6 Inviting Pet-Friendly Coffee Shops in Charleston, SC (Yet there are many more)

Read More

By Mark A. Leon

The Charleston Lowcountry is renowned for its pet-friendly atmosphere, featuring a wealth of resources and inclusive businesses that cater to our furry companions. This vibrant area boasts numerous parks and beaches where pets are welcome, making it a paradise for pet owners.We would like to spotlight several coffee shops in the Charleston, SC area that exemplify this strong pet-friendly culture. These establishments not only accommodate pets but also create an inviting environment for both pets and their owners to enjoy together.

Here are some pet-friendly coffee shops in Charleston County where you can enjoy a cup of coffee with your furry friend:

Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer (4 Vanderhorst St, Charleston, SC 29403): Offers a pet-friendly patio for you and your dog to relax. Hours: Monday – Saturday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sunday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM.

Rise Coffee Bar (77 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401): Welcomes pets at their outdoor seating area. Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

The Harbinger Cafe and Bakery (1107 King St, Charleston, SC 29403): Harbinger is an openly pet friendly culture that welcomes our furry loved ones. Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sunday 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Vintage Coffee Cafe (219 Simmons St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464): Features a dog-friendly environment. Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Second State Coffee (1630 Ashley Hall Road Charleston, SC 29407): Offers a welcoming space for pets. Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Closed Sunday.

Blūm Coffee Charleston (511 Meeting St Suite 201, Charleston, SC 29403) – Blūm offers an incredible warm and welcoming pet-friendly atmosphere. Hours: Monday – Saturday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Coffee until 5:00 PM), Sunday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

There are many many more in the Lowcountry and to help out, here are some additional resources:

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Truist Foundation announces $500,000 grant to support Hurricane Helene relief, recovery efforts across Southeast

Read More

Funds will be used to prepare, respond and restore in impacted communities 

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As Hurricane Helene travels toward the Florida panhandle, Truist Foundation today announced it will donate $500,000 to support relief and recovery efforts in communities impacted by the storm. The funds will be distributed to the American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen for immediate relief efforts as well as Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s Atlantic Hurricane Season Fund for long-term recovery efforts.

“Our hearts go out to our teammates, clients and communities in the path of Hurricane Helene, which is expected to make landfall as the strongest storm yet this hurricane season,” said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. “The importance of Truist’s purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities is never clearer than when disaster strikes. Truist Foundation is dedicated to ensuring communities have the critical resources needed to prepare, respond and restore as quickly as possible.”

The selected organizations will use their grant funds to identify and deliver the most essential immediate community needs such as access to food, shelter and medical services. A portion of the donation will be focused on medium- and long-term recovery informed by disaster experts in partnership with those in the affected communities. Restoration efforts may address needs such as rebuilding homes, providing mental health, legal and disaster case management services, and other urgent challenges identified as recovery efforts progress.

Additionally, earlier this year, Truist Foundation donated $1 million to the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, designed to deploy assistance quickly to communities impacted by events such as Hurricane Helene. Those funds help provide food, shelter, emotional support, comfort kits and other immediate relief supplies to thousands of families and individuals impacted by such disasters.

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the foundation’s leading initiatives — the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

SOURCE Truist Foundation

Grand Opening: Hanebrink Jewelers – Freshfields Village (Kiawah Island) – Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Read More

We are pleased to announced the newest member of the Freshfields Village retail family, Hanebrink Jewelers.

All are welcome to join the official ribbon cutting event on Tuesday, October 1 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at 140 Gardeners Circle, Freshfields Village, Kiawah Island.

About Hanebrink Jewelers

We are a veteran owned and operated family jewelry store.  We have a love for all things beautiful.  We are a full service jewelry store that offers beautiful ready to wear jewelry but our true passion is custom designing one of a kind pieces of jewelry and redesigning sentimental jewelry to give it new life.  We make appointments for appraisals done while you wait, CAD design ect.

I am a GIA Graduate Gemologist so I can help with anything Diamonds and Gemstones.  I have been in the business 25 plus years and we have a bench jeweler that has been in the business for 30 plus years and is an expert on all things metal.  We can also change batteries and bands on watches in store.  If the watch requires more we have a wonderful local watchmaker.
Appointments available before and after hours for people that want our undivided attention and personal service. (Appraisals, design and special viewing).

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Longevity Pilates Now Open at Freshfields Village on Kiawah Island, SC

Read More

(September 25, 2024 – Charleston, SC) The Longevity Club founder and owner Jennie Brooks is proud to announce the second location of her popular downtown Charleston fitness and wellness club is now open on Kiawah Island, SC. Located in the shops at Freshfields Village, the newest location will cater to Kiawah, Seabrook and Johns Island communities and their visitors.

The 1,500 square foot Kiawah location offers two studio spaces – one for reformer classes and the other for privateand semi-private sessions on a variety of apparatus to include reformers, trap table, chair, and barrels. Classes will accommodate up to six participants and will be taught by Balanced Body certified instructors, who are all trained by Brooks.

Brooks says of the opening, “Expanding the Longevity footprint has always been my plan, and I knew it would happen when the time was right.” Brooks continues, “Witnessing the Johns Island, Seabrook and Kiawah Islands’ continued growth, this location seemed like the ideal fit. We look forward to introducing our Pilates program to these communities and broadening Longevity’s reach.”

Brooks and her team are excited to bring their passion for fitness and wellness to the Freshfields Village community and look forward to offering the utmost attention to detail and level of hospitality that Longevity has become known for over the past nine years since Brooks opened her first location on Rutledge Avenue in downtown Charleston.

For current membership pricing information and opening updates, visit TheLongevityClub.com and follow the team onInstagram, and YouTube. For media inquiries, or to schedule a media visit, please contact Julie@HoundMediaHouse.com. Longevity Pilates Kiawah is located at 649 Freshfields Drive, Suite 202, Johns Island,SC 29455

About Jennie Brooks and The Longevity Club

Founded in 2015, the Longevity Club is owned and operated by Charleston native, Jennie Brooks. Brooks and her team offer an integrative approach to fitness and wellness, built upon a commitment to service. Located at 163 Rutledge Avenue with four floors of luxe fitness, wellness, retail offerings, and more than 80 group class offerings a week, members enjoy the highest level of skilled training, bespoke service, top-tier equipment amid a beautiful space and welcoming environment. Brooks focuses on promoting and prolonging quality of life and has brought her extensive experience in the hospitality and fitness industries to the Longevity Club with the mission of delivering on excellence and genuine care. She is a Master Pilates instructor and educator through Balanced Body’s internationally renowned education organization. She is also a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a certified TRX Coach, and holds teaching certificates in Pilates for Golf, Posture Analysis and Correction through the National Posture Institute, and in Functional Anatomy for Movement and Injury Prevention through Kinected Pilates and Mt. Sinai hospital in New York City.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

East West Partners and Holder Properties Announce the Groundbreaking of Fenland Townhomes in Prized 36-Acre Community on Daniel Island, SC

Read More

Collection of 50 townhomes brings exclusive build-to-rent opportunity to market

CHARLESTON, S.C. (September 25, 2024) – East West Partners, a premier, nationally awarded residential and commercial real estate development group with offices in Charleston, along with Holder Properties, an Atlanta-based, full-service commercial real estate company, announces today the groundbreaking of Fenland, a vibrant collection of build-to-rent marsh front townhomes set on 5.5 acres within Nowell Creek Village, Daniel Island’s 36-acre waterfront community. Comprised of 50 three-and-four-bedroom townhomes, Fenland marks a rare opportunity to rent luxury residences with resort-style amenities in one of Charleston’s most sought-after markets.  

“We are thrilled to partner with Holder Properties to expand our portfolio on Daniel Island with Fenland and bring a luxury townhome rental offering to this highly desirable lifestyle destination,” says Chris Frampton, CEO at East West Partners. “Fenland will reflect quintessential Lowcountry living while the team at East West Hospitality will provide an unmatched service experience. We look forward to welcoming residents this spring.” 

Featuring marsh front views, Fenland’s collection of three-story townhomes range in size from 2,100 to 2,400 square feet and are expertly designed to reflect the breathtaking beauty of nearby marsh and tidal creeks. Primary bedrooms will include expansive walk-in closets and luxurious showers with coastal modern hardware and eat-in kitchens will feature large islands, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops with slab backsplash, and more. Bringing the outside in, Fenland’s interiors reflect the community’s natural surroundings with open, airy living spaces and neutral color palettes at the forefront.

“We’re pleased to partner with East West Partners on this key aspect of Nowell Creek Village. Our combined expertise and long histories on Daniel Island made this an easy choice,” says Will Menkes, President and Managing Partner at Holder Properties. “We’re seeing a significant rise in the ‘renter by choice’ cohort, especially in Charleston. Fenland will offer a desirable luxury rental option for those wanting the Daniel Island lifestyle, along with flexibility and a high level of service. This project enhances our vision for Nowell Creek Village, by enhancing its mix of uses that bring people to the community to work, live, shop and dine alongside the sprawling oaks and serene waterfront.”

Fenland residents will enjoy premier amenities including two-car attached garages, a private pool, community grill and fire pit, and a landscaped courtyard along with access to Daniel Island’s network of trails, a community dock and park,  planned waterside dining and retail, and more. Fenland will be managed by East West Hospitality, offering residents the convenience of turnkey, resort-style living. Leasing will begin in early 2025 with move-in expected by spring 2025.

Developed in partnership with Holder Properties, Fenland will join the existing Marshside Class-A office building and forthcoming Atlantic Daniel Island apartments within Nowell Creek Village. 

For more information on Fenland and to get on the interest list, please visit Fenlanddi.com or contact fenland@eastwest.com

# # #

About East West Partners:

East West Partners is devoted to building, selling, managing, and supporting high-quality real estate and lifestyle experiences with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and community. Since 1986, the firm has developed and sold over $7 billion of residential and commercial real estate across the country. East West Partners is one of only a few companies to have received three Urban Land Institute Awards for Excellence for its projects, including Beaver Creek Village in Beaver Creek, Colo. and Union Station Neighborhood and Riverfront Park, both in Denver, Colo.  In Charleston, the team is recognized for developing community projects in the downtown area, including condominiums at One Vendue Range, 76 condominium units in Gadsdenboro Park’s The Gadsden, mixed-use development at The Waterfront on Daniel Island, and Mount Pleasant’s Tides IV. Currently underway are 78 condominiums at The Cape on Kiawah Island and 12 condominiums at 71 Wentworth in downtown Charleston. To learn more, visit ewpartners.com.

About Holder Properties:

Founded in 1980, Holder Properties is a privately held, full-service commercial real estate company. Holder Properties has extensive experience in investments, development, asset, and property management. Holder Properties has developed or acquired over 100 projects across the US, totaling over 14 million square feet and total capitalization in excess of $4 billion. The Company’s portfolio contains a diverse range of property types including student and rental housing, industrial, multi-tenant office and corporate headquarters, film production studios, and other commercial assets. Holder Properties strives to build long-term, rewarding relationships with its partners, clients, and the communities it serves through its commitment to integrity and delivering best-in-class assets and service. To learn more visit holderproperties.com

Cru Café is saying farewell after 23 Years in Charleston, South Carolina

Read More

In a deeply personal message on Instagram, John Zucker, Chef and Owner, Cru Café and Cru Catering stated:

The End of an Era: Cru Café Bids Farewell After 23 Years

There’s a lot you learn when you run a restaurant for 23 years. You learn that it’s not just about the food – though at Cru Café, we always took pride in serving good food. You learn that it’s about people, about community, and about weathering storms, both literal and metaphorical.

Two decades ago, I opened the doors to a small café on Pinckney Street, hoping to create something unique. Charleston, with its charm and soul, gave me a place to do that. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of feeding locals, visitors, families, and wanderers. We’ve seen this city grow, evolve, and change – and we’ve changed with it. Cru Café became more than a restaurant; it became a home for those who worked here, and a place of comfort for those who dined here.

But restaurants are living, breathing things. They thrive when they have the people to support them. And right now, the industry is in the middle of a storm that we just can’t fight anymore. The truth is, you can’t run a restaurant without a team. And when you can’t find the staff – no matter how much heart you have – it’s time to face reality.

It’s a hard thing to close the doors of a place that’s been part of your life for 23 years. But it’s also the right thing. Cru Catering, our sister business, is flourishing – and it’s time for me to focus my energy on that, on my family, and on the future.

To the people of Charleston – you’ve embraced us from day one. You showed up through hurricanes, floods, and even pandemics. You’ve been our lifeline, and for that, I’m eternally grateful. This place may be closing, but the memories, the meals, and the stories we’ve shared will always stay with us. To our current and former staff, thank you for standing by me all these years and making Cru a part of the fabric of this city. I could never have accomplished this alone.

Saturday, September 28th will be our last service. If you’ve ever had a meal here, or if you’ve ever wanted to, we’d love to see you one last time.

With deep gratitude, 
John Zucker
Chef and Owner, Cru Café and Cru Catering

Thank you Cru Café. You have been a gift to the Charleston community for nearly a quarter of a century.

12 of the Finest Coffee Shops in and around Charleston, South Carolina (at least one for every major city/town in Charleston County)

Read More

Here are 12 of the finest coffee shops in each area around Charleston, South Carolina:

Downtown Charleston: Bad Bunnies Coffee (116 Spring Street, Charleston, SC) is a true environmental build out of love and passion. From the ground up, the beautiful loving owners build a place that can feel like an extension of home with great coffee, natural elements and an energy positive and pure.

Johns Island: Gold Star Coffee ( 3293 Maybank Hwy Suite 205, Johns Island, SC 29455) is highly rated coffee bar offering a cozy atmosphere and creative drinks like the Orange Creamsicle. Hours: Monday – Saturday 6:30 AM – 3:30 AM and Sunday 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM

James Island: Muddy Waters Coffee Bar (1739 Maybank Hwy, Charleston, SC 29412) is popular for its laid-back vibe and quality coffee offerings. The owners have always been generous and grateful to the community of James Island. Hours are Monday – Friday 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

West Ashley: Second State Coffee (1630 Ashley Hall Rd, Charleston, SC 29407) is known for its excellent coffee and welcoming environment. They are open Monday – Friday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Closed Sunday.

Downtown Charleston: Clerks Coffee Company (181 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401) located in the beautiful Emeline Hotel offers a trendy spot with great coffee options. Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Mount Pleasant: Vintage Coffee Cafe (219 Simmons St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464) is celebrated for its charming setting and delicious brews. Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Hanahan: Brew Coffee, Wine and Craft Beer (7000 Bowen Pier Drive, Suite 1, Hanahan, SC) – This spacious trendy spot is great spot and if you are a coffee lover, you must try one of their coffee flights. Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Vintage Coffee Cafe

Very Honorable Mentions

Estuary Beans & Barley (3538 Meek’s Farm Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455) – Hours: Monday 8 AM – 8:30 PM, Tuesday – Wednesday 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Thursday 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM, Friday 8 AM – 10:30 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM, Sunday 10:0- AM – 8:00 PM.

Metto Coffee & Tea (354 W Coleman Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464) – Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Blum (511 Meeting St Suite 201, Charleston, SC 29403) – Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Coffee Bar Only: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Daily)

City Lights Eastside (12 Line St, Charleston, SC 29403) – Hours: Monday – Wednesday 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Thursday – Saturday 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM / 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Sunday 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Harken Cafe & Bakery (62 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401) – Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Sunday 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Puppy Love at Blum

Vintage Coffee Cafe

Meet Rachel Carpenter Horne, Owner of Gold Star Coffee on Johns Island – Where passion, coffee and community gather

Read More

by Mark A. Leon

There are thousands of stories in the Holy City about finding happiness through adversity; meaning and legacy; community from loneliness. One of those stories is about the courage and strength of Rachel Carpenter Horne, former educator, widow and single mother who has found a re-connection and purpose in her passion project, Gold Star Coffee on Johns Island.

After losing her husband Terrell, a 14-year Coast Guard veteran who lost his life during a drug interdiction off the California coast in 2012 while pregnant with their third child, Rachel moved back to South Carolina to look for direction. Through family, friends and the Lowcountry community, she manifested a fresh start. To honor her late husband and give back to those that surrounded Rachel with love in her time of need, Gold Star Coffee was born.

We had time to sit down and talk to Rachel as she discussed her story with open and thoughtful transparency. After a few minutes with Rachel, it was clear that Gold Star Coffee is more than just a coffee shop; it is a place to find a deeper sense of community.

Our Conversation with Rachel, Owner and Operator of Gold Star Coffee

  1. Gold Star was born out of tragedy and passion and as a result one of your core values was to create a sense of community for the neighborhood. Ultimately, what you created is muchbigger than you anticipated. Gold Star has become a place to console, gather and find comfort. What has it meant to you personally to know that others that have a similar shared experience, can enter your shop and find comfort in your community culture?

When someone experiences significant loss or tragedy, a new version of themselves is born. In my experience not only did I not recognize myself, but even friends and family sensed significant change in me. As a result, I went through a very lonely period trying to rebuild.Coffee shops became mini respites where I could walk in and have easy, but healing interactions. Coffee can be a love language for many. A good coffee shop is warm, welcoming,and offers a sense of comfort. For a few minutes, I could just be a normal human. No one looked at me with pity or sadness…they just simply would chat, serve me a latte, and give me a quick sense of feeling like the world was going to be ok. Now in a position to reciprocate, I hope others can find comfort in Gold Star. Since opening, other Gold Star families and thosewho know Terrell’s story have found us. Some have even found us unexpectedly and I question what led them in. For me, it is extremely rewarding to have a space where his story continues tobe told and maybe even feel a sense of how special he was. Oh, and he really loved a good cup of coffee.

  • What has it meant for you be a groundbreaking force on Johns Island being one of the first full-service coffee shops in this emerging demographic?

My belief was that Johns Island needed more gathering spaces, but I did not know just howbadly it was needed. I have been extremely overwhelmed by the number of people walking in each day looking for community connection. On a daily basis the shop sees old and new faces.Relationships are constantly forming with our regulars, and I love to see them running into

friends and neighbors during their visit. When I hear excited voices, warm exchanges, andlaughter I remind myself that the idea has become a reality. In a world where so much negativity is being thrown back and forth on social media, it is refreshing to see people off their phones in the shop.

There have been a few organized events…neighborhood groups, as well as Mayor Cogswell and the CCSD Superintendent. All have been well attended and overall pleasant experiences for everyone that showed up!

  • You have a very special staff made up on compassionate, positive individuals.What do you look for when you hire ambassadors?

Before opening doors, everyone said staffing would be a challenge. The industry lends itself to individuals needing part time work with lots of turnover. I was told early on by Josh with Foresight Coffee Roasters to find my pillars. The idea is to find a few strong and solid individuals that will hold the entire staff up even when things are hard. Incredibly, five of our team members have been with me since day one and have proven to be incredible pillars. It hasn’t always been a walk in the park, but we have certainly grown together. When hiring I look for people who have a combination of grit and grace. To me this means being able to workthrough challenges while remaining kind and calm. It is a tight bar, so thankfully we all really like each other most days!

  • As a customer for the first or hundredth time, what will I expect when I come to Gold Star?

A clean space, kind employees, and really good coffee!

  • As a mother and business owner, how do you find time to balance the daily challenges?

Honestly, it was a really challenging first year with very early mornings and late nights. Luckily, I am a morning person and can get a lot of work done (with the help of good coffee) before thekids are even out of bed. Each day running the business gets a little easier and I’m learning how to manage my time and build in breaks. I have also really improved my diaphragmatic breathing exercise for when equipment breaks, or something goes south unexpectedly!

  • If we asked your children to describe you, what would they say?

So many times I questioned my sanity (as I’m sure my family and friends did) when making the decision to quit teaching and open a small business. Not to mention, there was significant mom guilt I felt when dividing my time between family and work. However, the boys really love theshop and enjoy watching it grow along with me. I believe there is value in showing children the importance of hard work and perseverance in meaningful missions. My middle schooler alwaysnotices when a teacher leaves school and returns with a Gold Star cup. On our one-year anniversary I was in the kitchen dealing with a rush and he put his arm on my shoulder and told me he was proud of me. As a very tired single mom, that is everything.

How Summerville DREAM is keeping the “dreams” of Summerville, SC small business owners alive and well

Read More

By Mark A. Leon

Owning, operating and marketing a small business is hard work. It takes passion, drive, partnerships, learning and many sleepless nights. Having support is the greatest gift a small business owner can have. In Summerville, South Carolina, that support exists in the Summerville DREAM, an organization focused on helping the community thrive.

Let’s learn a little more and see how you can get involved.

What is Summerville Dream?

DREAM is a cohort of small businesses, specialty vendors, and entrepreneurs working together to facilitate improvements in economic vitality, direct to consumer marketing, merchant district landscapes, entertainment, and community outreach.

Our work enhances the small business profile and associates a mindset that celebrates the shop local approach and creates a competitive advantage over major retail stores and online shopping. DREAM Community Partners are recognized as trusted advisors that embraces the “I am because we are” mindset where together we all succeed.

Stay connected and subscribe to Charleston Daily.

Bank of America to Open More Than 165 Financial Centers by End of 2026

Read More

Continuing its decade-long expansion, company opens first financial center in Louisville, Kentucky – with plans for five there over the next year

Since 2014, BofA has invested over $5 billion in financial center expansion

CHARLOTTE, N.C. , Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Over the last 10 years, Bank of America has been expanding its financial center network, opening locations nationwide in new and existing markets. The bank is on track to open more than 165 new centers across 63 markets by the end of 2026, including nearly 40 this year. This is in addition to the more than 100 centers the company opened over the last two years.

“We are reaching more and more clients through the expansion and modernization of our financial centers,” said Aron Levine, President of Preferred Banking at Bank of America. “While most clients are using our digital capabilities for their everyday banking, they are visiting our centers for in-person conversations about their more complex financial needs and advice on their life priorities and financial goals.”

Open in Louisville

Bank of America is continuing to expand its retail banking presence in Kentucky, with the opening of its first Louisville-area financial center today and a second center set to open on Oct. 7.  In total, the company plans to open five financial centers in the Louisvillemarket by the end of 2025.   

The bank’s first financial center in Kentucky opened in Lexington in 2021. This latest expansion will bring its total number of financial centers in the state to 10 by the end of 2027. Bank of America currently serves nearly 95,000 consumer and small business clients throughout Kentucky through existing centers, along with clients of its well-established Merrill Wealth Management business, and corporate and business banking clients.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our presence in the Bluegrass state by opening our first financial centers in Louisville,” said Felicia Lewis, Division Executive, Southeast at Bank of America. “By expanding our capabilities in this market, we are able to better serve clients, and further drive local community growth and development.”

Ongoing Expansion and Investment

Bank of America’s financial center expansion began in 2014, and over the last 10 years, the company has invested more than $5 billionin its centers. Later this year, the bank will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its first financial center opening in Colorado – where it now has 32 centers– and the five-year anniversary of its first center in Ohio, where it now has 54 centers.

Earlier this year, the bank completed renovating and modernizing its financial centers across the country. Through this effort, more than 3,000 existing centers were renovated with a focus on creating offices and meeting spaces for clients to talk with financial specialists; making state-of-the-art technology easier to access at the front of the centers; and ensuring clients have a consistent, modern experience inside every center.

As part of these renovation efforts and a partnership with ArtLifting, over 1,500 financial centers now feature artwork by artists living with disabilities or impacted by housing insecurity.

Following Bank of America’s entry into Louisville this year, the company also plans to open its first financial centers in Boise, Idaho, in early 2025.

Financial Centers Align to Client Behavior

With more than 95% of client interactions taking place on the bank’s digital platform, Bank of America has adapted its financial centers to focus on meeting spaces where clients can have in-depth conversations about their finances.

In the past year, clients have made nearly 10 million appointments with financial specialists in financial centers. Nearly 20% of these appointments have been meetings between clients and Financial Solutions Advisors to discuss investing. This has helped drive assets in the Bank of America Consumer Investments business to record levels.

Through its financial center and ATM networks, Bank of America provides banking access to 246 million people across more than 200 markets, or more than 75% of the U.S. population. Approximately 30% of the bank’s financial centers are in low- and moderate-income communities.

Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 58 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).