claims should not be interpreted as allegations against pitmaster Rodney Scott personally beyond the parties specifically named in the litigation.

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By Mark A Leon

A new restaurant is getting ready to add some energy to downtown Charleston’s Meeting Street dining scene. Cheeky, the newest concept from The Neighborhood Dining Group, is scheduled to open September 30 at 151 Meeting Street, just steps from the Gibbes Museum of Art. 

For Neighborhood Dining Group, Cheeky adds another concept to a Charleston portfolio that already includes Husk, Marbled & Fin, Delaney Oyster House, Minero and The James American Grill. The group operates seven restaurants across Charleston and other Southern markets and says hospitality is at the center of its mission. 

Cheeky takes a different approach from some of its sister restaurants, describing itself as a seafood restaurant inspired by the world’s great coastlines. The menu is expected to move from oysters and sashimi to a seafood tower, whole fish and fresh pasta, accompanied by bubbles, highballs and the restaurant’s signature mini cocktails known as “Cheekies.” 

The 151 Meeting Street location also puts Cheeky in the middle of one of downtown Charleston’s most walkable cultural and shopping corridors. Guests can pair dinner with a visit to the Gibbes Museum of Art, then explore nearby independent businesses including Look Up Charleston and Southern Ruetz at 128 Meeting Street. Just around the corner, American Gardens offers a nearly one-acre downtown greenspace between King and Meeting streets.

With Cheeky, Neighborhood Dining Group is adding another distinctive dining experience to a stretch of Meeting Street already filled with art, shopping, history and hospitality.

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Photo Credit: Cheeky

Related: Look Up Charleston Indoor Downtown Art Collective: Where Local Art, Heart, and Community Converge

By Mark A Leon

A tiny Harleston Village bistro has earned a major national spotlight, with Merci in Charleston named to The New York Times’ 2026 Restaurant List — its annual collection of 50 favorite restaurants across the United States.

Merci, located at 28 Pitt Street in Harleston Village, opened in March 2025 and is owned by chef Michael Zentner and his wife, Courtney. The intimate restaurant occupies a former corner grocery and has just 24 seats. 

The Times describes Merci as a French and Lowcountry bistro, highlighting its changing menu, French technique, Lowcountry ingredients and what it calls clever twists on familiar dishes. Among the dishes specifically mentioned are housemade focaccia with stracciatella and Benton’s ham, leeks vinaigrette with Cheddar and mint, and a beef Wellington for two. 

The recognition is particularly notable because The New York Times does not rank the 50 restaurants. Instead, the publication calls them its “50 favorite places in America right now.” For the 2026 list, a team of 16 reporters and editors traveled throughout the country. The Times says its reviewers ate as regular diners would — making reservations, standing in lines and occasionally walking in unannounced — and paid for their meals rather than accepting complimentary food. 

Merci is the only South Carolina restaurant on the 2026 list. 

The Times’ Patrick Farrell wrote that the restaurant’s small size can make securing one of its 24 seats something of an “odyssey,” but characterized the welcome at the end as feeling like a homecoming. 

The national recognition comes just 18 months after Merci opened, making the Charleston restaurant one of the newer establishments to receive a place on this year’s national list.

The New York Times’ Complete 2026 Restaurant List

The list is not ranked. Here are all 50 restaurants, organized alphabetically by state:

Alabama

1. Little Bird — Fairhope
2. Perennial — Montgomery

Arizona

3. Durant’s — Phoenix

Arkansas

4. Lasang Pinoy — Rogers

California

5. Yerord Mas Bakery and Deli — Glendale
6. Komal — Los Angeles
7. Jacaranda — Los Angeles
8. Restaurant Naides — San Francisco
9. Mesa Agricola — Escondido
10. Bar Panisse — Berkeley

Colorado

11. Heretik — Denver
12. Milpero — Denver

District of Columbia

13. Rye Bunny — Washington, D.C.
14. Albi — Washington, D.C.

Florida

15. Tin Tin — Miami
16. The Tides Market — Safety Harbor

Georgia

17. So. Fox — Atlanta

Hawaii

18. Māze — Honolulu

Illinois

19. Creepies — Chicago
20. Kouklas Greek Eatery — Niles

Louisiana

21. Dakar NOLA — New Orleans
22. Dolfy’s — New Orleans

Maine

23. Douro — Portland

Maryland

24. Chef’s Counter at Burnt Hill Farm — Clarksburg

Massachusetts

25. Dalia — Boston

Michigan

26. Tacos Wuey — Detroit
27. Roses — Detroit

Minnesota

28. Khue’s Kitchen — St. Paul

Missouri

29. Anjin — Kansas City

New Jersey

30. Korai Kitchen — Jersey City

New Mexico

31. Leo’s — Santa Fe

New York

32. Bistrot Ha — New York City
33. Meju — New York City
34. Yamada — New York City
35. Zoli — New York City

North Carolina

36. Big Cat — Raleigh

Ohio

37. Rosy — Cleveland

Oregon

38. Hayward — Carlton
39. OK Chicken and Khao Soi — Portland

Pennsylvania

40. Titusz — Pittsburgh
41. Bomb Bomb — Philadelphia

South Carolina

42. Merci — Charleston

Tennessee

43. Junior — Nashville
44. Cauponor — Nashville

Texas

45. Paprika — Austin
46. Elemi Taqueria — El Paso

Utah

47. Junah — Salt Lake City

Washington

48. Passage — Langley
49. Hama Hama Oyster Saloon — Lilliwaup

Wisconsin

50. La Sirena — Ephraim

The complete list and individual restaurant descriptions are published by The New York Times. 

For Charleston, the takeaway is simple: a 24-seat neighborhood bistro that opened only in March 2025 is now part of a national restaurant conversation — putting Merci and Charleston’s food scene in the spotlight alongside restaurants from 38 states and Washington, D.C. 

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Photo Credit: Merci

By Mark A Leon

Mount Pleasant is about to get a whole lot closer to one of Charleston’s favorite dim sum destinations.

The team behind Chef Loong Dim Sum & Soup Dumplings in West Ashley is preparing to open Loong Yan, a new dim sum restaurant at 341 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard in Mount Pleasant, in the former White Duck Taco Shop space.

According to public notice information and details shared by the restaurant team, owners Emely Yan and Yupeng Lin are planning a restaurant with more than 150 seats, bringing many of Chef Loong’s popular offerings across the Cooper River.

The menu is expected to feature hand-rolled dumplings, noodles, scallion pancakes, bao and other dim sum favorites. One particularly fun feature planned for the new restaurant is a glass viewing area, allowing diners to watch dumplings being made.

The opening is currently being targeted for within the next month, giving Mount Pleasant diners a new option for soup dumplings and freshly prepared dim sum.

For fans who have been making the trip to West Ashley, Loong Yan could make that craving considerably easier to satisfy.

Loong Yan
📍 341 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC
🥟 Dim sum • Soup dumplings • Noodles • Bao
👥 150+ seats planned
👀 Open kitchen-style dumpling viewing area planned

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$167 Million Awarded to Organizations Statewide to Improve Healthcare in Rural Areas

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster today announced the state has awarded 228 grants totaling $167,299,900.69 in funding to strengthen healthcare access, quality and outcomes in primary care, maternal and infant care, pediatrics and behavioral health in rural communities. These grants provide one-time funding for high-impact, sustainable healthcare initiatives that remove systemic challenges and build infrastructure and long-term capacity through facility modernization, technology upgrades and workforce development.

“Every South Carolinian should have access to quality health care close to home, no matter where they live,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “South Carolina is working to ensure rural communities have the resources they need to provide that care, and this is another important step in strengthening health care across our state.”

Governor McMaster has prioritized bringing quality care close to home for all South Carolinians. This includes enhancing collaborative partnerships, helping to sustain existing providers, and improving capabilities in rural areas. Among the funded projects are an expansion of multi-year efforts to strengthen partnerships between local law enforcement and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities for mobile crisis response; cybersecurity upgrades for a rural, independent hospital to prevent further cyberattacks and optimize billing; and a specialized obstetrical surgical robot to enhance outcomes for mothers and babies in complicated deliveries.

“The Trump Administration’s Rural Health Transformation Program is helping states like South Carolina develop innovative, locally driven solutions to improve rural Americans’ access to high-quality care,” said Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “These grant awards demonstrate how this historic investment is empowering rural communities to strengthen their health systems, put patients first, and bring better care closer to home.”

Designated as the lead state agency for this program by Gov. McMaster, the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) received 712 applications for this initiative by the June 1, 2026, deadline. Awardees were selected through a multi-level merit review scoring process, with rules and funding limitations established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

“We are proud of the strong interest and innovative ideas brought forth to strengthen rural health,” said SCDHHS Director Eunice Medina. “This funding will help bring these ideas to life and make a lasting difference in rural communities for years to come.”

“Thank you, Governor McMaster, Director Medina, and the Health and Human Services staff for your transformational leadership and exemplary approach for this funding opportunity. Your vision and investment in rural South Carolina hospitals and healthcare providers is deeply meaningful and will help strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand access to care, and bring innovative healthcare solutions closer to rural South Carolinians and communities,” said John Snow, CEO of Newberry Health. “This is about more than improving healthcare infrastructure—it’s about reimagining care, removing barriers to care, and ensuring our neighbors have access to high-quality healthcare close to home, while building a stronger and more sustainable future for our community.”

“The foundation of healthcare is access to quality, comprehensive, and preventive primary medical care. As a grant recipient, our independent family medical practice will be better able to serve our community,” said Dr. Oscar Lovelace, Founder of Lovelace Family Medicine. “For 38 years, we have been delivering babies and caring for families in the office, hospital, and nursing home. If South Carolina hopes to improve health outcomes, we must start by transforming rural healthcare. This grant program will leverage local rural public-private partnerships and build healthier communities. We are thankful to Governor McMaster and SCDHHS Director Medina for their leadership in bringing hope and real help to our community.”

“What has long motivated our work is the fundamental belief that a person’s ZIP code should not determine his or her access to healthcare or define his or her quality of life, and that is why we are so thankful for this invaluable investment in our rural communities,” said Kathy Schwarting, CEO of Palmetto Care Connections. “Thanks to this funding, we have an incredible opportunity to bring trusted community partners and healthcare providers together. When we collaborate, we can break down barriers to care, meet people closer to home and help build a stronger, more connected rural healthcare system for South Carolina.”

These grant applications fell under four of the state’s RHTP initiatives: Connections to Care, Wellness Within Reach, Leveling Up and Shoring up to Sustainability. Applicants were notified of their funding decision July 31, 2026. The full list of awards is available here.

Information about the program is available on the RHTP page of SCDHHS’ website. Questions about RHTP should be directed to Grants@scdhhs.gov.

The RHTP is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $200,030,252.32 with 100% funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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By Mark A Leon

The Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF) is already making waves for its 2027 edition, announcing Florida Georgia Line as the festival’s first headliner.

The country duo of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley will return to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk for CCMF 2027, scheduled for June 10–13, 2027. The performance marks Florida Georgia Line’s first major performance together since 2022 as the duo reunites for a new run of festival appearances. 

Known for hits including “Cruise,” “H.O.L.Y.” and “Meant to Be,” Florida Georgia Line has accumulated 19 No. 1 singles and more than 18 billion streams, according to CCMF. 

Their appearance at CCMF will also be part of the duo’s newly announced “Anything Goes Again” festival tour, which includes 12 festival dates in 2027. 

The announcement gives fans an early look at what promises to be another major weekend of country music on the Grand Strand. Additional headliners and artists for the 2027 festival are expected to be announced at a later date.

CCMF 2027 will take place June 10–13, 2027, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Early-bird tickets are currently on sale, with payment plans advertised starting at $19 down.

🎟️ Tickets: Carolina Country Music Fest tickets⁠

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By Mark A Leon

Charleston International Airport has another reason to welcome travelers to the Lowcountry: the airport has been ranked No. 1 among medium-sized airports in North America for overall passenger satisfaction in the 2026 J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study.

Charleston International Airport earned 712 points out of 1,000, placing it ahead of Ontario International Airport in California, which scored 705, and Indianapolis International Airport, which scored 695. 

The recognition is notable because Charleston did not appear among the top-ranked medium airports in the previous year’s study. Indianapolis had held the top position for four consecutive years before Charleston moved to the top spot in 2026. 

What does J.D. Power measure?

The ranking isn’t based simply on passenger reviews or a single aspect of the airport. J.D. Power evaluates the overall airport experience across seven core dimensions, listed by the study in order of importance:

1. Ease of travel through the airport
2. Level of trust with the airport
3. Terminal facilities
4. Airport staff
5. Departure/to-airport experience
6. Food, beverage and retail
7. Arrival/from-airport experience 

The study assigns airports an overall satisfaction score on a 1,000-point scale.

Who was surveyed?

The 2026 study is based on 24,710 completed surveys from U.S. and Canadian residents who had traveled through at least one U.S. or Canadian airport during the previous 30 days.

The research covered both departure and arrival experiences, including connecting airports, and was conducted from July 2025 through July 2026. 

J.D. Power divides airports into three size categories:

• Mega: 33 million or more passengers annually
• Large: 10 million–32.9 million
• Medium: 4.5 million–9.9 million passengers 

Why are airport satisfaction scores rising?

J.D. Power reports that satisfaction increased across all three airport categories in 2026. Medium airports saw the largest year-over-year increase, with average satisfaction rising 16 points. 

The study points to major airport improvement projects as one factor behind the gains. Clear signage and wayfinding, terminal designs that reflect the character of a community, and improvements to food, beverage and retail offerings were identified as important elements of the passenger experience. 

J.D. Power also found that food, beverage and retail satisfaction increased eight points across airport categories, with travelers responding positively to airports that combine local businesses and familiar national brands. 

For Charleston, that emphasis on local character is particularly relevant. The airport’s passenger experience is increasingly part of a visitor’s first impression of the Lowcountry.

A strong showing for Charleston

Charleston’s 712-point score placed it at the top of the medium-airport category, while the overall medium-airport average was 672 points. 

The 2026 study’s category leaders were Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport among mega airports, Tampa International Airport among large airports, and Charleston International Airport among medium airports. 

For Charleston, the distinction adds another national accolade to an airport that has become an increasingly important gateway for residents, business travelers and the millions of visitors who arrive in the Lowcountry each year.

Source: J.D. Power, 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study. 

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By Mark A Leon

A life remembered through art, friendship, creativity and the things that made her uniquely herself will take center stage this December when friends and family gather in North Charleston for Zöë Fest — A Celebration of the Life of Zoe Hyman.

The event is planned for Sunday, December 13, 2026, from 5–10 p.m. at Building 64 in North Charleston, and organizers are inviting the community to come together to celebrate Zoe and the lasting impression she made on the people around her. 

From the photographs shared by her family, Zoe’s creativity was evident from an early age. She is pictured as a child proudly displaying her artwork, and later as a young woman with her distinctive blue hair and artistic spirit.

The upcoming celebration will bring many of those passions together.

According to the event organizers, the evening will feature an art exhibition showcasing Zoe’s animal portraits and tattoo flash, along with paintings of Zoe created by her father, Phillip Hyman, over the years. Other artists and friends are also being invited to create and submit artwork inspired by her life. 

The celebration will extend well beyond a traditional art show.

Plans include The Stuffie Monstrz Museum, a drag show featuring friends from the LGBTQI community, food from Crazy Dutchman Catering, a booth with friends from Abracadabra Tattoo Shop, art stations and more. A special section will also feature Zoe’s clothing, shoes and bags, allowing friends and loved ones to take home something that belonged to her as a personal remembrance. 

Organizers describe the event as a developing celebration and are encouraging friends and members of the community to contribute ideas for additional creative stations and activities.

There are also opportunities for people to become part of the event behind the scenes. A recent announcement called for volunteers on Saturday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13, while encouraging artists to create work inspired by Zoe’s life.

At its heart, Zöë Fest is about turning remembrance into something tangible — art, laughter, friendship, creativity and community.

For those who knew Zoe, it will be an opportunity to gather and share memories. For those discovering her story through her art and the people who loved her, it will be a chance to see the person behind the photographs: a young artist whose creativity continues to inspire those around her.

Zöë Fest
📍 Building 64, 2301 Noisette Blvd., North Charleston
📅 Sunday, December 13, 2026
⏰ 5–10 p.m.

More information and event updates are available through the organizers’ website at zoe-fest.com.

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Photo Credit: https://www.zoe-fest.com