The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar, known for its deliciously radical deserts and treats has announced it will close its doors effective November 30th.
In a statement. On Facebook, the owners said:
It’s with a bittersweet heart that we announce the closing of The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar Mount Pleasant after three amazing years. November 30th will mark the end of this incredible journey, one filled with so many memories, laughs, and sweet moments with all of you.
This decision wasn’t easy, but it’s the right one for our family. As much as we’ve loved serving up your favorite treats, family comes first, and this chapter is calling us back home.
We can’t thank you enough for your support, smiles, and the stories you’ve shared with us over the years. You’ve been more than customers—you’ve been family.
As we wind down, we’d love for you to come by and help us finish strong as we run down our stock. Let’s savor these last few weeks together.
Thank you for being part of our dream. Your love and encouragement mean more than words can ever say. 💛
The Oates Family
Sending love and best wishes for the future to the Oates family and all the employees. 🩵🩵🩵
15th Anniversary of Celebrating Southern Craftsmanship
CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Garden & Gun, in partnership withExplore Charleston, announces the winners of the magazine’s fifteenth annual Made in the South Awards, honoring the best Southern-made products and artisans across six categories: Home, Food, Drink, Crafts, Style, and Outdoors—plus a special Sustainability Award winner.
Garden & Gun, in partnership with Explore Charleston, announces the winners of the magazine’s fifteenth annual Made in the South Awards.
Richmond, Virginia–based studio Hechizo—Spanish for “spell” or “magical charm”— is this year’s Overall Winner for its stunning collection of handcrafted ceramic lamps and will receive a $15,000 cash prize for taking the top honors. From striped patterns to pressed flower designs, each light fixture perfectly pairs contemporary themes with playful applications that are both beautiful and practical, sparking joy in people and their homes.
“In the past fifteen years, we’ve been privileged to connect with hundreds of talented creatives who represent the ingenuity and entrepreneurship of the South,” said David DiBenedetto, Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief. “It’s an honor to share their stories and products with our readers and help make a positive impact on their businesses. We look forward to continuing this tradition of spotlighting Southern makers and inspiring others to share their craft.”
All the 2024 winners and runners-up will be featured in the magazine’s December 2024/January 2025 issue, hitting newsstands on November 21. Category winners include MeatCrafters of Landover, M.D.; Eda Rhyne Distilling Company of Asheville, N.C.; Anna Heineman Ceramics of Gainesville, F.L.; Parker Boot Company of Houston, T.X.; Burls and Steel of Charleston, S.C.; and Hubbard Peanut Company of Sedley, V.A.
This year’s finalists were thoughtfully reviewed and selected by industry experts, including James Beard Award–winning cookbook author Alexander Smalls; master distiller Marianne Eaves; interior designer Gray Benko; singer-songwriter and owner of Nashville’sWhite’s Mercantile Holly Williams; husband-and-wife fashion designers Ann and Sid Mashburn; and 14-time returning judge and avid sportsman T. Edward Nickens.
“Explore Charleston is thrilled to sponsor the 15th anniversary of the Made in the South Awards,” said Helen T. Hill, President and CEO, Explore Charleston. “This remarkable program has consistently highlighted and empowered talented creators in our community and beyond, and this year is set to continue that inspiring tradition.”
The G&G Winter Market, presented by Explore Charleston and First Horizon Bank, will showcase a variety of Southern-made products that have been recognized by the Made in the South Awards over the last fifteen years. Attendees will have the opportunity to shop and enjoy festive food and drinks, as well as partake in engaging “Meet the Maker” demonstrations and conversations, all celebrating the spirit of Southern craftsmanship. The event will take place on November 22–24 at the G&G Offices at The Cigar Factory in Charleston, SC.
About Garden & Gun Garden & Gun is a multiplatform media company that celebrates stories of the American South through powerful journalism, bold photography, exquisite design, and finely curated retail and experiential journeys. The brand is anchored by its award-winning national magazine launched in 2007, Garden & Gun, which reports on the South’s sporting culture, food, music, art, literature, and its people and their ideas. The coveted audience of 1.6 million is further engaged through numerous New York Times best-selling books, Fieldshop by Garden & Gun retail experience, the Garden & Gun Club restaurants, and 75+ events each year. Visit gardenandgun.com.
About Explore Charleston As the region’s destination marketing and management organization, Explore Charleston seeks to unify and lead the local travel industry in promoting the Charleston area, create overnight visitation, and support responsible development through travel and tourism strategies.
Philanthropic Announcement from The Gibbes Museum of Art Christina and Robert Brinkman Donate $500,000 to the Gibbes Museum
The Gibbes Museum of Art, a beacon in the American South since its establishment in 1858, announces the gift of $500,000 from Christina and Robert Brinkman in honor of one of the Museum’s headline exhibition spaces.
The Christina and Robert Gallery encompasses 1,600 square feet, and hosts a variety of exhibitions presented throughout the year ‒ including the national traveling shows the Museum brings to Charleston, and the award-winning original exhibitions created by the Gibbes’ curatorial team. This gift will help fund ongoing renovations, future enhancements, and improvements to the Museum.
“The Gibbes Museum of Art is honored by this generous gift from Christina and Robert Brinkman,” says Angela Mack, the Museum’s President and CEO. “The Brinkmans have adopted Charleston as their home, and demonstrated their incredible passion for the visual arts by choosing to celebrate the work of our Museum. Their generosity reflects a personal commitment to impacting the arts in our community,” adds Mack.
“From the moment we moved to Charleston, we were immediately drawn to the Gibbes Museum,” says Robert Brinkman. “The visual arts are always a special priority for us, and the Gibbes Museum engages with art lovers in a meaningful way that makes a difference.”
“We hope that others will join our family in championing the Gibbes Museum,” says Christina Brinkman. “We love the work this museum team is doing, which allows so many people to make personal connections with art.”
Pictured above: Robert & Christina Brinkman with Angela Mack (the President & CEO of the Gibbes Museum)
The Brinkmans are collectors of contemporary art, and are originally from Rochester, New York. They made Charleston their home three years ago. Christina serves on the Gibbes Museum’s Collections Committee. Prior to his retirement, Robert Brinkman was the Chairman of Brinkman International Group, which specializes in precision machining and machine tool building. Christina Brinkman is a celebrated artist currently known for her ceramics, porcelain and metal work. She has worked as an artist all her life, and has artist studios in Charleston and Rochester. Her art is featured in museum collections, and in private and corporate collections. View Christina Brinkman’s works at christinabrinkman.com and on her artist page on Instagram.
About the Gibbes Museum of Art
The Gibbes Museum of Art, a beacon in the American South for arts and culture since 1858 when the Museum’s art collection was founded as the Carolina Art Association, is heralded as one of the earliest and most longstanding arts institutions in the United States. The Museum’s collection spans 350 years, and features some of the country’s most celebrated artists ‒ including contemporary, modern and historical works. With world-class rotating exhibitions and a dynamic visiting artist residency program, the Gibbes is a southern museum with a global perspective. The Museum’s mission is to enhance lives through art by engaging people of every background and experience with art and artists of enduring quality, providing opportunities to learn and discover, to enjoy and be inspired by the creative process.
About 220 South Carolina Boeing workers will be out of work after the new year.
The financially struggling aerospace company announced the layoffs, expected to begin Jan. 17.
All but eight of the employees losing their jobs work in North Charleston, where the 787 Dreamliner is assembled. Also being let go is one person each working from Beaufort, Columbia, and Moncks Corner, as well as five employees in Charleston, according to a federally required notice filed with the state employment agency.
“The Boeing Company has made the difficult decision to reduce its workforce,” Elizabeth French, part of Boeing’s exit management team, said in the letter filed Nov. 18 with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce.
Boeing reported a financial loss of more than $8 billion so far this year, with $6 billion of that coming between July and September. In response, CEO Kelly Ortberg announced in October the company would cut 10% of its workforce, or about 17,000 employees nationwide.
About 2,200 Boeing employees in Washington state and Oregon also received notices this week that they would be laid of Dec. 20, five days before Christmas.
The layoffs follow a seven-week strike by 33,000 unionized machinists on the West Coast — mostly in Washington but also Oregon and California — as the company and union negotiated a new contract.
Those union members ratified the new deal the first week of November. Ortberg has said the cuts were caused by overstaffing, not the work stoppage.
The strike did not include non-unionized workers in South Carolina.
The Palmetto State job cuts amount to 2.8% of Boeing’s reported 7,864 employees statewide.
The layoffs include business and training staff, engineers, information technology workers, analysts, quality control, and supply chain staff, according to the notice.
Eligible employees will receive severance pay and subsidized health care benefits for up to three months after leaving the company, according to a statement from the company.
Meanwhile, the state’s unemployment rate rose again for the eighth straight month to 4.7% in October, according to the latest numbers from the state Department of Employment and Workforce. The national rate stayed steady at 4.1%.
On the cusp of the 3rd anniversary for Blu Oyster Sushi and Seafood on Johns Island, the team has announced the will be closing operations. The restaurant officially closed on November 18, 2024.
In a powerful and personal message to the customers and community, The Blu Oyster Team announced:
As we approach our 3rd Anniversary, we have decided to make the very tough decision to close our doors. We only get one chance at this short life, and right now, prioritizing health and family has become our focus. We first would like to thank our amazing and loyal staff, some who have been with us since the very beginning. Second, we would like to thank our local vendors, distributors, farmers and fishermen for providing the freshest and quality items for us to pass to our guests. Third, to our customers near and far, thank you for giving us a reason to create delicious food and drinks, and allowing us to serve you! Finally, we are very proud of these past few years on Johns Island. We have poured our hearts and souls into Blu Oyster, and we stand behind all the hard work that was put into these four walls.
Please come in and join us this week, our final week of service. We will be open from 4pm-9pm daily until Monday, November 18. We will have a limited menu, but still offering our 1/2 price sushi and Happy Hour specials all week. We will be working with a limited staff, so please be kind and patient! Monday, November 18th will be our last service.
So much gratitude to all, and cheers to the next chapter!
The Blu Oyster Team 💙
Our sincerest thoughts go out to the entire Blu Oyster family and best wishes for journeys ahead.
It takes an army to move a mountain, but it only takes one individual to inspire a passion. Stefan Stanton, owner of Surf N Turf Landscaping has gone through a remarkable transformation from high end exclusive customer service liaison at one of the finest steakhouses in the nation to beautifying Charleston, one square foot at a time.
It takes a special type of person to take on a whole new purpose full of meaning, artistry and visionary insight.
Yet above all of this, Stefan was one of the selfless members of the Charleston community to go to Western Carolina and help those impacted from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
We took a few minutes to learn more about Stefan and his incredible journey to help others.
CD: Following passion over wealth is a challenging decision for many and one often to pursued. You took that step leaving Halls Chophouse as General Manager after 10 years to building a business focused on sustaining the beautiful landscapes of the Lowcountry. What were the catalysts and drivers behind this decision?
SS: I thoroughly enjoyed my time as General Manager of Halls Chophouse and it will always hold a special place in my heart. The Hall family are still dear friends of mine and I will always value that relationship and the relationships made with the incredible guests I have met throughout the years. The experiences and my personal development that I obtained from Halls will stay with me forever and I will apply the standards and hospitality I developed in that restaurant in any career or whatever path I may pursue. That being said the decision to take a completely different path from the industry I have spent a majority of my life in, did not come easy. I came to realize that the work to life ratio was off and my passion of the industry was fading. Running the top restaurant in the nation is very time consuming and to put it simple, life is short so you better enjoy it.
CD: As the architect of your business, you are the artist and your clients’ homes are your canvas. How much of your work is client vision and how much is your inspiration and input?
SS: Throughout my life I have always enjoyed landscaping and it was my way to unwind after a long week in the restaurant business. I inherited my passion for gardening from my Mother and was lucky enough to get her green thumb. My neighbor was the one who actually suggested that I should pursue landscaping as a full time career since he has always seen me working in my garden and no matter how hot or dirty I was, I was always smiling. I decided to take the big leap so I retired the suit and bought a 1989 Ford F150 and a wheelbarrow. The incredible family over at All Seasons Mulch on Johns Island were a huge support for my development in the industry and the growth of my business. It would have been hard to do without them. That was the start of Surf N Turf Landscaping and 3 and half years later, Im still smiling!
CD: What do you want your clients to walk away with after you complete a landscaping job?
SS: When meeting a client for the first time, I like to get to know them and get a good feel for their expectations and what vision they may have for their property. Everyone has different styes and tastes and some like to bring some designs or plants from wherever they have moved from so its my job to adapt to their likes then suggest plants or designs that will work in their area. A majority of our business is SOD installation, so with that the design is already there we just need to figure out what grass will do the best in their location.
CD: What skills and stylistic approaches did you learn from your time as GM of one of the top food & hospitality establishments in Charleston that you have carried over with you owning Surf N Turf Landscaping?
SS: My favorite part of my job is when we get to reveal the completed project and get to see the look of excitement on the homeowners face. A majority of our work will be the first thing the homeowner sees when they pull into their property, so its incredibly important exceed their expectations and have a finished canvas that they will be proud of for years to come. It’s an amazing feeling when you can transform someone’s home and see the look of pride in their face.
CD: A big challenge of being a small business owner is to harness and nurture your relationships. You are very well respected by those that come into your life with much of your work coming from referrals. What are your personal convictions and approach that go into developing new relationships?
SS: Developing a new relationship with new clients is incredibly important and a huge part of what we do. I bring my experience in the restaurant industry to provide hospitality in an industry that you generally don’t find that. I would be unable to turn that off and even if I could that is not a part of my personality. I take pride in communicating with the homeowners on what they can expect once the work starts and I like to make myself available to answer any questions they may have during or after. Most importantly is to always be honest with your clients. I don’t want to say its easy to create great relationships with your clients, but it’s a lot easier when you love what you do. The homeowners can tell when you are passionate at what you do and the work shows it.
I like to bring the same level of hospitality and customer service we brought to so many guests throughout the years at Halls. It is a huge contrast in styles of industries, but I feel there is no need to change my style of customer service and I believe my business benefits from it. I want customers to feel confident in trusting us to transform their property and I want our passion to be obvious.
CD: So many of us have given time, donations, and even those seeking ways they can help to victims of Hurricane Helene. You just decided to fill your truck and head West? Why did you feel the need to help?
SS: I was watching the news as many of you were and I was heartbroken by the devastation that the people of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida had just gone through. I was tired of hearing about it and I couldn’t not do anything anymore. There had to be something I could do. So through the years, I was blessed to have obtained a dump truck as part of my fleet. We didn’t have any work that required a dump truck for 2 days, so that’s when it hit me! I can do something! I saw that Millers All Day was doing runs up to Asheville to drop off supplies, but they were using their smaller food truck and were limited on space. So I reached out to Nate, at Millers All Day and teamed up with them and Halls Chophouse to offer my dump truck to fill it with supplies. With their help we were able to fill my truck to the max with donations. The next day I drove my dump truck with a max speed of 60MPH to Asheville to drop off some much needed supplies. It was amazing to see all the small business owners bringing up materials. Where we dropped off supplies, there was another Landscaper, a tree trimmer and a general contractor all with trailers loaded with supplies. It was incredible to see people from all over the East coast helping out.
CD: Since your return, how have your feelings changed witnesses the true devastation of those lands?
SS: I have an appreciation for how a community can pull together in a time of need. The devastation up there is terrible, but the ray of sunshine coming through in the form of volunteers was incredible and humbling.
CD: In a sentence or two, what has living in Charleston meant to you?
SS: Through my years of living in Charleston, I have come to love the beauty of our natural landscapes from the beautiful beaches to the massive live oaks on Johns Island. Charleston is incredibly visually stimulating and to top it off, there are some of the best restaurants in America here. Truly a beautiful place and I’m proud to call it home.
If you want to learn more about Stefan or inquire about his services, you can contact him at his work line: 843-300-9805.
CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — HabitNu, a leader in preventive health, has expanded its Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) network in Charleston, SC, as part of a $12.5 million, five-year cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Awarded in June 2023, this agreement supports HabitNu’s mission to create a nationwide, inclusive diabetes prevention network, bridging healthcare providers, community organizations, and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) services to advance health equity.
Recognized by the CDC to Prevent or Delay Type 2 Diabetes
HabitNu’s expansion in Charleston marks a major milestone toward the company’s goal of building a connected ecosystem for individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes. Since the start of the above initiative, HabitNu has launched collaborative networks in nine states and plans to reach 20 by the end of the award period. Charleston’s DPP network includes local providers such as Healthy Plate Living, the Medical University of South Carolina, Summerville YMCA, Phit4Lyfe Integrative Health, Círculos de Bienestar, Wellness Five, and Lowcountry Street Grocery, with additional partnerships on the horizon.
As a CDC-recognized Umbrella Hub, HabitNu equips DPP providers with essential resources, including best practice guidance for participant recruitment, program delivery, billing, and a comprehensive suite of digital tools. These tools encompass referral management, coach support, participant engagement, data reporting, and a billing module that streamlines claims for Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health plans.
“We’re thrilled to work with Charleston’s DPP providers to combat type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Sindhu Rajan, CEO of HabitNu. “Our Umbrella Hub empowers local providers to deliver high-quality, evidence-based diabetes prevention services and supports sustainable, long-term outcomes for the community.”
“We are excited to partner with HabitNu in this innovative initiative,” said Margaret Peck, founder of Healthy Plate Living. “Being part of the HabitNu Umbrella Hub enables us to serve our community better, expand our reach, and improve patient outcomes. HabitNu’s team approach helps us build a sustainable network that can continue providing essential diabetes prevention services.”
“Partnering with HabitNu has been transformative for our diabetes prevention program and our mission to build healthier, stronger communities,” said Stacy Varvel, Executive Director of the Summerville YMCA. “While we’ve provided the DPP for several years, the HabitNu platform has enabled us to expand our reach, simplify our processes, and stay connected with participants in ways we’ve never imagined. With the support of HabitNu’s dedicated team, we can continue to deliver high-quality, consistent care that motivates participants and strengthens their commitment to long-term health. Together, we are creating a more resilient, healthier community, one individual at a time.”
About HabitNu HabitNu delivers scalable, evidence-based programs to prevent and manage chronic conditions like prediabetes and diabetes. HabitNu’s platform enables flexible DPP delivery (online, in-person, or through distance learning) and integrates SDOH services, supporting referrals to connect participants with essential resources. As a CDC-recognized Umbrella Hub, HabitNu partners with healthcare systems, employers, payers, and community-based organizations to improve health outcomes and advance health equity.
Florals have such a positive impact on our health and wellbeing. They provide fragrance, color, calmness and beauty. Used for special occasions, symbols of love and respect or just a way to bring a smile. We have a deep appreciation for our Charleston County florists.
Here are 5 exception local businesses that brighten our daily lives:
Tiger Lily Florist
2 Area Locations: 131 Spring St, Charleston, SC 29403 and 1614 Camp Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
A great coffee shop goes far deeper than just the caffeinated libations that get us through the day. A neighborhood coffee shop is about community, warmth, hospitality, energy, a sense of belonging and a nurturing place to be open creatively whether it be the arts or meaningful conversation.
Here are 5 coffee shops in North Charleston that embody all the wonderful qualities of an inviting culture, great coffee and treats to warm the soul:
Orange Spot Coffee: Known for its cozy atmosphere and great coffee, this shop serves breakfast and lunch options. Located at 1011 E Montague Ave, this popular spot is right in the heart of amazing Park Circle neighborhood. Follow them on Instagram
Odd Duck Market: This highly-rated spot combines coffee with a breakfast and lunch menu along with a grocer and artisan marketplace. Located at 1082 E Montague Ave in Park Circle, Odd Duck has indoor and outdoor seating, pet friendly and vegan options. Follow on Instagram
The Coffee House: Located at 3620 Ashley Phosphate Rd Ste 2, North Charleston, SC 29420 is known for incredible hospitality, mouth-watering made to order breakfast sandwiches, and cozy super friendly atmosphere.
Prophet Coffee: Praised for its cozy vibe and vegan options, you will find this gem at 4411 Spruill Avenue. Savanna & Bryson Purcell started this business in March of 2023. After a major career shift, they decided to try their luck at a mobile coffee van. It grew pretty fast, and they haven’t looked back since. Good things come to those who grind. Follow on Instagram
Lodi Coffee: Drive-Thru Specialty Coffee that offers Matcha, Frapps & Bites 🥐 on the go and has been Voted Top 20 Coffee Shops in North America is a fan favorite in North Charleston. Located at 2210 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406, this is a perfect spot to grab coffee and treats right as you head to Highway 26. Follow on Instagram
North Charleston is a melting pot of diversity and a spectrum of cultural and ethnic diversity. Here are 6 great ethnic restaurants that will satisfy your hunger in North Charleston, South Carolina
Istanbul Shish Kabob(4940 Centre Pointe Dr suite c, North Charleston, SC 29418): A casual Middle Eastern spot offering authentic dishes like kebabs and salads. It provides a cozy atmosphere and outdoor seating. Follow on Instagram
Baba Kabob Market and Deli(4952 Centre Pointe Dr suite 110, North Charleston, SC 29418): This Middle Eastern cafe combines grocery items with prepared foods like falafel and shawarma. Follow on Instagram
Caribbean Delight (3309 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405): Known for its Jamaican cuisine, this restaurant features a tropical vibe with dishes like meat curries and fish stews.
Dashi(1262 Remount Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406): A trendy spot serving Mexican dishes with a fusion twist. We had to add that their brunch breakfast burrito is heavenly. Follow on Instagram
Platia Greek Goodness (5060 Dorchester Rd suite 230, North Charleston, SC): This Greek restaurant offers a range of Mediterranean dishes. Follow on Instagram
Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse(2411 Mall Dr, North Charleston, SC 29406): An upscale Brazilian eatery known for its all-you-can-eat meats and salad bar. Follow on Instagram
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