Grit Bakery opened last summer. | Photo by @ryanbelk
We’re almost a month into the new year already, and the Holy City’s food scene continues to grow and change.
Check out these new January restaurant openings in Charleston. Don’t forget to bookmark this article — we update it monthly. Wetzel’s Pretzels, 9880 Dorcester Rd. | Pretzels
The chain has 450+ locations across the country, but this is South Carolina’s first. Head inside the Summerville Walmart to experience their doughy goodness. Barrier Island Oyster Co., 2871 Maybank Hwy. | Lowcountry seafood
If you’ve lived in the Lowcountry for a minute, chances are you’ve eaten oysters harvested by this duo. But now, the company has its first has its first brick-and-mortar location on Johns Island.
The Pass, 976J Houston Northcutt Blvd. | Sandwiches
The popular local sandwich spot opened another Lowcountry location — this one’s in Mount Pleasant.
In South Carolina, the Education Lottery is more than just a game — it’s a powerful tool reshaping education. | Photo provided by South Carolina Education Lottery
The impact of the South Carolina Education Lottery reaches far beyond the numbers on a ticket — it’s helping shape the future of education across the state.
Just ask Caleb Brown and Montrel Coles, two South Carolina teachers whose journeys were supported in part by lottery-funded LIFE scholarships. Today, they’re paying that opportunity forward in classrooms where representation, mentorship, and community matter most.
Brown now teaches at Riverside High School, bringing his passion for learning back to the community that helped shape him. For Coles, a teacher at Carvers Bay Middle School, the scholarship opened the door to the Call Me MISTER program, which focuses on recruiting and retaining male teachers, especially in underserved areas.
Coles says seeing educators who looked like him made a lasting difference, and he’s proud to now be that example for his students. Together, their stories highlight how lottery-funded scholarships don’t just support higher education — they strengthen South Carolina’s schools from the inside out.
How about one more new eatery? Recently, artisanal sandwich shop Giannone quietly opened in Mount Pleasant, slinging outrageous sammies + delectable focaccia bites.
Community
Today, January 27, is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Charleston City Hall will be illuminated with yellow lighting tonight as a symbol of remembrance.
Announced
Concert announcements keep rolling in for 2026. Mark your calendars for Thursday, Sept 17 — that’s when Zac Brown Band is coming to Credit One Stadium. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Jan. 28.
Weather
Over 200 million people across the US were impacted by the recent winter storm. The storm also triggered the highest number of flight cancellations since March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. With hurricane season around the corner, the best time to prepare for adverse weather in the Lowcountry is as soon as possible. (NBC News)
Coming Soon
The 34th annual Sand & Sea Festival returns to Folly Beach next month. A trip to the coastal town on Saturday, Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 22 will feature 80+ local vendors, local food and drink offerings, a sand sculpting contest, and other family-friendly fun. Tickets are $10.
Mailbag
"The Blues House of Wings on Johnnie Dodds in Mount Pleasant has the best wings in Charleston” according to reader Tim A. Do you agree? Send in your wing recommendations so folks can get ready for the Super Bowl.
Cause
The winter storm has severely impacted the region’s blood supply, creating an urgent need for donors. Those who donate blood can earn $40 in TBC Rewards. Every donation counts — patients are waiting, and lifesaving help is needed now.Learn more + donate.*
Job
You’re three times more likely to get hired with GetHiredNow, TopResume’s personalized job placement service that reduces job-search friction, time, and stress. Pay one fee + get dedicated one-on-one support until you’re hired — guaranteed. Explore plans and book a consultation.*
Shop
If we could only buy one thing this month? We’d buy two — a two-piece set, that is. Eliminate outfit guesswork + look instantly put together with this best-selling comfy travel set, or turn the cozy up a notch with this knit loungewear set.*
One of our favorite on-the-go essentials: deodorizing body wipes. We stash them in our car + purse because you never know when you’ll need a quick little refresh.
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