Author: Charleston Daily

JOHNS ISLAND, SC Charleston Collegiate School (CCS) set sail for success at its 28th Annual Auction & Gala, Nautical Nights, held March 8, 2025 at the Charleston Yacht Club. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, and attendees, the sold out event raised an impressive $202,245 in support of CCS, including $72,085 for scholarships and $130,160 for the Annual Fund. 

The event featured a thrilling silent and live auction with 80+ auction packages comprising over 160 donations from local businesses and families. A total of 226 bidders participated in the night’s festivities, making waves with their contributions. 

“Nautical Nights is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of the incredible CCS community and the power of student-centered education,” said Andy Gyves, Head of School. “The funds raised will provide invaluable opportunities for our students, ensuring they have access to the innovative, hands-on learning that makes CCS unique.”

“We are beyond grateful for the support and enthusiasm shown at Nautical Nights,” said Lori Atkinson, Head of Development. “The funds raised will make a lasting impact, helping us enhance educational programs, fund scholarships, and advance the overall mission of CCS.”

The event was made even more memorable with the support of 44 generous sponsors and a lineup of fun partners, including:

• Music by Flash Mob
• Delicious bites from Harvest Catering
• Beverages from Spike and Seven Star Liquors
• The warmest greeting of “bumps” from Charleston Caviar
• Lively skits from longtime CCS parent Tyler Robinson, AKA Captain Tuggins
• AV work from JHS Productions
• Videography by Siegel Films

CCS extends a heartfelt thank you to all who attended, donated, and supported from afar. For more information about Charleston Collegiate School or ways to get involved, visit www.charlestoncollegiate.org or follow us on instagram @charlestoncollegiate. 

Photography by Libby Williams

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$7.5 million investment will create 35 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – TL+CO Business Solutions (TL+CO), a business solutions provider, today announced it selects Beaufort County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation. The $7.5 million investment will create 35 new jobs.

Headquartered in Utah, TL+CO develops, integrates, and implements strategic actions that add value and increase bandwidth for clients. The company’s business intelligence and strategic supply chain management services primarily serve the aerospace, defense, space and automotive sectors.

TL+CO’s new 15,000-square-foot facility, located at 1236 Trask Parkway in Seabrook, will serve as a value-add distribution and kitting facility.

Operations are expected to be online in April 2025. Individuals interested in joining the TL+CO team should contact Tim DiDonato (tdidonato@tlcosolutions.com).  

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $100,000 Set-Aside grant to Beaufort County to assist with the costs of building construction and building improvements.

QUOTES

“We’re thrilled to call Beaufort County home. The Lowcountry’s skilled workforce, strong sense of community and pro-business environment made this an easy decision. One of the most compelling reasons to locate here is the steady pipeline of talent – especially the 800 service members who transition out of the military from local Marine bases each year. We look forward to growing in Beaufort County and contributing to its vibrant economic future.” -TL+CO Business Solutions President and CEO Linda Martinez and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Tim DiDonato

“Recognizing South Carolina’s competitive business environment and world-class workforce, TL+CO Business Solutions has chosen the right place to invest, creating 35 new jobs. We are proud to welcome TL+CO to Beaufort County and look forward to a strong partnership for years to come.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“TL+CO Business Solutions’ announcement today is further proof that South Carolina’s pro-business climate and dynamic workforce make our state an ideal site for new businesses. We look forward to partnering with TL+CO as it establishes operations in Beaufort County and continues to grow and thrive.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“We are thrilled to welcome TL+CO Business Solutions to Beaufort County. Their decision to invest here reflects the strength of our workforce, the vibrancy of our community and the endless opportunities our region offers for business growth and innovation.” -Beaufort County Council Chairwoman Alice Howard

“SouthernCarolina Alliance salutes TL+CO for choosing Beaufort County as a home to their warehousing and distribution operations, which will be a great addition to the growing logistics industry in the region.  We are grateful for the 35 jobs that will be created over the next five years, as each one represent a brighter future for someone in our region. SCA is pleased to support this project, and we congratulate Beaufort County on this announcement. We look forward to working with the company and Beaufort County to help TL+CO grow their operations in the coming years.” -SouthernCarolina Alliance Chairman Marty Sauls

FIVE FAST FACTS

• TL+CO Business Solutions (TL+CO) selects Beaufort County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation.
• The company’s $7.5 million investment will create 35 new jobs.
• TL+CO is a business solutions provider.
• The company will be located at 1236 Trask Parkway in Seabrook, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the TL+CO team should contact Tim DiDonato (tdidonato@tlcosoltuions.com).

By Mark A Leon

Nestled in Charleston’s historic French Quarter, Le Chambertin is a charming slice of France that has quickly become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Situated on Church Street, this quaint French bakery and gourmet grocery store exudes an intimate ambiance that transports patrons to the cobblestone streets of Burgundy. Owned by Parisian couple Fabrice Rizzo and Fabienne Docco, Le Chambertin is a labor of love, blending authentic French flavors with Southern hospitality.

The Owners: Fabrice Rizzo and Fabienne Docco

Fabrice and Fabienne, originally from Paris, brought their culinary expertise and passion for French culture to Charleston when they opened Le Chambertin. Their vision was to create a space reminiscent of a small Burgundy café, where customers could savor the simplicity and warmth of French cuisine. The name “Le Chambertin” pays homage to the famed vineyard in Burgundy, reflecting the couple’s dedication to authenticity.

From the moment you step into Le Chambertin, it’s clear that Fabrice and Fabienne have poured their hearts into every detail. They personally greet customers with warm smiles and often converse in French, adding an extra layer of charm. Their commitment to fostering a welcoming atmosphere extends to their four-legged “host,” a friendly French bulldog who lounges under the courtyard tables, delighting guests with his Parisian flair.

A Cozy French Escape

Le Chambertin is as much about its intimate setting as it is about its food. The bakery itself is petite, with no indoor seating, but its shaded courtyard offers a tranquil spot to enjoy a croissant or quiche. The outdoor tables are surrounded by Charleston’s historic architecture, making it an ideal place to soak in the city’s charm while indulging in French delicacies.

The café’s simplicity is part of its allure. There are no long lines or bustling crowds—just the quiet hum of conversation and the aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting through the air. This understated elegance makes Le Chambertin feel like a hidden gem, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst Charleston’s vibrant culinary scene.

The Culinary Experience

Le Chambertin offers a curated menu of classic French fare, including flaky croissants, quiches, baguette sandwiches, and crème-filled beignets. Each item is crafted with care, using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients imported from France. The bakery also features gourmet goods such as jams, mustards, and tapenades—ideal for creating your own picnic or enhancing your home cooking.

One standout feature is the authenticity of the flavors. Patrons often remark that dining at Le Chambertin feels like stepping into a café in Paris. 

This authenticity stems from Fabrice and Fabienne’s dedication to preserving their culinary heritage while adapting it to Charleston’s unique character.

A Community Favorite

Le Chambertin has quickly earned a reputation as one of Charleston’s most authentic French spots. Its location in the heart of the French Quarter—a neighborhood steeped in history and culture—adds to its appeal. Surrounded by art galleries and historic landmarks like the Dock Street Theatre and the French Huguenot Church, the bakery is perfectly situated for those exploring Charleston’s rich heritage.

The café has also become a favorite among families, thanks in part to Fabrice and Fabienne’s efforts to engage with the community. They often encourage local children to practice their French while visiting, fostering a sense of connection that goes beyond food.

Escape to Europe without leaving Charleston

Le Chambertin is more than just a bakery; it’s a love letter to France tucked away in Charleston’s French Quarter. Fabrice Rizzo and Fabienne Docco have created an intimate haven where every detail—from the buttery croissants to the friendly atmosphere—reflects their passion for bringing a piece of France to South Carolina. Whether you’re seeking an authentic culinary experience or simply a quiet spot to relax, Le Chambertin offers an unforgettable taste of French charm in the heart of Charleston.

Hours

Photo Credit: Le Chambertin and Charleston Daily

(CHARLESTON COUNTY) – With spring break upon us and summer just around the corner, many locals and tourists will soon flock to the Lowcountry’s beaches. Charleston County Parks encourages beachgoers to familiarize themselves with important information and best practices to ensure the most enjoyable and safe time at our local beach parks.

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) operates Folly Beach County Park, Isle of Palms County Park, and Kiawah Beachwalker Park. From spring break through September, the beaches are quieter on weekdays, with Fridays, weekends and holidays seeing large crowds. CCPRC encourages beachgoers to take note of the following tips and important information:

Park Capacity

While approaching the islands, CCPRC encourages drivers look for digital highway signs denoting beach parking capacity. The status of the parking lot for CCPRC’s beach parks will be updated in real time by staff, so guests know before they reach the park if parking is full.

Kiawah Beachwalker Park has 150 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. in the summer. The Town of Kiawah prohibits vehicles from idling or parking outside the entrance to Kiawah Beachwalker Park. When the park is full, staff can add guests to a virtual line. Text notifications alert customers as they move to the front of the queue. Parking for buses, RVs and campers is not guaranteed.

Isle of Palms County Park has 445 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays, with spots often becoming available again in the late afternoon. When parking is full, police will allow up to about 20 vehicles to wait in line for spaces to open. Once the turn lane outside the park is full, police direct vehicles to move to other parking areas not operated by CCPRC. Be aware of City of Isle of Palms parking ordinances. And note that there are only two lanes of traffic leaving Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. On a crowded day, if weather or another event causes many people to try leaving the islands at once, traffic will back up, and it could take up to two hours for the park to empty. The free CARTA Beach Reach Shuttle is another way to access Isle of Palms County Park. 

Folly Beach County Park has 225 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays, with spots often becoming available again in the late afternoon. When the parking lot is full, look for City of Folly Beach parking lots on West Ashley Ave. to prevent blocking roads and driveways. Review City of Folly Beach parking ordinances in order to avoid being towed or ticketed.

The beach surrounding the Folly Beach Pier can be a troublesome location for rip currents. Staff at the pier frequently respond to emergencies when patrons swim too close to the pier and get caught in rip currents. When swimming in the vicinity of a pier, stay at least 200 feet away from the structure. Also, learn how to spot a rip current and how to escape them by swimming parallel to the shore. Learn more on the USLA website at https://www.usla.org/page/RIPCURRENTS.

Pets on the Beach

Pets must always remain leashed within the beach parks, but are not permitted on the Folly Beach or Mount Pleasant Piers. Each municipality has their own ordinances pertaining to dogs on the beach: 

City of Folly Beach, City of Isle of Palms, Town of Kiawah Island

Alcohol & Smoking

Possession of alcohol, consumption of alcohol, and smoking, vaping and tobacco use are prohibited at CCPRC beach parks.

Additional beach park rules and information can be read on the parks’ webpages: https://ccprc.com/3222/Beach-Parks

Other safety tips

·        Swim near a lifeguard when possible and obey their commands

·        Watch children at all times

·        Seek shelter when lightning is in the area

·        Take a photo of your group when you arrive, so if anyone were to get separated (child or adult) it could help aid in the search.

·        Bring water and stay hydrated.

Other Resources

Keep up to date on the latest beach traffic reports by downloading the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Government’s Beach Reach app, available for Apple and Android. Also consider taking the free CARTA’s Beach Reach Shuttle to Isle of Palms County Park. 

For more information on Charleston County Parks beach parks and safety, call 843-795-4386 or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com (direct link: https://ccprc.com/3222/Beach-Parks).

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Autobell Car Wash, headquartered here, recently opened its third Summerville, SC, location with a new wash in the growing Cane Bay community.

Autobell debuted in the greater Charleston, SC, market in 2016 and now has six washes there, with other locations in Summerville, North Charleston, Johns Island, and Charleston (James Island).

Family-owned Autobell, celebrating 56 years in business next month, currently operates 91 washes in five states.

The Cane Bay wash is the first to feature a new Autobell design based on the modular concept, allowing the company to utilize either stick-built construction or pre-engineered components as needed to conform to future sites. This concept reduces ongoing architectural and engineering costs by creating a simple yet flexible design that allows customization in layout and construction to fit any site.

The new Summerville Autobell will employ approximately 20 full- and part-time team members. Charlie Canapp will lead the Autobell team at the new location as Store Manager.

Charleston District Manager Doug Robinson, a 19-year Autobell veteran, stated, “It’s been exciting to participate in the growth of Autobell in this market and help establish new locations that offer our customers excellent service, dependable quality, and increased convenience.”

Autobell Car Wash services range from full-service cleaning with interior and exterior finishing options completed by Autobell team members within minutes, to exterior-only washes that cater to customers’ daily needs.

The company offers multi-level Unlimited^SM car wash plans that provide unlimited washes for a set monthly charge, as well as the Autobell App that allows customers to pre-purchase washes and skip the line while earning My Autobell Rewards.

ABOUT AUTOBELL

Celebrating 56 years of service, Charlotte, NC-based Autobell Car Wash remains unwavering in its focus on customers and the cars they love. Founded in 1969 by the late Charles Howard Sr., Autobell is privately held and operated by subsequent generations of the Howard family.

Autobell is a conveyorized car wash with a range of exterior and interior cleaning and finishing services completed by its team members within minutes, saving customers time and effort. The company currently operates 91 locations in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, with consistent expansion.

Autobell prioritizes team member training and development, community involvement, its scholarship and fundraising programs, and environmental protection and conservation. All Autobell washes treat 100% of wash water used and recycle up to 100% using innovative, environmentally friendly systems.

For more information, visit autobell.com.

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GREENVILLE, S.C. — A popular Mexican restaurant in Greenville, South Carolina, is closing after 17 years. 

Compadres Mex Mex Grill announced the closure of the North Pleasantburg Drive location on Facebook.

he post said, “After 17 wonderful years, we are heartbroken to announce the closing of our beloved family restaurant. Your support has made our establishment a cherished gathering place for celebrations and everyday moments alike. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible team for their hard work and dedication. You have been the heart and soul of our restaurant, and we are so grateful for each of you. We will forever cherish the memories, laughter, and friendships built over the years. Thank you for being a part of our journey. We will miss you all!”

Source: WYFF Channel 4

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By Lizmary Evans

After more than two decades of serving house-brewed beer and handcrafted meals, a longtime Fayetteville brewery announced it was closing its doors.

Mash House Brewing Company at 4150 Sycamore Dairy Road announced April 10 would be its final night of service. In a farewell post to social media, the Mash House team thanked Fayetteville, Fort Bragg and its patrons for their support over the past 24 years.

“Whether you’ve dined with us once or weekly, thank you for being part of our story,” the post said. “To our past and present staff, we couldn’t have done this without you, and there are no words to express how much we appreciate all of your hard work.”

Known for its craft beer brewed in-house, Mash House opened in 2001. The brewery, located near Fayetteville’s “Restaurant Row,” featured a lineup of signature Indian Pale Ales, such as the Mash House IPA, a citrusy brew with a slight bitterness.

Mash House’s predecessor, Cross Creek Brewing Co., opened in 1997 but rebranded as Mash House in 2001, The Fayetteville Observer reported in 2001.

With the closure, the community bids farewell to another local institution, adding to the growing list of breweries that have closed in the city. Bright Light Brewing Company closed in October after nearly eight years in business at 444 W. Russell St. and Huske Hardware Restaurant & Brewing Co., which operated out of a historic building built in 1904, closed abruptly last spring.

Attempts to reach Mash House Brewing Company for comment on April 10 were unsuccessful. An employee who answered the phone said a news release with further information would be sent to local media outlets and posted on social media on April 11 and declined to answer any further questions.

In the meantime, the brewery prepares for its last night serving the Fayetteville community.

“Tonight will be our final night of service, and as of tomorrow, we will be permanently closed,” the April 10 post said. “It’s been an honor to serve you.”

Reporter Lizmary Evans covers dining, retail, entertainment and culture for The Fayetteville Observer. You can reach her at LEvans@gannett.com.

Source: Fayetteville Observer

By Mark A. Leon

Charleston, South Carolina, a city renowned for its historic charm and timeless elegance, now welcomes Forever Fine Jewelry, a custom jewelry brand founded by Hollie Harris in Aiken, South Carolina. 

This expansion marks a new chapter for Hollie, whose passion for creating meaningful, heirloom-quality pieces is deeply rooted in her belief that jewelry should reflect the eternal beauty of the soul.

Hollie Harris’ journey began at the tender age of five, sketching designs that would later evolve into a thriving career. With over eight years of experience in custom design, diamond sourcing, and client relations, Hollie has cultivated a reputation for excellence and creativity. Her work is inspired by global travels and cultural influences, culminating in her earning the prestigious GIA Diamond Graduate degree in 2025.

Forever Fine Jewelry specializes in crafting custom engagement rings, redesigning heirlooms, and offering ready-made pieces that celebrate life’s most precious milestones. Hollie shares: “Collaborating with clients to bring their visions to life is the most rewarding part of what I do. Each piece tells a story—a reflection of love, commitment, and cherished memories.”

Operating by appointment only, Forever Fine Jewelry provides personalized experiences tailored to each client’s desires. With a focus on craftsmanship and care, Hollie ensures every creation embodies timeless elegance and emotional significance. Now nestled in Charleston’s vibrant community, Forever Fine Jewelry is poised to help Lowcountry residents celebrate their most meaningful moments with grace and sophistication

Stay connected and schedule a consultation

• Official Website – Forever Fine Jewelry
• Official Instagram – Forever Fine Jewelry
• Follow on Facebook
• Schedule a free consultation
• Shop online

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by Mark A Leon

Are you new to the Lowcountry? Perhaps you need a refresher? We have just the solution to start or kickstart your life in the Lowcountry.

Introducing the “Official” Lowcountry Starter Kits!! 🤣🫶🤣🫶

Source Link: Reddit

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