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Krispy Kreme suffered a cyber attack in November that impacted portions of its business operations, including placing online orders. According to a message on its site, the company is working to restore online ordering.
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Pizza chain Hungry Howie’s is opening a new location in SC, currently looking for a space in either Summerville or Goose Creek. The brand, which has been around for ~50 years, has over 530 stores in 21 states. In SC, the chain has four active locations in Myrtle Beach, Greenville, and Carolina Forest.
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Multifamily developer Lifestyle Communities announced LC Ingleside, a North Charleston development that will initially feature 451 multifamily apartment homes, complemented by an array of hospitality-focused amenities. The first units are expected to be delivered in September of 2025, with completion of the first phase anticipated by the end of 2026.
New addition to CHS airport
Global hospitality and entertainment company Delaware North has launched Ashley Cooper Provisions at the Charleston International Airport as part of the company’s 10-year contract extension. The 50-seat venue features Charleston-inspired bites and cocktails. Ashley Cooper Provisions replaces and expands on the space where Harvest & Grounds was previously.
Coming soon
The Trader Joe’s shopping center that's connected to Towne Centre will get two new retail stores – discount furniture store Homesense and golf clothing and equipment store Golf Galaxy. Both stores will come online sometime in the first half of 2025. [Post and Courier].
Bearcat restaurant closes
Bearcat has closed after 13 months. Rising costs and mediocre patronage were reasons for the closure of the West Ashley restuarant. "Opening an independent restaurant in 2024 is really hard these days," chef/owner George Kovach told The Post and Courier. "We were just unfortunately slow."
Polestar begins US production of the Polestar 3 LR
Polestar has started US production of the Long range Single motor variant of its flagship SUV, the Polestar 3. The production of Polestar's most affordable ($67,500 vehicle starting price) and longest-range EV is taking place in Polestar’s shared Volvo plant in Charleston.
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Gaming services studio PTW has opened a new location in Charleston, featuring "state-of-the-art amenities designed for next-gen game testing." The Japanese company, which was founded in 1994 and has 8,500+ employees, expects to create hundreds of jobs for the Charleston area over the next few years. PTW offers a variety of services for gaming companies including art production, game development, and quality assurance.
New Italian restaurant coming to Hanahan
Chef Mark Bolchoz plans to open Italian restaurant Cane Pazzo in spring 2025 in Hanahan. Cane pazzo is an Italian phrase that translates to crazy dog.
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Beginning April 4th, Avelo Airlines is launching nonstop flights between Myrtle Beach International Airport and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
Roundabout project moving forward at Mount Pleasant
Town leaders are taking the next steps in installing a roundabout at the intersection of Park West Boulevard and Stockdale Street. The construction, which will cost around $9M, is set to begin in Spring 2026. The project also includes the construction of about 2.5 miles of multi-use paths along parts of Park West Boulevard, Park Avenue and Carolina Park Boulevard, which is part of the Mount Pleasant Way project.
New clothing store coming to Charleston
Draper James, a clothing brand launched by actress Reese Witherspoon, is planning to open a flagship store in Charleston. [Post and Courier].
SHL Medical hiring in North Charleston
SHL Medical, which designs and develops drug delivery solutions such as autoinjectors, is hiring for multiple roles in North Charleston including engineers, industry professionals, and new grads. The company is months away from the grand opening of its new North Charleston facility.
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Jack’s Cosmic Dogs on James Island is temporarily closed. The Mount Pleasant location remains open.
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The Starbucks at 5060 International Blvd by the airport is getting a full remodel. The store is doubling its space and creating a "welcoming coffeehouse vibe with full conference space and wonderful seating options." Construction begins right after the holidays. Check out the photos here.
Airport lounge now open
The Club CHS, Charleston airport's lounge, is now open with new lighting, "vibrant murals" and updated menus. Featuring six separate zones, The Club CHS will be open Monday through Sunday 4:10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. ET. Access is available to outbound travelers, with a valid boarding pass, who participate in the Priority Pass membership program through premium credit cards like Chase Sapphire, American Express and Diner’s Club International. For others, a day pass will be available for $50 per person. AAA members can receive a discounted rate of $42.50. Children under 24 months can accompany a member at no cost.
A new bank is coming to town
The Burger King at Ashley River Road and Sam Rittenberg Blvd, which has been vacant since 2019, is being demolished. A First National Bank of Pennsylvania outpost will be built in its place and is expected to open in 2025.
Ashley River pedestrian-bike bridge moves forward
Charleston is moving ahead with a pedestrian-bike bridge over the Ashley River. The city’s original proposal featured a pedestrian bridge that would come over the slip or merge lane on Lockwood Drive and connect into Bee Street and further into the medical district. However, Mayor Cogswell presented an alternative plan that includes a landing pad, or pedestrian roundabout, where the bridge meets the peninsula. It would be an elevated structure that connects to Brittlebank Park and Bee Street and includes a viewing platform of the Ashley River. The proposal would also allow for a connection between the landing pad and the Battery path in the future.
MUSC’s Blue Sky Labs opens in Charleston
Blue Sky Labs, an incubation space for startups and early-stage companies focusing on life sciences and medical research, has opened on the edge of the Medical University of South Carolina’s Charleston campus.
357 Brewers establishing operations in Horry County
357 Brewers, a craft brewery, is establishing operations in Horry County. The company’s $6.4 million investment will create 35 new jobs. Part of Vaugh and Spadaccini Hospitality Group, 357 Brewers will produce craft beers that are brewed, canned and distributed at the company’s Myrtle Beach facility. The company’s brewery also offers an outdoor space and a variety of on-site experiences for customers.