Group Health Insurance Agent in Charleston, SC
If you're an employer dedicated to attracting and retaining talent or boosting employee productivity, offering a valuable health benefit is important. After all, accidents happen every day. And then, out of nowhere, you're sideswiped by another motorist. Having great health insurance coverage is essential in such scenarios. That's especially true in South Carolina, where group health insurance stands out as a key consideration for businesses. Not only does a comprehensive insurance plan safeguard the health and wellness of your employees, but it also plays a key role in drawing in and keeping top talent.
While you might be most familiar with traditional group health plans, making that your go-to option may not always be the best fit for your organization in today's ever-evolving healthcare landscape. How can you determine if it's truly the right choice for your business? If you've been asking yourself that question, you're not alone. Many small businesses are in need of a group health insurance agency in Charleston, SC, to help them weigh their options. That's where working with Grey Cardinal Insurance Group starts to make a lot of sense.
Your Partner for Group Health Insurance Plans for Small Business
At Grey Cardinal Insurance Group, we understand the importance of providing flexible, personalized, comprehensive, and cost-effective health benefits. Our knowledgeable group health insurance agents are ready to help you assess your needs and figure out the best group health plan options for your employees and your business.
Whether you're looking to implement traditional group health insurance policies or you're curious about ICHRA, Grey Cardinal Insurance Group is the name you can trust when it's time to navigate the complexities of employee benefits. Let's work hand-in-hand to create a health-benefits solution that empowers you, your business, and your employees.
What are the Advantages of Having Group Health Insurance for Small Business in Charleston, SC?
At Grey Cardinal Insurance Group, one of the first questions we answer for our clients usually centers around the benefits of having group health insurance. As it turns out, investing in group health insurance for your company provides you with many benefits, including:
Insurance Costs for Employees
Investing in a group health insurance policy for your business can significantly lower your insurance premiums. When the costs are divided between the business and employees, health insurance is also more affordable for your team.
More Insurance Options to Choose From
With group health insurance, your employees will enjoy increased access to a wider range of health insurance options due to reduced costs. With employers partially funding group health insurance, employees will find it easier to afford the coverage they require.
Reduced Tax Burden
Small businesses can take advantage of a valuable health care tax credit when they provide group health insurance to their employees. This tax credit serves as a financial incentive, making it more affordable for small business owners to offer essential health coverage. Employers also have the opportunity to deduct the expenses associated with group health insurance premiums from their taxable income. This deduction can significantly lower their overall tax liability at the end of the year, ultimately contributing to improved financial stability for the business.
Employee Retention and Recruitment
A recent study conducted by MetLife reveals that an attractive benefits package significantly influences employees' decisions to remain with their current employer or seek opportunities elsewhere. Among the various benefits, health insurance stands out as one of the most essential offerings that employees actively anticipate from their employers. This expectation underscores the vital role that comprehensive health coverage plays in employee satisfaction and retention in the workforce.
Group Health Insurance 101
What are group health insurance plans for small businesses? Group health insurance plans provide health coverage benefits to a specific group of individuals, usually employees of a company or organization. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a group health plan (GHP) is associated with current employment. Employers with 20 or more employees are also required by law to offer their current workers and their spouses aged 65 or older the same GHP benefits, regardless of their age.
To better understand group health plans or group health insurance policies, it's useful to consider how they differ from individual health insurance. Individuals can apply to enroll in marketplace insurance providers for individual health plans. In contrast, group health plans are tailored specifically for the members of that group. For businesses, these health plans are often referred to as employer-based or employer-sponsored coverage.
How Does Group Health Insurance Work in South Carolina?
A group health insurance plan is typically coordinated with the help of a group health insurance agent in Charleston, SC, and is sponsored and purchased by employers for their businesses. During the enrollment period, employees or group members can sign up for the plan. They also have the option to add eligible spouses and dependents, usually at an additional cost. The specifics of the plans can differ in terms of coverage levels, costs, number of participants, and the overall health of the members. Generally, a group with lower health risks tends to enjoy lower premiums.
Employees' contributions toward their premiums are deducted from their paychecks before taxes, making it a more cost-effective option. When a member of the group health plan visits a healthcare provider, the provider submits a claim to the insurance company, which then reimburses them according to the plan's coverage. Any remaining costs are paid out-of-pocket by the member, contributing towards their deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.
Group Health Insurance Options in South Carolina
Like the menu at Magnolias in Charleston, SC, employers have a litany of options to choose from when it comes to group health insurance plans in The Palmetto State. With these different types of group insurance, employers can usually find a health plan that aligns with both their budget and the specific benefits they want to offer. Among the most popular choices are health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs).
High-deductible plans serve as another option. Employers can also consider self-funded plans, where employees pay their premiums directly to the employer. In this arrangement, the employer takes on the financial responsibility for all health care claims once the employee meets their health plan deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
Check out this group health insurance plan comparison in Charleston, SC:
Fully Insured Group Health Insurance Plans
One of the most traditional options for group health insurance is the fully insured plan. Under this arrangement, your company pays a fixed premium to your insurance carrier annually, based on the number of employees participating in the coverage. The only instances that will cause your payment to change during the year are if an employee opts out or if there are fluctuations in the number of participants. The insurance carrier collects all premiums and handles any healthcare claims as per the policy you selected, while employees are responsible for any applicable deductibles or co-payments.
Level-Funded Group Health Insurance Plans
Level-funded plans, often referred to as partially self-funded plans, have been gaining traction among employers. Although these plans involve taking on more risk than fully insured options, they typically offer a more cost-effective alternative while still ensuring financial predictability. Level-funded plans can also provide greater flexibility in plan design compared to fully insured plans. You can think of them as a balanced option that bridges the gap between fully insured and self-funded plans. At Grey Cardinal Insurance Group, your group health insurance agent will walk you through the pros and cons of level-funded plans to help you decide whether they're right for your business and employees or not.
Self-Funded Group Health Insurance Plans
Self-funded plans have traditionally been favored by large companies, but they're gaining traction among smaller businesses as well. In a self-funded arrangement, employers take on the full responsibility for funding and managing the health insurance plan. While this might seem like a disadvantage, these plans often offer more affordable premium rates and greater control over the specifics of coverage compared to fully insured or level-funded options.
What Do Group Health Insurance Plans for Small Business in Charleston, SC Cover?
Group health insurance plans can differ significantly, but they generally cover a portion or all of the costs associated with medical care. This includes expenses for physician visits, longer stays at facilities such as Indigo Hall Assisted Living and Memory Care, approved inpatient and outpatient procedures, preventive care, prescriptions, and therapeutic treatments like physical and occupational therapy. They also cover emergency care, such as visits to the emergency room or urgent care centers. It's important for members to reach out to their health insurance providers to understand the specifics of what their plan covers and what their financial responsibilities are for both necessary and elective procedures.
Some group health insurance providers have also broadened their offerings to include mental health services and alternative treatments. Employers can further support their employees by providing extra coverage options, such as health savings accounts (HSAs) or health reimbursement arrangements, which can help alleviate some financial burdens.
Group Health Insurance Plans for Small Businesses vs. Individual Health Insurance Plans
When comparing individual and group health insurance, several key differences emerge. Like a group health plan, individual insurance covers either a single person or a family. However, the main distinction lies in how these plans are obtained: individual plans are purchased directly by the individual from an insurance provider or through a government marketplace, making the individual responsible for the total cost of their premiums. In contrast, group health plans are often facilitated by a group health insurance agent and share premium costs between the employee and employer.
Because group health insurance covers multiple people, the employer often has more leverage when negotiating premiums and benefits. However, all participants receive the same plan. On the other hand, individual healthcare plans can be tailored to suit a person's specific needs and budget, allowing for greater personalization.
Another important difference is the underwriting process for each type of plan. In individual plans, premiums may be higher for those with health risk factors and existing conditions if they choose not to purchase through a marketplace. Conversely, group insurance offers coverage at the same price for all employees, even those with pre-existing conditions. Individual health plans can also be portable, meaning they remain with the individual if they change jobs. This isn't the case with employer-sponsored plans; once an employee leaves, they must either find new coverage or continue their existing policy through COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act).
Why Work with a Local Group Health Insurance Agent in Charleston, SC?
In today's marketplace, many small business owners go with franchise or "big name" agencies to find group health insurance. While not wrong, this course of action can end up costing your company - and not only from a financial point of view. Working with a local group health insurance agency can provide you with many benefits that big-box options can't provide. What are they, you might be asking? Let's dig in and find out why it's always best to search for "local group health insurance agency near me."
What Do Local Group Health Insurance Agents Actually Do?
A local group health insurance agent or broker - like those from Grey Cardinal Insurance Group - pulls on years of experience and knowledge to give you in-depth guidance centered around your group health insurance needs.
For a business owner, that includes audits on insurance benefits, group insurance plan recommendations for your employees, meeting with those employees to talk about additional benefits they need, and much more. For example, if you need to add benefits like vision, dental, or life insurance to your enrollment options, a group health insurance agent can walk you through your choices and the process as a whole.
But what about if you're just getting started? Navigating the often-complex landscape of health insurance can be particularly challenging for small business owners in such circumstances. A survey conducted by United Healthcare Consumer Sentiment revealed that only 7% of consumers could accurately explain common health insurance terms. That's why, at Grey Cardinal Insurance Group, we're committed to providing education for both you and your employees during enrollment meetings. Like McLeod Plantation Historic Site in Charleston, SC, we stand tall for you and your business when you need us most.
Personalized Support
One of the biggest reasons to choose a local agent is the ability to customize your plan. No two group health insurance plans are exactly the same, and with ongoing changes in healthcare regulations, it can be challenging to understand the options available to you.
So, what can businesses do to tackle this challenge? The answer lies in partnering with a local health insurance agent in Charleston, SC.
At Grey Cardinal Insurance Group locations, we prioritize listening to your needs and crafting a tailored plan that benefits both your business and your employees. During open enrollment, we take the time to meet with you and engage with your team to better understand the benefits they're looking for. This hands-on approach ensures that employees have direct access to our staff for any questions or concerns they may have. This level of support is something you simply won't find with large corporate insurance firms.
On-Call When You Need Them
Engaging a local health insurance agent offers numerous advantages, particularly in terms of access to information and support. Local group health insurance agents are readily available to answer any inquiries that may arise. For instance, when a small business owner wishes to modify their benefits packages, they can easily reach out to a local agent to discuss potential adjustments. The agent can provide guidance in developing a well-structured and appropriate employee benefits package that reflects employee feedback. This collaborative approach can enhance employee satisfaction and improve the overall management of benefits options.
Exceptional Customer Service
This point builds off the last point about local agents being on-call when you need them. Would you rather talk to a real person who you've spoken to before or an automated service when you have questions about your group health insurance? Pressing # to get help with one issue and then being transferred for help and starting the process over is very tedious.
With a local group insurance agent by your side, you'll have peace of mind knowing you'll have quick, quality customer service when you need it, and from a real person, too. If you need to submit a claim, your agent will be able to explain your coverage and options and walk you through the steps to complete your claim.
At Grey Cardinal Insurance Group, our health insurance agents live in the same communities you do, so they know what you are going through or dealing with and are likely already on top of it for you. With that added peace of mind, you can focus more clearly on the core aspects of your business.
A Business Group Health Insurance Agency in Charleston, SC, You Can Trust
No matter which group health insurance policy you decide on, Grey Cardinal Insurance Group is here to support you. Our experienced agents will collaborate closely with you to understand your needs and find the best health plan options for your business and employees. Reach out to us today to explore your small business group insurance options and get a quote.
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Latest News in Charleston, SC
Groucho's Deli opens new Charleston location, led by a fourth-generation member of original family
Jenny Peterson jpeterson@postandcourier.comhttps://www.postandcourier.com/business/retail/charleston-sc-grouchos-deli-sandwich-restaurant/article_96f2ad00-b02d-4668-aa7a-dfc974ad4709.html
A sandwich chain that's operated in South Carolina for more than 80 years has added a West Ashley stop.Groucho’s Deli, led by Max Miller — the great-grandson of founder Harold “Groucho” Miller — opened at 975 Savannah Highway in St. Andrews Shopping Center.Miller has been working for the family business since growing up Columbia, wh...
A sandwich chain that's operated in South Carolina for more than 80 years has added a West Ashley stop.
Groucho’s Deli, led by Max Miller — the great-grandson of founder Harold “Groucho” Miller — opened at 975 Savannah Highway in St. Andrews Shopping Center.
Miller has been working for the family business since growing up Columbia, where his grandfather opened the first restaurant in 1941 in the Five Points area.
“When I was 12 years old, I remember my dad used to pull a bar stool up and set me in front of the cash register,” Miller said.
After attending the College of Charleston, he opened his first Groucho’s Deli in Mount Pleasant in 2020.
The West Ashley outpost is Miller's second franchise, co-owned by Nick Basile, a lifelong friend and the former manager of the Five Points Groucho’s.
“He and I worked there almost every day in high school,” Miller said.
The West Ashley shop renews Groucho's presence in Charleston after the downtown location at 364A King St. closed in 2022 after 20 years. The franchise owner stated he had been priced out of the market.
Another Groucho’s Deli opened in Summerville in 2017 and is still going strong and another is in Mount Pleasant.
The deli, known for its “dipper” subs, large salads and signature “Formula 45 Sauce, was first franchised in the early 2000s by Bruce Miller, the third generation to operate the restaurant. The chain has grown to 32 locations in three states, with about three new stores added a year.
The count has come far since its namesake founder to Columbia in 1941 after spending his childhood in a Philadelphia orphanage with "a handful" of original recipes for potato salad coleslaw and dressings for salads and sandwiches.
Cruise line plots a course from Charleston to Alaska for travelers with time on their hands
John McDermott jmcdermott@postandcourier.comhttps://www.postandcourier.com/business/cruise-line-plots-a-course-from-charleston-to-alaska-for-travelers-with-time-on-their/article_223ab150-b938-4754-9e0f-dc98a096e21a.html
Charleston will be the point of embarkation for an transcontinental excursion that ends almost 4,000 miles away in the 49th state, requiring travelers to board five ships and at least two airplanes to complete the lengthy journey.American Cruise Lines unveiled several new packages last week ties to the nation’s 250th birthday next year.Among them is “Spring Across America 2026,” a 51-day, 50-night sailing that departs the Holy City next April 3 for points south, including Beau...
Charleston will be the point of embarkation for an transcontinental excursion that ends almost 4,000 miles away in the 49th state, requiring travelers to board five ships and at least two airplanes to complete the lengthy journey.
American Cruise Lines unveiled several new packages last week ties to the nation’s 250th birthday next year.
Among them is “Spring Across America 2026,” a 51-day, 50-night sailing that departs the Holy City next April 3 for points south, including Beaufort and Hilton Head Island.
The first leg, on the 100-guest American Liberty, ends at Amelia Island near Jacksonville, Fla., where passengers with time to spare will switch to the American Pioneer for a trip around the tip of the Sunshine State and up to St. Petersburg.
Then, they’ll hop on a plane for Memphis for a segment on the American Serenade that'll take them down the Mississippi to New Orleans. From there, they’ll head west via another commercial aircraft to Clarkton, Wash., near the Idaho border to check out the sights along the Columbia and Snake rivers on the American Harmony.
The final stretch, on the American Constitution, shoves off from Seattle. It’ll ferry travelers along the coast of British Columbia before dropping anchor at the final port of call on May 23 in the Alaska capital of Juneau.
“With seamless ship transitions, immersive excursions, and ever-changing scenery, this coast-to-coast voyage is a rare chance to experience the country’s diverse landscapes, history, and cultures — all in one epic journey,” the Guilford, Conn.-based boutique cruise line said.
Prices for Spring Across America were not posted on the company’s website as of April 14.
Sports talk
Not all of the main sports action was at the Masters last week.
At Kiawah Island Golf Resort, about 160 miles from Augusta National, a low-key, high-level get-together was back for at least the fourth spring go-around at to the luxury seaside resort.
The annual corporate global leadership summit, organized by Bruin Capital and the online news outlet Sportico, brings together high-level power brokers from the sports, media, technology and finance industries.
The A-list attendees this year included NBA commissioner Adam Silver and former U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, according to CBNC, which, as in previous years, was granted exclusive access to the mostly off-the-record conference.
The cable network’s on-air interviews featured billionaire Marc Rowen of private-equity giant Apollo Global Management and Vlad Tenev, the CEO and co-founder of the stock-trading platform Robinhood.
Variety reported other attendees included actor Ryan Reynolds, who co-owns of a Welsh soccer club, “Yellowstone” creator and horseman Taylor Sheridan, Dallas Mavericks investor and “Shark Tank” co-host Mark Cuban, Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan and Eldridge CEO Todd Boehly, who owns a home on Sullivan’s Island.
The Kiawah gathering has been described a “super-sized” version of a yearly luncheon that Bruin Capital once held in New York. Another media report from a 2022 invitee said the organizers are looking to develop a sports summit akin to a well-known Allen & Co. media and finance conference held annually in Sun Valley, Idaho.
New use
The former Roper Hospice Cottage in Mount Pleasant is being put back to use.
The parent of Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health in North Charleston is repurposing the 2.8-acre property at 676 Wando Park Blvd. as Sea Grove Recovery, which will treat substance use and mental health disorders. A ribbon cutting was scheduled for April 15.
The 41-bed treatment center will be operated by Foundations Recovery Network, which is part of King of Prussia, Pa.-based Universal Health Services Inc.
“The facility is designed to support individuals on their journey to recovery, with an emphasis on evidence-based treatments, compassionate care, and a holistic approach to wellness,” according to a written statement.
Universal Health Services, under the name Palmetto Behavioral Health System LLC, bought the Mount Pleasant property near Long Point Road and Interstate 526 for $4.5 million in September 2023. It declined at the time to reveal its plans.
Roper St. Francis Healthcare shuttered the end-of-life services campus in mid-2023 after an 18-year run under a transition “to patient homes and within our hospitals as part of our strategic plan,” a spokesman said.
Makimg connections
Home Telecom has expanded its SmartTown Community Wi-Fi to Moncks Corner, following what the company calls a “successful inaugural launch" last fall in Nexton.
The program offers wireless broadband throughout public parks and spaces in town, with the same speed and security measures customers have at home.
Wi-Fi access is now available in areas such as the ballfields at the Moncks Corner Recreational Complex, the Train Depot, Unity Park, the Home Telecom Miracle League Field, and the Market Pavilion, where a farmers market and other events are held.
Gina Shuler, vice president of marketing at Home Telecom, said Nexton and Moncks Corner are “just the start.
“SmartTown connections are expanding within our service areas and beyond, ensuring Home Telecom customers can stay securely connected,” Schuler said.
Nexton’s program rolled out in November, making Wi-Fi accessible in the Nexton Square, Brighton Park Great Lawn, The Hub and Brown Family Park.
Masters in midwifery
Demand for midwives is spurring the University of South Carolina’s College of Nursing into action.
The school announced will be offer the state’s only accredited nurse-midwifery education program starting this fall. It will prepare students to provide reproductive health and primary care with a special emphasis on prenatal and postpartum pregnancy, childbirth and gynecologic health.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7 percent increase in nurse midwives over the next decade.
The blended online and hands-on training program will allow registered nurses to earn a master's degree and to sit for a certification exam.
Ten midwifery practices across the state have committed to providing clinical education opportunities for the students, including multiple locations in the Charleston area, according to the college, which anticipates expanding on the specialty further. It plans to launch a doctorate of nursing with a focus on midwifery in 2026.
Disc breaks
Following the opening of its first retailer, Santee Cooper's Camp Hall business park is gearing up for its first recreational amenity.
The industrial hub near the Volvo Cars plant in Berkeley County will unveil an 18-hole disc golf course, featuring Innova Discatchers and 13-by-6-feet concrete tee pads. The layout will open April 26 with a tournament to mark the occasion.
Additional features include new basketball courts, a kid-friendly playground and walking trails next to Refuel Gas Station, which opened in mid-March as the first retailer at Avian Commons, the commercial center of the property.
Plans call for small businesses, food stops and other conveniences to serve on-site workers, residents and travelers in the region.
Santee Cooper came up with Camp Hall when Volvo announced in 2015 that it would build its only U.S. manufacturing plant near Ridgeville. The state-owned power and water utility bought the former timber property for development from MeadWestvaco Corp. for $34.1 million.
9 Best New Restaurants in Charleston, March 2025
Erin Perkinshttps://carolinas.eater.com/maps/best-new-charleston-restaurants
More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends, and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? What are the new restaurants? What's everyone talking about? While the Eater 18 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the "it" places of the moment. Enter the Eater Heatmap, which will change continually to highlight the spots crowds...
More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends, and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? What are the new restaurants? What's everyone talking about? While the Eater 18 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the "it" places of the moment. Enter the Eater Heatmap, which will change continually to highlight the spots crowds are flocking to at the moment or generating a big buzz. Folks are asking, "Have you been yet?" Try one of these newbies today.
This month, chef Sean Brock’s Joyland location joins the list.
For all the latest Charleston dining intel, subscribe to Eater Charleston's newsletter.
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.
Chinese American restaurant Jackrabbit Filly moved up the street to a bigger dining room and more prominent location. With the move comes a more extensive menu with exciting new options. Karrage, dumplings, and fried rice are still on the menu, but now there’s also a crab rangoon cheese ball, mapo tofu vol au vent, spicy Korean gnocchi, and Sichuan seafood wonton soup.
The couple behind Wagener Terrace hangout Berkeley’s recently opened their second restaurant, the Archer. They want it to have the same neighborhood vibes but raise the stakes with a full bar and fine dining-level comfort plates. Chef Paul Farmer (formerly of Three Sirens), puts out plates like duck frites, baked oysters, beef stroganoff, chicken liver mousse, and chilled crab dip.
Chubby Fish (most recently visited by Martha Stewart) has smartly expanded into the space next door with another cozy nautical space, but this time, the team is focused on world-class cocktails from Christian Favier (formerly of the Ordinary). Rum figures heavily on the list, but there’s also a delicious smoked dirty martini and plenty of fizzy drinks thanks to a fancy Japanese Suntory highball machine. Customers can order snacks from the ever-changing menu, including oysters, crudos, agnolotti, Iberico ham, and more.
Legami is a new Italian restaurant boasting a chef brought in from Rome by a family with roots in Turin, Italy. Washington Street Hospitality, which controls three Pasta Beach restaurants in New England, thought the King Street building would be another location for Pasta Beach, but decided to switch it up once they got into the historic building. Chef Andrea Congiusta cooks modern Italian fare with some influences from France. “We took inspiration from the classic fine dining, but we also want to have something fun, something that looks very fancy, and something you can crave,” says Congiusta. Dishes include king crab tagliolini, beef Wellington, and veal Milanese.
Modern steakhouse Marbled & Fin is giving all the other steakhouses a run for their money. The expansive dining room fills nightly with well-heeled customers ready to see and be seen. On the menu, chef Eucepe “Cepe” Puntriano includes all the steakhouse classics plus an emphasis on seafood dishes for non-meat eaters. Look for seafood towers, wedge salads, wagyu beef, bone marrow with oysters, creamed spinach, and more.
Superstar chef Sean Brock has brought his fast-casual burger/biscuit joint to the Lowcountry. Joyland is Brock’s fun nod to the fast-food joints of yesteryear. Breakfast includes all types of biscuit sandwiches and a breakfast burrito. The lunch and dinner menu includes the Joyburger Deluxe, fried chicken sandwiches, Chicago dogs, Crustburgers, and Joysticks. Most of the menu items can be made gluten-free.
Chef Micheal Toscano recently opened a taco shop next to his Italian restaurant Le Farfalle. Blanca Estrada is Toscano’s ode to his Mexican mother and grandmother, whose cooking was an early influence on his culinary journey. The kitchen offers a selection of tacos, from cochinita pibil to lengua, several specials, like a lamb neck burrito, and several tequila drinks and pineapple vinegar soda.
Ice-cold martinis with a side of caviar set the vibe at By the Way, a new upscale lounge and restaurant in Cannonborough/Elliotborough hoping to draw a slightly more mature clientele away from King Street. It’s from Uptown Hospitality Group, the folks behind hotspots like Uptown Social and Bodega, in partnership with Craig Conover and Austen Kroll, two stars of Bravo TV’s Southern Charm. Fairly intimate with the feel of an old-world tavern, By the Way serves a menu of trendy pub fare like ’nduja deviled eggs, poutine, fried oysters with caviar, and steak frites.
Charming new hotel the Dunlin offers sweeping views of the Kiawah River, abundant hospitality, and coastal Southern fare in its signature restaurant, Linnette’s. Chef Michael DeCicco puts out dishes like a pressed and pickled watermelon salad, wood-fired oysters, cornmeal-crusted flounder, and a sorghum-benne lacquered steak with charred okra.
Chinese American restaurant Jackrabbit Filly moved up the street to a bigger dining room and more prominent location. With the move comes a more extensive menu with exciting new options. Karrage, dumplings, and fried rice are still on the menu, but now there’s also a crab rangoon cheese ball, mapo tofu vol au vent, spicy Korean gnocchi, and Sichuan seafood wonton soup.
The couple behind Wagener Terrace hangout Berkeley’s recently opened their second restaurant, the Archer. They want it to have the same neighborhood vibes but raise the stakes with a full bar and fine dining-level comfort plates. Chef Paul Farmer (formerly of Three Sirens), puts out plates like duck frites, baked oysters, beef stroganoff, chicken liver mousse, and chilled crab dip.
Chubby Fish (most recently visited by Martha Stewart) has smartly expanded into the space next door with another cozy nautical space, but this time, the team is focused on world-class cocktails from Christian Favier (formerly of the Ordinary). Rum figures heavily on the list, but there’s also a delicious smoked dirty martini and plenty of fizzy drinks thanks to a fancy Japanese Suntory highball machine. Customers can order snacks from the ever-changing menu, including oysters, crudos, agnolotti, Iberico ham, and more.
Legami is a new Italian restaurant boasting a chef brought in from Rome by a family with roots in Turin, Italy. Washington Street Hospitality, which controls three Pasta Beach restaurants in New England, thought the King Street building would be another location for Pasta Beach, but decided to switch it up once they got into the historic building. Chef Andrea Congiusta cooks modern Italian fare with some influences from France. “We took inspiration from the classic fine dining, but we also want to have something fun, something that looks very fancy, and something you can crave,” says Congiusta. Dishes include king crab tagliolini, beef Wellington, and veal Milanese.
Modern steakhouse Marbled & Fin is giving all the other steakhouses a run for their money. The expansive dining room fills nightly with well-heeled customers ready to see and be seen. On the menu, chef Eucepe “Cepe” Puntriano includes all the steakhouse classics plus an emphasis on seafood dishes for non-meat eaters. Look for seafood towers, wedge salads, wagyu beef, bone marrow with oysters, creamed spinach, and more.
Superstar chef Sean Brock has brought his fast-casual burger/biscuit joint to the Lowcountry. Joyland is Brock’s fun nod to the fast-food joints of yesteryear. Breakfast includes all types of biscuit sandwiches and a breakfast burrito. The lunch and dinner menu includes the Joyburger Deluxe, fried chicken sandwiches, Chicago dogs, Crustburgers, and Joysticks. Most of the menu items can be made gluten-free.
Chef Micheal Toscano recently opened a taco shop next to his Italian restaurant Le Farfalle. Blanca Estrada is Toscano’s ode to his Mexican mother and grandmother, whose cooking was an early influence on his culinary journey. The kitchen offers a selection of tacos, from cochinita pibil to lengua, several specials, like a lamb neck burrito, and several tequila drinks and pineapple vinegar soda.
Ice-cold martinis with a side of caviar set the vibe at By the Way, a new upscale lounge and restaurant in Cannonborough/Elliotborough hoping to draw a slightly more mature clientele away from King Street. It’s from Uptown Hospitality Group, the folks behind hotspots like Uptown Social and Bodega, in partnership with Craig Conover and Austen Kroll, two stars of Bravo TV’s Southern Charm. Fairly intimate with the feel of an old-world tavern, By the Way serves a menu of trendy pub fare like ’nduja deviled eggs, poutine, fried oysters with caviar, and steak frites.
Charming new hotel the Dunlin offers sweeping views of the Kiawah River, abundant hospitality, and coastal Southern fare in its signature restaurant, Linnette’s. Chef Michael DeCicco puts out dishes like a pressed and pickled watermelon salad, wood-fired oysters, cornmeal-crusted flounder, and a sorghum-benne lacquered steak with charred okra.
BermudAir lands at Charleston International, offering a first-of-its-kind nonstop
Megan Fernandes mfernandes@postandcourier.comhttps://www.postandcourier.com/business/tourism/charleston-sc-bermuda-bermudair-chs/article_608d82f6-e643-4c22-9d01-f21cf03eae62.html
Bermuda's pink-sand beaches are just a nonstop flight away for Lowcountry residents, now that BermudAir has launched its newests nonstop route."Ladies and Gentlemen, the first Bermuda flight to Charleston has just landed. We will be boarding shortly," an airline gate agent said over the airport's intercom as the direct flight from Bermuda touched down on the CHS runway April 19.It was followed by applause of passengers waiting to board....
Bermuda's pink-sand beaches are just a nonstop flight away for Lowcountry residents, now that BermudAir has launched its newests nonstop route.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the first Bermuda flight to Charleston has just landed. We will be boarding shortly," an airline gate agent said over the airport's intercom as the direct flight from Bermuda touched down on the CHS runway April 19.
It was followed by applause of passengers waiting to board.
The excitement drew onlookers from nearby gates to the window to watch the plane marked with a colorful bright tail pull into gate A1. The pilots, still in the cockpit, waved at the crowd.
Fran Tucker Griffiths was among the group, waiting with her ticket and passport in hand to board. She lived in Bermuda for 38 years and raised her children on the island. To her, it's still home even though she spends most of her time in South Carolina now.
"The day they announced this flight, I booked it," Tucker Griffiths said. "I'm so excited. I've been waiting since 1982 for a nonstop route. We've had to fly Delta through Atlanta and make a whole day of it, but this two-hour flight saves us a day of travel."
She already has tickets booked for May and June trips.
"Bermuda has amazing golf and the most beautiful beaches and people. It's just a special place," Tucker Griffiths said.
The resort island's carrier will serve Charleston year-round with a once-weekly Saturday flight to and from L.F. Wade International Airport in the historic town of St. George.
The weekly flight departs CHS at 5:30 p.m. every Saturday and arrives in St. George's about two hours and 10 minutes later. The return leg will land around 4:45 p.m. every Saturday.
BermudAir took to the skies slightly over a year ago, with two Embraer ER-170 jets to serve three U.S. cities. Before the carrier hit its first anniversary, it had entered seven markets in North America. BermudAir now flies to 10 destinations in the U.S. and three in Canada.
BermudAir is the first carrier to be headquartered on the island, which is about 900 miles nearly due east of the South Carolina coastline.
CEO Adam D. Scott said year-round service is key to its goal of making Bermuda a destination for business and leisure travelers beyond being a summer destination.
"We're really pleased with the interest from both directions," Scott said.
Scott was on the inaugural CHS flight, which was more than 60 percent full. He said it's sometimes hard to anticipate how balanced the outbound and inbound traffic will be. He said seeing the balance from day one is "indicative of the demand in both markets."
"Charleston a great historic city with a lot of unique character, and so is Bermuda," Scott said.
More than 40 passengers deplaned at CHS, and another 30 boarded shortly after.
Among those landing in Charleston was a Daniel Island family returning from a spring break trip. Frank Pete and wife Katy and two children chose Bermuda as their vacation destination because they could take the BermudAir flight home.
"It was nice clearing customs in Bermuda, because it made flying back a breeze as if we were flying domestic," he said. "The experience was great. We enjoyed the stalagmite caves, beaches and cliff jumping on the trip."
While the once-weekly route is not ideal for those staying longer or less than a week, Scott, the CEO, said the goal is to move to a twice-weekly flight in the future if interest remains strong. He doesn't see it as a weakness in the meantime, since passengers can fly back to the U.S. with the carrier and get back to Charleston via a domestic connection. Alternatively, they can fly through another carrier, which also requires a connecting flight.
Bermuda is known as a vibrant, tropical and cosmopolitan getaway with blush-colored sand, coral reefs, historic sites and an international finance sector.
Travelers from Bermuda shared their favorite sights to see beyond the pink sand beaches it's most known for — like crystal caves, the historic town of St. George, Royal Naval Dockyard and other spots.
Charleston International CEO Elliott Summey said the schedule between the Lowcountry and Bermuda "marks a significant milestone for both regions" and promotes business and leisure travel between the two areas.
“This new route enhances our international connectivity and strengthens economic and cultural ties between the Lowcountry and the island," Summey said.
Debi Ray-Rivers is an example of that business demand. She's a Bermudian who just recently moved to Hilton Head Island full-time. She was on her way to Bermuda to manage her nonprofit and she has a return ticket booked for next week.
"I will be flying back and forth regularly, so I am very excited to have this convenient option," Ray-Rivers said.
Before BermudAir, she'd fly out from Savannah-Hilton Head International to a connecting flight in Atlanta.
"I hope people come visit Bermuda because of this route. We have the most beautiful island and it's an absolute gem in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean," Ray-Rivers added.
Beverly Connell, a Bermudian that lives in the Beaufort area, said the route saves her from the usual long layover in Atlanta or Charlotte airports.
"I couldn't believe there would ever be a direct flight to Bermuda from Charleston. The less airports you have to go through the better," Connell said.
Connell said the two pairings share much in common, with historic sites, beaches and big tourism industries.
"Bermuda is very unique in terms of its beauty, its people and culture rooted in English and Bermudian traditions," she said.
Reach Megan Fernandes at mfernandes@postandcourier.com.
Bishop of Charleston conveys 'deep sorrow' in response to Pope Francis' death
Kenna Coehttps://www.postandcourier.com/charleston_sc/pope-francis-death-charleston--sc-mourns/article_87985718-af82-4f4e-9a03-2dad7e5a692a.html
Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune of the Diocese of Charleston expressed "deep sorrow" in response to Pope Francis' death.Francis, the first Latin American pontiff who strongly advocated for the poor, died Monday. He was 88."His leadership, compassion and unwavering...
Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune of the Diocese of Charleston expressed "deep sorrow" in response to Pope Francis' death.
Francis, the first Latin American pontiff who strongly advocated for the poor, died Monday. He was 88.
"His leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment to peace and justice have inspired millions worldwide, and in a special way the young," Fabre-Jeune wrote in statement.
Fabre-Jeune, who was appointed by Francis as the Bishop of Charleston in 2022, wrote that the Pope reminded parishioners of the "importance of mercy, forgiveness and love," especially to those who are suffering, impoverished and struggling with addiction or illness.
"As we mourn his passing and grieve, we also rejoice in the hope of the Resurrection," he wrote. "Let us turn to prayer, asking for his intercession and entrusting his soul to God’s mercy as we carry his legacy of love, humility and service to others."
Francis, who suffered from lung disease and had part of one lung removed when he was young, developed double pneumonia after he was admitted to Gemelli hospital for a respiratory crisis on Feb. 14.
Francis' final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, a day before his death, as he blessed thousands of people at St. Peter's Square. Francis performed the blessing from the same spot he was introduced as pope on March 13, 2013.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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