Chimney Sweep in Mount Pleasant, SC

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. —

A popular restaurant in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, has announced its closing.

The Mustard Seed has been in business for more than 28 years.

(Video above: Morning headlines from WYFF News 4)

The owner, Sal Parco, posted Sunday on Facebook that he will retire and the restaurant will close and be taken over by a new group.

Read his full message below:

"It’s with a heavy heart and mixed emotions, I am writing to formally announce my retirement and the closing of the Mustard Seed. Please visit me as this will be my final week and it is my hope to see as many of you as possible. I opened the original Mustard Seed over 28 yrs ago, and it’s been quite a journey. Along the way I’ve had the privilege to serve the greater Mt Pleasant community, even opening up additional restaurant concepts that were frequented by my cherished customers. It has been my great honor to be a part of the restaurant community and I’ll never be able to express my appreciation toward the many customers that I now consider to be my family. I am forever grateful to have been welcomed in with such open arms and my gratitude toward you is immense. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed coming to work everyday, meeting, greeting and serving the most wonderful group of loyal customers. You have been my family for almost 30 years and I will miss each and every one of you. But it is time to pass on the baton…

"To my Mustard Seed team, thank you for your commitment and your loyalty. You have made this feel more like a passion project as opposed to work. A special thanks to my dedicated leaders that always stepped up even through the many challenges we’ve faced throughout the years. I never questioned your integrity as you added to the successes we achieved. But after much thought and careful consideration, I realize that it’s time to slow down as I’m not a youngster anymore and all good things must come to an end. I want to thank everyone for the experiences and opportunities I have been able to enjoy. The fond memories of our times together will follow me into my retirement and any future endeavors.

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"Until then, I am fully committed to assisting in the transition of the new group taking over… I know this wonderful community will embrace them just as you did me 28+ years ago. You allowed me to live out my dreams and achieve opportunities that I couldn’t even imagine were possible. I love each and everyone of you! All the best,Sal Parco"

One mother is demanding better for her children after what she said were questionable experiences at a Mount Pleasant daycare.

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - One mother is demanding better for her children after what she said were questionable experiences at a Mount Pleasant daycare.

April Gilliard said her children attended Sunshine House for two years before she ultimately pulled them from the center after hearing a toddler was found wandering near Long Point Road.

Witness reports from Sunshine House staff that were received from the Department of Social Services show a toddler escaped out of a gate while on the playground and was found by staff in the arms of a truck driver.

Gilliard said the daycare never addressed what happened to the other parents, she was made aware of the situation through a post on social media.

“I asked about it and was told that wasn’t true,” Gilliard said. “I was told it was the previous director who was trying to sabotage the reputation or the name of the center.”

Gilliard said she had her own questionable experiences at the daycare as well. Some days she had trouble getting in contact with the daycare to check on her kids. On other days, when she received pictures from staff, it looked like too many children were in one classroom.

“When I got to the center I asked, ‘How was your day, what’s going on, did you guys have to combine classrooms,’” Gilliard said. “None of that was really communicated.”

She said the social media post about the escaped toddler was her final straw.

“It makes me question what happened prior to this incident,” Gilliard said.

Documents obtained from the Freedom of Information Act show inadequate supervision at the daycare has been an ongoing problem since 2015.

According to Department of Social Services documents, eight separate visits to the center reported deficiencies in areas like improper child-to-caregiver ratio, unqualified caregivers, inadequate supervision or improper accounting for the presence of children.

Gillard said by sharing her experiences, she is advocating for her own children and other children in the community.

“These are issues that are going on and no one is being held accountable, no one is actually speaking on it, and some parents don’t have social media to find out or learn about these things,” Gilliard said.

Sunshine House provided the following comment:

This past May, at our school in Mount Pleasant on Long Point Road, a child on the playground opened an exterior gate and was able to leave the premises and walk through the parking lot.

The safety and well-being of the children in our care is our highest priority. While the child was, thankfully, returned unharmed to the school two minutes later, we are distraught that this occurred.

Following the incident, we contacted the child’s family and officially notified our state licensor and Child Protective Services, per state licensing regulations and company procedures. The teachers were placed on administrative leave pending the results of both internal and state licensing investigations. The teachers involved are no longer employed with the company.

The playground gate was functioning and closed at the time of the incident. After this incident, we worked with our state licensors to identify a South Carolina state-approved lock, which was subsequently installed.

Two teachers were supervising 12 children on the playground at the time of the incident. The state ratio for this age group is 1 teacher to 6 children or 2 teachers to 12 children.

The safety and well-being of the children in our care is our highest priority, and we cannot stress enough how seriously we take this incident. We have bolstered our operational procedures and retrained teachers and teammates on playground safety checks and other safety protocols.

The Department of Social Services provided the following comment:

The provider in question was terminated from the ABC Quality program in June 2023 due to documented serious safety violations and the provider has not appealed the decision. Providers must be enrolled in the ABC Quality program to accept childcare scholarship funds issued by the Department of Social Services per federal guidelines.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

People who live in the Carolina Park and Park West area of Mount Pleasant could soon see a new multi-use trail.

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - People who live in the Carolina Park and Park West area of Mount Pleasant could soon see a new multi-use trail.

The proposed trail would run from Park West Boulevard, through the roundabout at Carolina Park, then run through Carolina Park and out to US-17.

The project team held a community input meeting to show people who live in the area renderings of the path and get their feedback on Wednesday night.

The project manager James Aton said the biggest question he has gotten regarding proposed multi-use trail in the Park West, Carolina Park area, is “when are we going to actually see it?”

He says he’s glad so many residents have shown interest in the trail.

“Presenting the concept of this as part of the Mount Pleasant Way, then seeking input on the path, amenities, sidewalk, streetlights, water fountains, things of that nature.” Aton said.

This trail is part of the long-planned Mount Pleasant Way Project in town. Officials with the project say the goal of the Mount Pleasant Way plan is to eventually have 47 miles of multi-use trails that reach all over town.

Aton says as of right now, about 39% of the Mount Pleasant Way Project either complete or tied to imminent projects.

The proposed trail in north Mount Pleasant is one that’s wider than a normal sidewalk, about 10-12 feet.

Aton said it will be about a mile and half, with mostly commercial properties along the trail.

The neighborhood livability division chief and Mount Pleasant resident, Liz Boyles, says she wants anyone in the Mount Pleasant area to know this path isn’t just for people who live in Carolina Park or Park West.

“We’ve already seen a lot of those come into this area, but I’m told some more restaurants like a Mexican place and an ice cream shop have been discussed too,” Boyles said.

Aton says some stores in the area have already agreed to give some right-of-way land to allow the trail.

“This segment made too much sense because commercial properties benefit from additional foot traffic, outreach, they’ve been very supportive of the project,” Aton said.

Right now, the project team wants to get input from the public by the end of July so they can apply for green belt funds.

“We’ve never had something like this in Mount Pleasant,” Boyles said. “We’ve had neighborhood parks and community parks, which are wonderful spaces. But this will enable us to connect those and people within the communities around them to get there more safely without necessarily having to get in the card.”

Once funding is acquired, Aton says they aren’t sure when folks will see the path. However, he predicts it will be somewhere between 5 to 15 years.

For more information on the project and to take the survey, click here.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

A former chiropractor’s office has been transformed into a specialty market selling meat, sauces, seasonings, grilling accessories and more.

Owned by Maddy and Jeremy Park, Heights Meat Market is now open at 426 W. Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant.

Prior to its July 1 opening, the Parks moved to Charleston from Florida, where the original three Heights Meat Market locations operate. The Mount Pleasant venue is the first to open outside of the Sunshine State.

With everything from classic pork chops to Australian wagyu filet, alligator tenders, duck and even kangaroo, the new specialty shop stands out while offering products across the price spectrum.

Mount Pleasant’s new butcher shop Heights Meat Market is now open on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

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Maddy Park and her husband Jeremy Park take a customer’s order at the now open Heights Meat Market in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff

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Kati Israel grills up samples at the now open Heights Meat Market in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff

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A variety of spices are seen at the now open Heights Meat Market in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff

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Charlie Henson, 7 (from left), Millie Henson, 8, and Jessica Henson look at the tasting bar at the now open Heights Meat Market in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff

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Kati Israel serves up samples at the now open Heights Meat Market on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff

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A Japanese Wagyu beef cut is sold at the now open Heights Meat Market on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff

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Alyssa Cleary and Shawn Cleary look at cooler at the now open Heights Meat Market on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff

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Jeremy Park talks with a customer at the now open Heights Meat Market on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff

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People try out sauces at the tasting bar at the now open Heights Meat Market on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff

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Jeremy Park serves up chicken samples at the now open Heights Meat Market in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Andrew J. Whitaker/Staff

On the weekends, Heights’ employees are cooking up samples for customers, imparting some edible entertainment into the shopping experience.

“It’s a fun place to shop,” Maddy Park said. “If they come in on any weekend, they’re going to get some tasty treats.”

Heights Meat Market is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit heightsmeatmarket.com.

In 2019, two beloved North Charleston brands teamed up to bring craft beer, pizza and more to Charleston’s East Side neighborhood.

For more than four years, Baker & Brewer became one of the friendliest venues to grace the peninsula, serving beer brewed by Holy City Brewing and pizza crafted by the people behind EVO Pizzeria.

Now, the restaurant and brewery, located at 94 Stuart St. in the old DeSano Pizza Bakery, is closing Sept. 25 due to an opportunity to vacate the space that ownership “just couldn’t turn down.”

Patrons looking for Holy City beers and EVO pizzas can still visit both establishments in North Charleston, which are at 1021 Aragon Ave. and 1075 East Montague Ave., respectively.

“We’ve had a wild ride these last four and a half years, but we regret to inform you that Baker and Brewer is closing its doors,” ownership wrote on social media. “We just wanted to thank the staff and all of you who came to support the spot on Stuart Street since 2019.”

Baker & Brewer did not immediately respond to requests for comment about a possible future tenant for the 6,000-square-foot space.

Baker & Brewer is the latest in a slew of restaurant closures across the Charleston area.

Mount Pleasant’s Little Miss Ha will close at the end of October, while North Charleston’s Three Sirens shuttered over the weekend. On Sept. 17, The Mustard Seed announced it would close after more than 28 years in Mount Pleasant.

This streamlined Lowcountry home is set off Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, SC. See how the family of 6 made it a perfect fit for them.

Shrimp boats, kayaking outfitters, and lively bars and restaurants line the commercial side of Shem Creek, the gem of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina's Old Village Historic District. But north of the Shem Creek bridge, the waterway winds through quiet neighborhoods where children roam on bikes and go crabbing off backyard docks. "My husband dreamed of being on the water, and we fell in love with this lot. We're drawn to older areas where kids can run around," says owner Maggie Bullwinkel. She and husband George, a Charleston native, had two young children when they began renovating this 3,200-square-foot house that was built in the 1970s. Their third child was 9 months old when they moved in. Maggie refers to her then-infant sidekick as "my design assistant."

While the Bullwinkels had renovated and sold houses before, this one would be a keeper. "It had great bones. We loved the back porch and knew this could be our forever home," Maggie says. Working with architect Hunter Kennedy and designer Sidney Wagner, they spearheaded family-friendly changes to the four-bedroom abode that have definitely paid off. Today, the Bullwinkels have four kids under age 10 and plenty of yard, a great porch, and a frequently used outdoor kitchen to accommodate their active lifestyle.

"Overall, the footprint didn't change much," says Sidney, who squared off the kitchen to make it more functional. As the home's command center, it now opens up to a bright eating nook, which is one of Maggie's favorite spots. "Family dinners are a priority," she says. What was previously a formal dining room, adjacent to the kitchen, became the kids' playroom. They removed an attached garage to make way for a new mudroom/laundry area off the kitchen. "It's basically where I live," quips Maggie. They also elevated and enlarged the back porch to be a seamless open-air extension of the family room, ground zero for entertaining during Clemson University football season. "I love that we really do live in each space," Maggie says. "We use it all."

Brighten It Up

A monochrome kitchen keeps Maggie happy. "It helps to have a clean look in a busy room," she says. Streamlined light fixtures by Cedar & Moss and vintage Lucite barstools scooped up at a local antiques mall add to the airy feel in the room.

Remember That Simplicity Rules

"With four kids, there is plenty of chaos," says Maggie. Namibia marble countertops and Benjamin Moore's Simply White (OC-117) paint make her kitchen a calming space. Plus, they allow the Hampton Faucet by Waterstone to shine as the statement piece.

Let the Landscape Lead

Reorienting the kitchen to open into a family dining area was Maggie's top priority. Hunter bumped out the eating nook to add windows on all sides, inviting in sunlight and creek views. A mid-century modern table and slipcovered chairs keep lines simple, and Roost's whimsical light fixture "softens all the hard surfaces," says Sidney. The fabric used for the curtains (Katana by Kelly Wearstler) is also on the barstools, where it's laminated to be indestructible.

Choose Flexible Design

"We needed comfortable pieces that are easy to rearrange," says Sidney, who was mindful of not blocking the French doors that open to the porch. "I love how the vintage-reproduction chairs are movable and sculpturally interesting from whatever angle." A sofa slipcovered in Crypton fabric is ultrapractical, and bare windows keep things light and airy while connecting well with the porch, she says.

Lean On A Natural Palette

Sidney painted the porch floor in Benjamin Moore's Kennebunkport Green (HC-123), the same color that's used on the exterior trim, and added soothing blue accents to complement the surrounding outdoor hues. "We didn't want to distract from the view," she says. Wicker chairs from CB2 add natural texture, and a fun Annie Selke rug anchors the blue tones. Floor-to-ceiling screens and a vaulted ceiling help the porch feel cool in summer.

Prioritize All-Purpose, All-Season

Two years after moving in, the Bullwinkels worked with architect Chris Heinlen of Heinlen Design to add a backyard shed with a full attic to supplement the home's limited storage. Adjacent to that, they created an outdoor kitchen and entertaining area. "This is our favorite spot for birthday parties, neighborhood suppers, or sometimes sunset sips after the kids have gone to bed," says Maggie. A metal roof, green trim, and white siding tie the shed to the main house.

Stretch Family Space

"I love the playroom right off the kitchen. It's our cuddle area," says Maggie. A big barn door can be closed to contain toys and messes. Commissioned pieces by local artist Michelle Owenby add grown-up flair to the room, designed to one day transform into a family hangout space.

Control Clutter

Maggie believes that tidiness is key, even in the playroom. Each child has (and uses!) a designated toy-and-book basket, and a rotating gallery helps solve the what-to-do-with-endless-kids'-art dilemma.

Invite Some Drama

" 'Are you sure about going this showy?' my husband asked about the paint color, and I was—including covering the ceiling," says Maggie of the vibrant Benjamin Moore Slate Teal (2088-20) she chose for the laundry room. "I love how the boldness brings you in." Custom cabinets add extra pantry space.

Be Bold And Functional

Next to the laundry room, the bold color continues in the mudroom with an added touch of graphic wallpaper. Each kid has their own space for coats and bags in the blue storage wall.