Charleston continues to evolve into a vibrant cultural and culinary destination in 2025. Here's your guide to the latest restaurants, shops, and events shaping the city this September.

Championing Gullah Geechee Heritage at the Airport

Charleston International Airport now features “Kardea Brown’s Southern Kitchen,” a new restaurant by Food Network star Chef Kardea Brown. It celebrates Gullah Geechee culture through authentic dishes—fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese grits balls, red rice, collard greens—crafted from family recipes. Brown’s venture aims to showcase this rich Lowcountry culinary heritage to travelers, serving as a cultural portal from the moment they land.

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Source: The Guardian

Diverse Growth in the Local Economy

Expansion Across Sectors

• Charles River Laboratories is expanding operations in Charleston County with a $13 million investment in its microbial solutions facility.

• Holy City Linen is adding new equipment with a $4.4 million investment.

• Alpha Sheet Metal Works is growing with a $3.7 million expansion, adding 14 new jobs.

• Mesa Land Services established a new operation here through a $1.3 million investment, creating 24 new jobs.

• Davis Defense Group, Inc. is supporting 30 new jobs with an investment of $100,000.

• Google is investing across the state with two new data center campuses in Dorchester County and an expansion in Berkeley County, totaling a $3.3 billion investment and generating hundreds of jobs.

Driving Innovation & Startups

• Beemok has launched the Catalyst Startup Pitch Competition, offering up to $1 million in funding to early-stage companies in Charleston’s tri-county area, with a live pitch event slated for November 8, 2025.

Source: Charleston Regional Development Alliance; Charleston Business

Port of Charleston & Industrial Momentum

• Despite a slight plateau, Charleston’s industrial real estate market remains resilient in mid-2025. Key indicators:

  • TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) volume remains strong.

  • Leasing volume is up in 2025, with nearly 2 million sq ft leased, projecting a 6% year-over-year increase.

  • Vacancy rates leveling off after prior hikes.

• The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project has been completed, clearing paths for larger cargo ships and reinforcing its status as the deepest harbor on the East Coast.​

Public Transit & Parks Planning

• Construction is set to begin in 2026 on the Lowcountry Rapid Transit bus system—a $625 million mass transit project slated to operate by late 2028 or 2029.

• The Lowcountry Lowline, a planned 1.7-mile linear urban park and flood mitigation corridor, awaits phased construction and potential economic payoff—estimated at $4.8 billion over 20 years. Development is still in the planning phase.

Charleston’s Retail Evolution: A Luxury Shopping Renaissance

Charleston is transforming into a premier luxury retail destination. The city welcomed premium brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, La Ligne, Sézane, and LoveShackFancy, all choosing King Street as their stage. Local boutiques like Hampden and Worthwhile continue catering to discerning clientele with curated experiences and personalized service. This retail boom is boosted by rising visitor spending throughout 2024, further fueled by new upscale hotels like Hotel Richemont (opened June 2025) and the upcoming Four Seasons, poised to bring even more affluent shoppers to the city.

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Source: Vogue Business

Food & Wine Classic Returns: Star-Powered Culinary Showcase

From November 14–16, 2025, Charleston will host the Food & Wine Classic, a high-profile culinary festival featuring TV celebrities like Gail Simmons, Emeril Lagasse (with his son E.J.), Tyler Florence, Maneet Chauhan, and Andrew Zimmern. The event includes wine and cocktail seminars led by top sommeliers, a Grand Tasting, and the “Lowcountry Tailgate” by Southern Living—an exciting fusion of BBQ, live music, and local foods along the Kiawah River. Local culinary talents such as Mike Lata and Rodney Scott will also be highlighted.

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Source: People.com

Infrastructure & Economic Strategy Enhancements

In March 2025, Charleston unveiled its “Charleston Inspired: Discover the Possibilities” five-year economic strategy, crafted with Ernst & Young and spearheaded by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA). It aims to fuel innovation, attract top-tier talent, and expand regional economic inclusivity.

Source: SCbio

Urban Redevelopment, Housing Initiatives & Rentals

• The Ashley Landing area is undergoing a major $345 million redevelopment, featuring green spaces, apartments, townhomes, and significant retail/restaurant space—construction begins in phases between 2025 and 2028.

• Addressing housing challenges, Charleston recently announced an ambitious plan to create 3,500 affordable housing units by community-wide collaboration.

• Short-term rentals are thriving, especially around Labor Day. Coastal areas like Charleston and Hilton Head enjoyed record high revenues, with Charleston benefiting from robust domestic travel and rising daily rental rates.

Source: New York Post; Local News