Chef Michael and Courtney Zentner of The Drifter, a Charleston-based culinary and event design company, are set to open their first brick and mortar restaurant concept.
Merci will open this summer at 28 Pitt St. in Harleston Village in downtown Charleston.
A neighborhood bistro featuring a European-inspired menu in a cozy, convivial setting, Merci will offer guests a taste of the dinner parties that the Zentners are known for creating for their private event clients, according to a news release.
As the culinary leader at The Drifter, Chef Zentner crafts each menu, showcasing the best in local produce and a seasonal approach, the release stated. He will adapt this approach at Merci, serving a European-influenced menu focusing on French and Italian techniques.
Menu highlights include an updated spin on the classics, from steak tartare and foie gras to Beef Wellington and roasted duck.
Set in a historic, 1820s Federal-style building on the corner of Pitt and Montagu Streets in the residential Harleston Village, Merci is inspired by the Zentners’ travels to Europe but also to neighborhood bistros in New York and Boston, the release stated.
The space, designed by Helen Rice of Serious Buildings, though small in size is big on ambiance, the release stated. Rice and Courtney Zentner, an event designer and stylist by trade, have worked together to curate furnishings, fixtures, fabrics and vintage cookware for the restaurant.
Attached to the restaurant will be a studio space available to rent for trunk shows, workshops and small-scale private events.
Merci will be open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday, as well as Friday lunch. A summer 2024 opening is planned.
Automotive remains dominant industry for state’s exports
Governor Henry McMaster, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) and South Carolina Ports (SC Ports) today announced that the state’s 2023 export sales totaled $37.3 billion, defying the national trend where U.S. exports were down 2.2%, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Since 2013, South Carolina exports have grown at an average rate of 4.4% year-to-year. Over the same period, U.S. exports grew at an average rate of 3% year-to-year.
The automotive industry led South Carolina’s exported goods, with sales more than double that of the next largest industry type (aircraft and aerospace components). The state remains the nation’s top exporter of tires, and a national leader of completed passenger vehicles.
South Carolina’s top five exported commodities in 2023 were:
Completed passenger vehicles
Aircraft and parts
Machinery and mechanical appliances (turbojets, turbopropellers, gas turbines, ball and roller bearings, appliances for boilers and pumps)
Plastics
Rubber (tires)
Notable 2023 trade statistics include:
2023 export sales totaled $37.3 billion, defying the national trend of U.S. exports dropping 2.2% over the same year. South Carolina’s 2023 total export sales figure is an 18% increase over 2022 export sales.
For the eighth consecutive year, South Carolina is the national leader in the export of tires, with sales reaching $1.8 billion — representing 34.3% of the total U.S. market share.
South Carolina also remains among the top in the nation in the export of completed passenger motor vehicles, with 2023 sales growing to $10.2 billion — accounting for 16% of the total U.S. market share.
South Carolina exports reached 211 countries in 2023.
Germany was the number one export market for South Carolina-made products and services, accounting for $4.7 billion.
Belgium, a primary point of entry into the European Union market, entered South Carolina’s top five global export markets with an increase over 21% from 2022.
“Other countries continue to find that South Carolina offers the best products and services available anywhere, which is emphasized by the fact that our state saw an increase in trade despite a national decline in exports,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “By sending locally made goods throughout the world, we can continue to create more jobs and careers for South Carolinians while helping expand our economy.”
“South Carolina is a global state — we’re proud to be a leading destination and trade partner for companies and countries throughout the world,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “Growing our international trade and exports network makes our economy more resilient, more diverse, and more competitive for long-term economic development success.”
“As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports serves as South Carolina’s gateway to the world,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “We are proud to move cargo for South Carolina companies, ensuring that automakers, advanced manufacturers, farmers and small businesses have direct access to global markets. We consistently invest in port infrastructure and deliver excellent port service to help South Carolina companies thrive.”
South Carolina companies looking to expand their global markets can explore S.C. Commerce’s Export Incentives or contact the international trade team.
The nonprofit raises $122.8 million in 2023; the organization’s largest fundraising year to date
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the National Geographic Society announced its largest fundraising year in its 136-year history with $122.8 million in new commitments for 2023 — the Society’s third record-breaking year in a row. Contributions came from individuals, corporations and foundations to support the nonprofit’s mission work, including the transformation of its Base Camp in Washington, D.C., global community of National Geographic Explorers and portfolio of impactful programs.
Washington, D.C. National Geographic Headquarters. June 13, 2023. Group photo of Explorers, senior leadership and staff who have gathered for the National Geographic Explorers Festival.
The Society invests 100 percent of donor contributions into the organization’s programmatic priorities to strengthen its mission of illuminating and protecting the wonder of our world. Donors and partners fuel the Society’s ability to leverage scientific research, exploration, education and unparalleled storytelling to spark curiosity in hundreds of millions of people to learn about and care for our planet. These philanthropic investments accelerate the Society’s sustainable business model and build a culture of philanthropy, key to the organization’s five-year strategic plan, NG Next.
“This achievement underscores our community’s belief in our mission and vision for the future,” said CEO Jill Tiefenthaler. “The dedication of our donors is instrumental to funding the extraordinary National Geographic Explorers who are driving positive change for our planet and its people. Thank you to all those helping us support our Explorers, transform our Base Camp, and achieve our mission and global impact.”
Last year, the Society launched its newly formed Principal Donors Society, the highest designation for lifetime giving, which recognizes individuals, corporations and foundations who have championed the nonprofit through cumulative philanthropic support of $1 million or more for pivotal priorities and impact areas. The second annual Principal Donors Society induction ceremony and celebration will take place on February 7, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
“We are most grateful for the unprecedented generosity of our donors that this year’s giving reflects, as it clearly demonstrates the growing global support of the National Geographic Society’s mission to illuminate and protect the wonderful of our world,” said the Society’s Board Chair Jean Case.
2023 fiscal year fundraising highlights include:
Secured the largest commitment in the Society’s history from long-time partner, Rolex
$122.8 million in overall new commitments, a 4% increase from the previous record-breaking fiscal year ($117.9M)
81 new commitments of $100,000 or above, a 16% increase over 2022
16 new commitments at $1 million or above
$13.2 million raised through Annual Giving & Membership, a 13% increase over 2022
100% participation by the Board of Trustees
100% participation by the Society’s Senior Leadership team
Increased membership in the Hubbard Council (annual donors of $50,000 or more) by 30%
Launched the Principal Donors Society in January 2023, recognizing donors of lifetime giving of $1M or more to the Society, with 65 donors; adding an additional 11 donors during 2023
“We accomplished this tremendous fundraising year thanks to our loyal, global network of industry and thought leaders who are personally dedicated to the Society’s success,” said Chief Advancement Officer Kara Ramirez Mullins. “It’s encouraging to see real investment in, and momentum for, the Society’s key priorities like the Base Camp renovation project. We have a bold vision for the future and the time to invest in the Society is now!”
About National Geographic Society The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content. To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Starting Feb. 26, embark on an epic journey at WcDonald’s with the new savory chili sauce, manga-inspired packaging, original episodic shorts and more
CHICAGO/PRNewswire/ — For years, anime fans have been making McDonald’s-inspired “WcDonald’s” restaurants a part of anime’s most memorable movies and shows. Now, in collaboration with some of the biggest names in anime, WcDonald’s will make the move from fiction to real life. Beginning Feb. 26 in more than 30 global markets, we’re building on our fans’ vision and imagination by unleashing the WcDonald’s universe in our restaurants and beyond, with a new sauce, manga-inspired packaging, episodic shorts and so much more.
Welcome to WcDonald’s: McDonald’s Brings Anime Fans’ Favorite Fictional Restaurant to Life
Welcome to WcDonald’s: McDonald’s Brings Anime Fans’ Favorite Fictional Restaurant to Life
“Anime is a huge part of today’s culture, and we love that our fans have been inviting us into the conversation for years,” said Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s USA. “The WcDonald’s universe is a reflection of what fans have created. It honors their vision and celebrates their creativity, while authentically bringing it to life in our restaurants for the first time ever.”
A Sauce that Packs a Punch Fans can animate their taste buds with our new Savory Chili WcDonald’s Sauce, available for a limited time. The unique combination of ginger, garlic and soy with a slight heat from chili flakes packs an energetic blast of flavor in every bite. Mirroring the bold, dynamic spirit of your favorite anime heroes, the sauce pairs perfectly with an order of 10-piece “WcNuggets” (our fan-favorite Chicken McNuggets) or on the side of any of your go-to menu items.
Manga Packaging and More from Acky Bright We’ve teamed up with iconic Japanese manga artist/illustrator Acky Bright to design custom WcDonald’s packaging that will take you deeper into the world of WcDonald’s with every meal. For a limited time, fans will receive manga-inspired packaging featuring WcDonald’s Crew characters, sketched by Acky himself.
Fans can also scan the code on the packaging to access weekly digital manga drops that star a full cast of WcDonald’s Customers and Crew, including Hashirune, a WcDonald’s regular, Mr. Bev, the Crew jokester, WcDizer 3000, WcDonald’s very own mecha, and many more.
“I had a great time partnering with McDonald’s to help make WcDonald’s a reality for manga fans who have a genuine love for the brand,” said Acky Bright. “From the details of the diverse Crew characters to the manga plot itself, I loved being able to use my artwork to bring to life the dynamic, vibrant world of WcDonald’s for people around the world.”
The First-Ever Official WcDonald’s Anime McDonald’s has partnered with legendary animation house studio pierrot to produce the first official WcDonald’s anime. Four episodic shorts will take fans into the flavorful world of WcDonald’s, where a story about the WcDonald’s Sauce and WcNuggets unfold each week.
Every Monday, from Feb. 26 until March 18, a new short will drop in tandem with new manga on WcDonalds.com, or by scanning the code on the WcDonald’s bag. The shorts will honor four of anime’s biggest subgenres – Action, Romance, Mecha and Fantasy.
The Race to WcDonald’s (drops Feb. 26): A rivalry strong enough to withstand the test of time as our two heroes embark on an epic race to WcDonald’s.
Love from Across the Booth (drops March 4): Our two protagonists discover the WcDonald’s Sauce and WcNuggets aren’t the only perfect pairing.
WcNuggets Space Frontier 3000 (drops March 11): A team of WcDonald’s pilots must protect the last WcNugget against an ominous force.
The Wisdom of the Sauce (drops March 18): Three women are transported to a distant land to unravel the mystery surrounding the elusive sauce before it’s gone forever.
An Immersive Dining Experience at WcDonald’s Taking inspiration from the isekai anime subgenre, we’re transporting fans to the first IRL WcDonald’s on March 9-10. The WcDonald’s Immersive Dining Experience will be a multi-sensory dining experience in Los Angeles, CA – a genre-bending fusion of entertainment and food. Guests will be transported into the WcDonald’s universe through 360 projection mapping and immersive tabletop projections inspired by the four WcDonald’s anime episodic shorts – all while enjoying a set menu of WcDonald’s items. Fans can reserve their spot exclusively on OpenTable starting Feb. 28 by searching “WcDonald’s Immersive Dining Experience” on the OpenTable app or website.
A Celebration of Anime Fan Art WcDonald’s wouldn’t be what it is if it weren’t for the creativity of our fans. So, we’re recognizing three up-and-coming anime artists who have created WcDonald’s-themed artwork with grants to help fund their upcoming projects and a celebration at their local McDonald’s. Additionally, the three artists will receive a one-on-one mentoring session with top manga artist/illustrator, Acky Bright.
On Feb. 26, get ready for an anime-fueled adventure that starts with, “Welcome to WcDonald’s, may I take your order?”
About McDonald’s USA McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s approximately 13,500 U.S. restaurants are owned and operated by independent business owners. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, and follow us on social: X, Instagram,TikTok and Facebook.
The designation of Charleston as the “Holy City” is commonly misattributed to the abundance of steeples in the area. However, this association is inaccurate, the name is unrelated to the sheer number of churches present in Charleston.
Another prevalent misconception suggests that the title originated during the early colonial period due to Charleston’s reputation for religious tolerance. Contrary to this belief, historical records reveal that any perceived tolerance during the colonial era in Charleston did not extend to religious practices. The official religion of the colony was Anglican, and those who did not adhere to Anglicanism were barred from holding public office or deriving income from the government. Despite the presence of various religions in Charleston, the term “tolerance” would be a generous characterization, as many residents had to conceal their religious beliefs to avoid potential repercussions.
Although Anglicanism held the status of the official religion, other faiths were permitted to practice discreetly. Notably, the Catholic religion was entirely outlawed in Charleston, with severe consequences for those identified as Catholic. Being labeled a Catholic could result in public punishment, such as being tarred and feathered in the grassy plot behind the state courthouse at the corner of Broad and Meeting Streets. The condemned would then be paraded through Charleston in a wagon, subjected to humiliation before facing banishment from the colonies.
Contrary to its common association with Charleston’s history, the term “Holy City” found its origins in the 1950s when a newspaper columnist named Frank B. Gilbreth Jr., using the pen name Ashly Cooper, coined the phrase in a series of local history columns published in the Post & Courier.
In a little corner, just north of Barsa and South of the dirt lot under the crosstown on King Street is a little divey piece of nostalgic heaven called Sugey’s Bar. This little dive bar with a capacity of about 30 is located at 638 King Street and open daily from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Sugey’s offers an inviting, affordable and relaxing community vibe for any fan of punk, B-Films, heavy metal, PBR, Miller High Life, neon lights and leather. Even with that all said, all are welcome!
Sugey’s is self described as “Heavy metal maniacs!!! Rock n roller dive + hellforged tiki lounge”. In a sentence they got it right.
When we arrived, we were greeted by a bouncer right out of an East Village NY bar and then entered into a room donned with neon red, a disco ball, Iron Maiden Pinball, ‘Return of the Living Dead’ on the Tube, concert posters from an era of UK Punk and underground Metal and a crowd very comfortable in their own skin. It was fantastic!
Next time you are enjoying the Charleston nightlife, make time to stop in at Sugey’s Bar.
Here is a bonus:
Every Monday from 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM is Karaoke
On the First Sunday of the Month at 9:00 PM is Comedy Riot First Sundays
Genre-bending LGBTQ+ feature film Wild Fire releasing in North America on March 5th
February 22nd 2024 – Pennsylvania-based production company HalfJack Generation today announces its debut feature film Wild Fire has been picked up by distributor Gravitas Ventures, an Anthem Sports & Entertainment Company, for USA release, after revealing the trailer last week. It will be available to watch from March 5th on Apple TV, Prime Video, Vudu, Google Play & more and is now available to pre-order.
The groundbreaking film is a predominantly female and queer-led ensemble drama in which seven acquaintances get radically honest about their lives over the course of one night. After an unyielding game of Truth or Dare, the exemplary couple opens up about what they’re going through—that they’re not as perfect as they seem.
This sets the stage for the rest of the group to reveal their own unspoken desires and secrets that they have been avoiding, some for their whole lives. The following morning back in their bedrooms, each couple must choose a path. Will they integrate their newly exposed truths…or choose to act as if nothing has changed?
The directorial debut of Jennifer Cooney, CEO of HalfJack Generation, Wild Fire received 22 total accolades over the course of a ten-month international festival run in 2023, securing multiple wins along the way, including Best Drama at Shockfest Film Festival, Best of Fest at Pride Film Festival, and Best Original Score and Best Actress (for Celeste Marcone who plays Elliana) at the Red Dirt Film Festival.
Jennifer Cooney, writer/director of Wild Fire, says, “Wild Fire is about the journey of becoming one’s truest self. Film has the power to not just represent, but incite radical honesty, personal growth, self- and social-awareness, and expansion towards new perspectives. This is why I am so excited to be working with Gravitas Ventures—to bring this film to as wide an audience as possible. The aim is for the message of authenticity and human connection to travel as far and wide as possible.”
HalfJack Generation is a production company dedicated to making films that elevate the consciousness of our planet.
Mission Statement: “We are in the midst of a Global Awakening. The frequency of our planet is shifting, and we as a race are awakening to our potential for Greatness. We are moving away from blame and victimization and into self-awareness and self-responsibility. We are learning what it truly means to be free, to love, to be Conscious Beings who Know their oneness with All-That-Is. We are facing our inner darkness as opposed to fighting outer darkness, stepping into the love of self and the truth of our Highest Self. This is the future of storytelling. And film is our grandest opportunity to be the Light. We at HalfJack Generation aren’t only Here for it, we’re the Way Makers.”
Gravitas Ventures is a leadingall-rights distributor of independent feature films and documentaries. Founded in 2006, Gravitas connects independent filmmakers and producers with distribution opportunities across the globe. Working with talented directors and producers, Gravitas Ventures has distributed thousands of films into over a hundred million homes in North America – over one billion homes worldwide. Recent Gravitas Venture releases include Deep Fear, Slotherhouse, Padre Pio, Gringa, The Pez Outlaw, Downwind, Mack & Rita, The King’s Daughter, Queen Bees, Our Friend, Vanguard, The Secret: Dare to Dream. For more information, please visit www.gravitasventures.com, and follow @GravitasVOD on X and @gravitasventures on Instagram.
About Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc.
Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. is a global multi-platform media company with offices and studios in Toronto, Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville, New York, Kansas City and Cleveland. Anthem’s portfolio includes AXS TV, a leading music, entertainment and lifestyle television channel and digital media company; global film distribution company Gravitas Ventures; Fight Network, the world’s premier combat sports channel with broadcast distribution across 10+ countries and available globally through multiple OTT platforms; IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world’s leading wrestling organizations; Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women mixed martial arts promotion; Game+, the leader in sports wagering, Esports and gaming content; GameTV, the home of game shows and competition-based reality series; and HDNet Movies, which features theatrically released films and documentaries. Anthem also has a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel, one of the top outdoor channels in the U.S. For more information, visitwww.anthemse.com
For the first time ever, Hank’s Loft is open to the public. This stunning apartment features three spacious bedrooms with luxurious en-suites, ample living and entertaining areas, vaulted ceilings, and exposed brick walls. Paired with these warm comforts, you’ll find a private billiard table, chef-inspired kitchen, and the amenities of a full-service, upscale hotel. Welcome to Hank’s Loft, your Charleston address.
Our Hank’s Loft residents will enjoy valet parking during their stay for one vehicle at the protected underground garage located adjacent to the building. Your stay also includes access to a fitness center across the street through our neighborhood alliance at Hotel Emeline. Work up a sweat, or just relax. It’s your choice.
We also welcome you to check out our upscale home with hotel services for private events. From dinners to wedding parties and corporate gatherings, our team can make your event idea come to life.
Charleston, SC— Baldwin & Associates and Draffin Tucker are pleased to announce that the two accounting firms have joined, a move that allows both companies to expand their scope of services.
Under the leadership of Bob Baldwin, Alys Anne Dennis and Stephen Moose, Baldwin & Associates has been offering individualized financial and accounting services for the greater Charleston area and coastal South Carolina since 2003.
“We have decided to join Draffin Tucker because we share the same values of integrity, quality, and personal attention to our clients,” said Baldwin. “True to their tagline ‘Let’s Think Together,’ Draffin Tucker believes in real people working and thinking together to produce the highest level of services to support client and employee success. Baldwin & Associates shares this same philosophy – what a perfect match!”
Draffin Tucker is an established firm offering a full range of professional accounting services for over 75 years from both the home office in Albany, Georgia, and an office in Atlanta, Georgia.
“This combination will enhance the ability of both firms to provide the service, expertise, and resources available to our clients,” said Jeff Wright, managing partner of Draffin Tucker. “We are excited to work with the excellent team of professionals already in place at Baldwin & Associates.”
The company will be able to provide many new services and areas of expertise in the future, but Baldwin and Wright are both proud to continue the elements that have contributed to their individual past successes, including staff, current services, and locations. Bob Baldwin will continue to serve as the senior partner at the Charleston/Mt. Pleasant office.
$90,000 investment will create 20 new jobs in 5 years
COLUMBIA, S.C. – MOONDOG Animation Studio (MOONDOG), an animation and immersive experiences company, today announced it is growing its South Carolina footprint with an expansion in Charleston County. The company’s $90,000 investment will create 20 new jobs in five years.
Since establishing its Charleston County operations in 2013, MOONDOG has worked with clients to bring ideas to life through services such as story development, character design, animation, augmented and virtual reality experiences, and interactive content creation.
MOONDOG moved to a larger office in the Harbor Entrepreneur Center (HEC) and will add to the company’s in-person team. This new space, located at 11 eWall St. in Mount Pleasant, serves as the hub for MOONDOG’s animation activities and interactive experiences, including the development of feature films, TV series and immersive multimedia content.
Operations at HEC commenced in August 2023. Individuals interested in joining the MOONDOG team should visit the company’scareers page.
QUOTES
“We’re looking forward to the growth ahead and couldn’t be more excited about our new home in the Harbor Entrepreneur Center. Being here allows us to connect with like-minded companies, collaborate on new projects and bring creative solutions to our customers worldwide. Here’s to the future of animation, made in Charleston!” -MOONDOG Animation Studio CEO and Co-Founder Ben Davis
“It is great to see another one of our existing businesses build on its presence in South Carolina. This expansion is a testament to the thriving business environment we have created in Charleston County and the state as a whole.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“We congratulate MOONDOG Animation Studio on this expansion in Charleston County and applaud the company’s commitment to investing in the state of South Carolina.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“We applaud MOONDOG’s expansion in the Harbor Entrepreneur Center, which will undoubtedly catalyze further groundbreaking work in storytelling, character design and interactive content creation.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Herbert Ravenel Sass III
FIVE FAST FACTS
MOONDOG Animation Studio (MOONDOG) is growing its South Carolina footprint with an expansion in Charleston County.
The company’s $90,000 investment will create 20 new jobs in five years.
MOONDOG is an animation and immersive experiences studio.
The company is located at 11 eWall St.in Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the MOONDOG team should visit the company’s careers page.
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