South Carolina is undoubtedly one of the best places to call home in the Southeast. Cities like Charleston boast a rich history, pleasant climate, delicious food, friendly locals, and a laid-back atmosphere that captures the essence of southern hospitality. However, for homeowners and business owners, living in Charleston comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining the appearance of your property.
The humid weather in the area often results in mold and algae growth on surfaces like wood and concrete, which can make your property look unkempt and neglected. Fortunately, Peppers Pressure Washing can help restore your property's beauty and prevent future growth and grime.
When it comes to pressure washing in Charleston, SC, our #1 goal is delivering exceptional pressure washing services by going above and beyond to make sure our clients are satisfied. We ensure their satisfaction by prioritizing good old-fashioned hard work, honest pricing, ongoing communication, advanced training, and industry-leading customer service.
Our pressure washing company in South Carolina is the perfect choice to protect your home or business from mold and mildew across various surfaces. In doing so, we can help minimize unsightly objects like bird's nests and spiderwebs while protecting your property from damage to windows, gutters, roofing, and more. As a licensed, insured pressure washing company, our customer's health and happiness always come first - no questions asked.
So, when you hire Peppers Pressure Washing, you can rest easy knowing our experts will treat your home as if it were our own. When they need the highest quality pressure washing services, clients come to us because our team is:
If you're looking for a dedicated professional that will do the job right, you're in the right place. With over 10 years experience, we have learned to improve our skills and keep our equipment up to date for the best results.
Living in the Lowcountry often means that your home's exterior will suffer from harsh elements such as mildew, dirt, and pollen. If left uncleaned, these contaminants can cause damage to surfaces like brick, stucco, and vinyl over time. At Peppers Pressure Washing, we offer a safe and effective cleaning solution that utilizes time-tested techniques to remove hazardous contaminants from your home's exterior so that it remains uniquely beautiful year-round.
Unlike some pressure washing services in Charleston, however, we have the capability to perform traditional pressure washing as well as low-pressure washing for residential properties.
Most often known as "soft washing," this process involves washing and rinsing your windows and gutters using gentle pressure. Unlike high-pressure tactics - which can cause damage when used by amateurs in inappropriate spaces - soft wash cleaning for your home is specifically designed to remove mildew and algae from porous surfaces without causing harm. With soft washing, you won't have to worry about losing curb appeal or reducing the resale value of your home due to stripped paint or ruined siding.
Our techniques use gentle water pressure and an environmentally friendly cleaning solution to remove contaminants without causing harm to your plants or landscaping. That's why many homeowners ask for a combination of soft washing and pressure washing in Charleston, SC - to address the hard-to-clean areas as well as the more sensitive areas.
Once the cleaning agent has removed the mold, algae, and other contaminants, our team thoroughly rinses the exterior of your home, leaving it looking squeaky clean and envy-worthy to your neighbors. Some additional benefits of Peppers Pressure Washing's soft washing approach include:
Curious if our team can remove the mold and mildew from your driveway, walkways, back deck, and more? Give our office a call today - every estimate we provide is 100% free.
Experienced professionals can enhance your property's curb appeal with well-laid driveways and patios. The same goes for the fencing around your backyard, which can be painted and installed meticulously by experts. However, it's only a matter of time before stains, peeling paint, and other tough-to-remove items begin to sully your home's appearance. Fortunately, with an experienced pressure washing company by your side, you can bring life back to your home, even if it's been plagued by something like graffiti.
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Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Motor vehicles are notorious for leaving oil stains on driveways and in garages, which can be very difficult to get out if you don't know what you're doing. Fortunately, a high-pressure power washer will remove such stains. But even with a pressure washer, you'll need to use the appropriate cleaning solution to fully remove an oil stain from your driveway.
Entrepreneurs understand the importance of presenting a positive image for their brand and business. A first impression is often the only opportunity to showcase what you have to offer. Neglecting the cleanliness and appearance of your warehouse, apartment complex, or storefront could lead to lost revenue. Put yourself in your customers' shoes: If a business owner fails to maintain walkways and other heavily trafficked areas around their location, they may not put much effort into providing quality products.
Every aspect of your building, entrance, parking lot, walking path, or storefront presents an opportunity to impress customers. With commercial pressure washing, you can capitalize on that opportunity and even help retain the same customers you initially impressed. The bottom line? If cleanliness and curb appeal are non-negotiable in your line of business, it's time to call Peppers Pressure Washing for a free estimate.
Don't delay - waiting to have your business pressure washed can end up costing you money. That's why our pressure washing company offers convenient monthly cleanings. We can arrange routine maintenance washing to help keep your business fresh and clean, helping you set the stage for success year-round.
Investing in exterior cleaning is a wise decision for any business owner. Services like pressure washing enhance curb appeal, attract new and returning customers, and show you care about the appearance of your business. But if you're like other hardworking entrepreneurs who are stretched thin as it is, keeping up with cleanliness is easier said than done, especially outside your property.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
Have you noticed that revenue is down, but you can't put your finger on why? In some instances, it could be because of your company's entryways and exteriors. A well-maintained exterior is essential for any business, whether it's a law firm, retail store, or any other establishment. Customers expect to see a property that looks clean, safe, and comfortable. They don't want to feel surrounded by discolored surfaces, mold, or mildew.
If you notice unsightly stains, mold, or mildew on the outside of your business, it may be a sign of standing water issues or simply a lack of regular cleaning. Sure, you could make your own bleach solution and try to tackle the problem yourself. But you run the risk of damaging your property and even harming yourself in the process. The alternative? Contact Peppers Pressure Washing for thoroughly effective pressure washing in Charleston, SC.
At Peppers Pressure Washing, one of the most common questions we receive is why a homeowner or business owner should or should not hire professionals to handle pressure washing. We get it - most folks are on budgets and must be careful about spending frivolously on chores that they may be able to do on their own. And while we're big proponents of DIY projects at home and at work, pressure washing in Charleston, SC, should always be performed by trained professionals. Here's why.
Safety
Cost Effectiveness
Quicker 
Eco-Friendly
Avoid Damage toPressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
Pressure washing often involves heavy-duty equipment, ladders, and more, which can be both intimidating and dangerous for untrained individuals. It's important to understand that pressure washing machines can be quite dangerous if not handled properly.
At Peppers Pressure Washing, we evaluate every pressure washing project with a fresh eye, knowing that no two situations are ever the same. As a licensed and insured pressure washing company in South Carolina, our goal is to leave your home and property looking its best, whether you need a one-time cleaning for your driveway or recurring services for your business. Whatever your needs may be, you can always rely on Peppers Pressure Washing for high-quality power washing at cost-conscious prices.
The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at South Carolina chapter.When you’re in college, taking a big spring break trip isn’t always realistic (and let’s face it, plane tickets are expensive, IFYKYK). However, you shouldn’t let that stop you from having the best spring break experience possible — especially for my fellow South Carolina girlies! South Carolin...
The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at South Carolina chapter.
When you’re in college, taking a big spring break trip isn’t always realistic (and let’s face it, plane tickets are expensive, IFYKYK). However, you shouldn’t let that stop you from having the best spring break experience possible — especially for my fellow South Carolina girlies! South Carolina’s many hidden gems are the perfect way to make your spring break memorable without breaking the bank or traveling too far. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip in the city or a multi-day getaway at the beach, South Carolina has options; you just need to know where to go.
Those who have lived in South Carolina for a while are familiar with Charleston. As one of the state’s most famous cities, Charleston has something for everyone, no matter their interests. Wish to indulge in some much-needed retail therapy? The Charleston City Market offers a plethora of unique, locally-produced goods. Want to start tanning for summer? Unwind by the ocean at one of Charleston’s beaches, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try parasailing! These popular tourist activities and the city’s rich history and culinary scene make Charleston the top spring break destination in South Carolina. However, restaurants and hotels in Charleston are expensive, so it’s best to limit your trip to one day if your budget is tight. And remember, fresh-caught seafood is commonplace in Charleston restaurants, so take advantage of that by visiting one of the city’s many oyster bars. You won’t regret it!
This year, I traveled to Greenville for my spring break, and I can say with 100% certainty that I would do it again. Greenville is one of the most up-and-coming vacation spots in South Carolina, and its stardom is well deserved. Greenville has it all: gorgeous hiking trails and campgrounds nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a bustling city center filled with endless shops, and numerous hidden-gem restaurants and bars along Falls Park on the Reedy River. Other popular tourist destinations in Greenville include the Greenville Museum of Art, the Greenville Zoo, and Paris Mountain State Park. And here’s a pro tip: If you plan on traveling to Greenville with a partner, I recommend having a sunset picnic at Falls Park — it’s so romantic, and low-cost!
If you grew up in South Carolina, there’s a high chance you’ve visited “Dirty Myrtle.” However, Myrtle Beach is more than a summer vacation spot. Besides spending time at the beach (duh), popular activities in Myrtle Beach include exploring the boardwalk, visiting one of the many golf courses, and partying at the various clubs and bars in the area. Though you could visit Myrtle Beach alone, this city is best suited to large groups of people — so gather your closest friends and try splitting the cost of a beach house for a day or two!
The S.C. Senate gave key approval to a bill Thursday that would allow S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster to appoint members to a screening panel for judicial candidates — up to a maximum of four people. It also requires all qualified candidates — up to a maximum of six — be sent to the General Assembly for election.This is a change from the current method S.C. judges are selected for election...
The S.C. Senate gave key approval to a bill Thursday that would allow S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster to appoint members to a screening panel for judicial candidates — up to a maximum of four people. It also requires all qualified candidates — up to a maximum of six — be sent to the General Assembly for election.
This is a change from the current method S.C. judges are selected for election. The current process involves the Judicial Merit Selection Commission screening applicants and forwarding up to three candidates deemed qualified to the Legislature for a vote. Of the panel’s 10 members, six are legislators who are also lawyers. The other four are lawyers appointed by legislators.
Critics from both parties and the state attorney general have complained for months that the current system gives the Legislature too much power over judges, particularly lawyer-legislators who appear before the judges they put on the bench, according to media reports.
The bill would add up to two new members to the panel and allow the governor to make appointments, giving the executive branch up to a third of the say in who advances to a joint assembly vote.
A routine third vote Tuesday will officially send the compromise to the House, where observers say its fate is dubious, as the House has been meeting since last fall and continues to work on its own version of a bill to alter the judicial selection process.
In City Paper news today:
CP OPINION: Charleston school board should have won anti-transparency recognition. “Mired in controversy for well over a year with shady employment practices, the local school board made lots of headlines in 2023. Its unannounced and abruptly called meetings, as well as its nebulous and frequent executive sessions, brought continuing criticism from media and school advocates for the board running roughshod over state transparency laws.”
CP CARTOON:
CP FEATURE: Foilies 2024: The worst of government transparency. It’s Sunshine Week — the seven days that newspapers across the country focus on transparency in government afforded by Freedom of Information (FOI) laws. This week’s feature gives examples of how some government agencies have kept public information private.
CP NEWS: Union Pier’s history at center of design, project leaders say. Union Pier redevelopment project leaders wrapped up on a second March round of public workshops at the historic site, giving many Charleston residents their first opportunity to see storied locations like the Mosquito Fleet landing site and the Bennett Rice Mill Facade up close.
CP NEWS: S.C. leads the nation in preschool suspensions. South Carolina leads the nation in the number of preschool children, ages 2½ to 5 years old, who are suspended from school one or more times.
CP FOOD: Inclement weather caused major changes to Charleston Wine + Food. The inclement weather that brought record rainfall to the Charleston area forced several big events, including opening night, inside to backup locations, while Culinary Village was ultimately canceled Saturday and Sunday due to major flooding at Riverfront Park.
CP FOOD: Bumpa’s in Charleston focuses on family. Brothers Dan and Conor Sullivan named their Irish pub, Bumpa’s, after their late paternal grandfather, who one of their older cousins deemed “Bumpa.” The pair said that you’d be surprised how many folks have a Bumpa in their lives.
HOLIDAY: What to do for St. Patrick’s Day in Charleston. Celebrate the Irish-themed holiday in Charleston with food and drink specials across town.
In other recent news:
Charleston’s plan to prevent future major flooding
Mayor William Cogswell announced March 13 a new “Active Flooding Mitigation Plan,” which calls for opening parking garages ahead of severe weather, placing pumps in often-flooded areas and ensuring storm drains are open and clear.
Arrest in North Charleston prompts question of mask legality in S.C. A decades-old state law prohibiting anyone over 16 from wearing a mask that conceals their identity in public has come into the spotlight after an arrest was made in North Charleston.
Charleston postal workers fear survey will cut labor
U.S. Postal Service officials told Charleston mail workers in a meeting this week a looming USPS review of their North Charleston mail-processing facility will not lead to layoffs or cut hours. The mail workers disagree.
North Charleston students blend culture and cuisine. A new class at Fort Dorchester High School in North Charleston is educating students on the cultural impact of cuisine to better understand worldviews.
Summerville introduces hate intimidation ordinance. Councilwoman Tiffany Johson-Wilson proposed the Hate Intimidation Ordinance, which would allow harsher punishments at the local level for those convicted of crimes determined to have been prompted by biased hate.
Dorchester Co. partners with Lowcountry nonprofit. Dorchester County is partnering with the nonprofit Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy for the Dorchester County Wellness Project, a new initiative to assist first responders struggling with mental health.
Ravenel town council holds workshop to get answers for controversial zoning. The town of Ravenel held a council workshop Thursday night to further discuss a rezoning request involving nearly 100 acres of land that some residents oppose.
Voting is now open in Best of Charleston!
Best of Charleston is back in 2024 with all your favorite categories plus some new options including Best Bar Food, Best Locally Based Cannabis Product, Best Drag Queen, Best Surf Lessons and more.
Help us continue to bring you Best of Charleston every year by donating today.
If you're a die-hard fan of Charleston (SC) basketball, then arranging your calendar around each game is a top priority. For a full 2023-24 schedule, along with previous results, check out the article below.Catch tons of live college basketball, plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle.Read More About Charleston (SC) Women's BasketballCharlesto...
If you're a die-hard fan of Charleston (SC) basketball, then arranging your calendar around each game is a top priority. For a full 2023-24 schedule, along with previous results, check out the article below.
Catch tons of live college basketball, plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle.
Catch college basketball action all season long on Fubo!
| Date | Opponent | Score | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 6 | vs. Pfeiffer | W 117-30 | -- |
| November 10 | @ #21 UNLV | L 85-60 | -- |
| November 17 | @ Charleston Southern | W 70-60 | -- |
| November 20 | vs. Gardner-Webb | W 90-78 | -- |
| November 25 | vs. North Carolina Wesleyan | W 112-40 | -- |
| December 2 | @ Coastal Carolina | W 84-83 | -- |
| December 5 | @ Appalachian State | L 77-73 | -- |
| December 11 | vs. Jacksonville State | W 69-58 | -- |
| December 16 | @ Robert Morris | L 71-65 | -- |
| December 19 | vs. South Carolina State | W 84-64 | -- |
| December 21 | vs. Radford | W 74-50 | -- |
| January 5 | @ N.C. A&T | W 63-58 | -- |
| January 7 | @ Elon | W 57-45 | -- |
| January 12 | vs. Drexel | W 60-48 | -- |
| January 14 | vs. Monmouth | L 75-62 | -- |
| January 19 | @ Stony Brook | L 81-71 | -- |
| January 21 | @ Northeastern | W 83-46 | -- |
| January 28 | vs. UNC Wilmington | W 94-59 | -- |
| February 2 | vs. Hampton | W 86-57 | -- |
| February 4 | @ Towson | L 66-59 | -- |
| February 9 | vs. N.C. A&T | W 66-62 | -- |
| February 11 | vs. Campbell | W 65-51 | -- |
| February 18 | @ UNC Wilmington | W 97-58 | -- |
| February 23 | @ Hofstra | W 88-59 | -- |
| February 25 | @ Monmouth | L 73-63 | -- |
| March 1 | vs. Towson | L 67-55 | -- |
| March 3 | vs. William & Mary | W 77-72 | -- |
| March 7 | @ Campbell | W 60-57 | -- |
| March 9 | vs. Delaware | W 102-77 | -- |
| March 15, 7:30 PM ET | vs. Towson | -- | -- |
Get tickets for any college basketball game this season at Ticketmaster!
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved.
Brothers Dan and Conor Sullivan named their Irish pub, Bumpa’s, after their late paternal grandfather, who one of their older cousins deemed “Bumpa.” A portrait of the patriarch hangs prominently in Bumpa’s, along with an entire wall of black and white images of guests past and present.“We call it the wall of heroes,” Dan said. “Bumpa was our grandfather and just like so many grandfathers he had a lot of stories … The idea was to put this out in the community — if you enjoyed your...
Brothers Dan and Conor Sullivan named their Irish pub, Bumpa’s, after their late paternal grandfather, who one of their older cousins deemed “Bumpa.” A portrait of the patriarch hangs prominently in Bumpa’s, along with an entire wall of black and white images of guests past and present.
“We call it the wall of heroes,” Dan said. “Bumpa was our grandfather and just like so many grandfathers he had a lot of stories … The idea was to put this out in the community — if you enjoyed your time and felt comfortable here, you send us a photo and we’ll frame it.”
The pair said that you’d be surprised how many folks have a Bumpa in their lives. One family even bought a bunch of Bumpa’s branded T-shirts to wear to a family reunion one summer to surprise their own Bumpa. Naturally, that picture hangs proudly on the wall of heroes.
Before opening Bumpa’s, both Dan and Conor worked in the corporate world (Conor still works in sales), but they always knew they wanted to own a bar together. They credit a childhood of watching Cheers with that dream. Conor said that the vision was always Dan’s pet project, though.
“This is really Dan’s idea,” Conor said. “He always said, ‘We’ll open a bar.’ And we talked about it more and had more ideas. There were stapled menus on the backs of napkins. We got older and more serious and decided to do it.”
Even with Sam Malone proudly displayed on Bumpa’s wall of heroes, the pair admit that the reality of owning a bar is a touch more challenging than their beloved sitcom led them to believe. “I’ve been humbled by this business,” Dan said.
The challenges started before Bumpa’s even opened its doors when the brothers bought a historic property on Cumberland Street. “We had to do a huge retrofit to make it viable for the kind of business we wanted,” Conor said.
They rearranged the restaurant’s layout and added some natural light by uncovering the building’s original windows. They did such a good job restoring the place that the city awarded the building with a Carolopolis Award in 2021.
Another challenge? Opening during the year 2020. “We didn’t have to break any bad habits,” Dan said on the silver lining of starting from the baseline of an international pandemic. The brothers high fived remembering the dedication to spray bottles of sanitizer used all over the restaurant. They credit a strong staff, especially general manager Kory Schaaf with how smoothly things run at Bumpa’s.
Dealing with the personalities of employees is a far cry from the corporate world Dan and Conor are used to inhabiting. Dan said the biggest surprise of owning a restaurant is dealing with the folks who work there. “I think it’s the people, that being such a huge part of the job. I don’t think I was anticipating needing to be an ear for so many folks,” he said.
Camaraderie doesn’t stop with the employees, though. The convivial atmosphere extends to guests, too. “We want you to be comfortable here,” Dan said. “We do not churn and burn, we want you to be in here and relax. If you’re here for a couple hours, we’ll keep the beer flowing, don’t worry about it. We want [people] to feel like it’s their neighborhood bar.”
At the end of the day, if the employees, guests and brothers themselves are feeling good, things are running pretty smoothly at Bumpa’s.
“We’re not afraid of hard work,” Dan said. “But we also want to make sure that we still get to reap the rewards.” That means delegating tasks to others and spending as much time with their families as possible. Dan and Conor’s parents live nearby and they said that when everyone gets together, wives and kids included, things can get a little hectic — in the best way possible.
“Now that we’re all together it’s chaotic and fun and all that stuff,” Dan said. “But in Bumpa’s words, ‘it’s been beautiful.’”
“That was his word,” agreed Conor.
Have a great time at Bumpa’s this St. Patrick’s Day weekend at 5 Cumberland St. downtown. Enjoy a special menu and drink specials as well as live music and appearances from step dancers and bagpipe players.
Voting is now open in Best of Charleston!
Best of Charleston is back in 2024 with all your favorite categories plus some new options including Best Bar Food, Best Locally Based Cannabis Product, Best Drag Queen, Best Surf Lessons and more.
Help us continue to bring you Best of Charleston every year by donating today.
“To say it was an unprecedented festival, I think, is an understatement.” Charleston Wine + Food Festival director Alyssa Maute Smith. She says she is still processing everything that happened this past weekend when record rainfall and high tides flooded festival grounds.The impassable grounds at Rive...
“To say it was an unprecedented festival, I think, is an understatement.” Charleston Wine + Food Festival director Alyssa Maute Smith. She says she is still processing everything that happened this past weekend when record rainfall and high tides flooded festival grounds.
The impassable grounds at Riverfront Park in North Charleston forced the CW+F festival’s hand, causing organizers to cancel the Saturday and Sunday iterations of the Culinary Village, the festival’s most popular event. The inclement weather also forced several other big events, including opening night, inside to backup locations.
“We have very robust safety and emergency preparedness and contingency plans,” Smith told the City Paper. She said the festival works with local and national weather sources to plan for additional rain cover, since the event is rain or shine. CW+F has never had to deal with record rainfall and extra soggy grounds. Those extra tents didn’t help much this weekend.
“What contingency does not include is if the grounds are completely unsafe for people to actually be on them and our vendors to be on them. And I think that that’s what we ended up facing,” Smith said. “And so the venue changes that people saw opening night, Sabor, Smoke show, the finale, that was not a contingency plan, that was an emergency preparedness plan.”
Organizers secured the finale’s final location at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon — a mere four hours before the event was originally scheduled to take place. Festival planners pushed the start time up an hour and moved a stage, lounge area, vendor tables and equipment to the Snyder/Spike warehouse in North Charleston.
In a speech at the finale, Smith said that at 1 p.m. Sunda, the venue at The Lawn at Ferry Wharf “said you can’t have the finale here.” She credited Snyder Events and the festival’s staff and volunteers with the ultimately successful party.
“Some people make lemonade out of lemons,” Smith said to a crowd of hundreds of revelers. “But we make wine out of floods.”
As positive as many of the festival’s pivots were, it’s hard to ignore the general upset and frustration from ticket holders who didn’t get to attend Saturday’s or Sunday’s Culinary Village. Many people on social media asked for refunds. “All of our events are ‘sales final,’” Smith said, adding that while the event is “rain or shine,” there is an inclement weather policy in those ticket purchases that says the event can be canceled by “any sort of act of God or reasons beyond our control.”
Last weekend, ticket holders had the option to exchange their Culinary Village ticket for a remaining CW+F event or to donate their purchase to the festival, which is a tax-exempt nonprofit. Earlier this week, the festival announced unused 2024 tickets can be considered credits to future festivals. For the next five years, a 2024 ticket can be used as a gift card to anything Wine + Food related, officials said.
“Our ticket holders are important to us,” Smith said. “They’re a part of our community, just like our chefs and our beverage professionals. And, we quickly deployed communications throughout the entire weekend and tried to offer people as many options as possible for them to change their ticket for an even exchange, no additional funds paid.”
Ticket holders weren’t the only ones who had to deal with the disappointment of a rained out fest. Visiting chefs, staff and vendors had to figure out what to do with a bunch of extra food and supplies.
Louise Rakers of Nordic Cooking sold her extra sourdough on Instagram. Peculiar Pig Farm gave away free barbecue at Summerville’s Gahagan Park on Sunday. Slow Food Charleston popped up at Counter Culture Coffee on Sunday with a suggested $25 donation for attendees to enjoy shrimp dip, oysters and clams that they didn’t want to go to waste.
Folks set up in the Culinary Village’s artisan market had to come to terms with missing out on a lot of sales.
“We have businesses that rely on that weekend as one of their best performing weekends of the entire year,” Smith said. “Artisans have shared with me that they participate in Charleston Wine + Food every year because they sell more at our artisan market than they do from any other event combined all year. So it is definitely a loss for the entire community.”
A day before CW+F 2024 kicked off, the festival announced a new initiative. A press release described the mission as one that will “showcase the local culinary industry” and “actively contribute to its growth and sustainability.” CW+F expanded its education and workforce programs and introduced a new investment fund “dedicated to enhanced financial and educational support of the local food and beverage community.”
“It is so serendipitous that we announced at the start of this festival, this fund that would provide financial assistance and grants to people in the food and beverage industry in times of crisis, right?” Smith said. “Not knowing what would happen over the next five days.”
While the festival will expand its education programs, the ones it already has in place were an important component of this weekend’s events.
She said the 2024 festival had nearly 50 students from six high schools participating as part of CW+F’s education outreach program. “Even with the bobs and weaves that this weekend handed our team, these students were absolutely critical to us pulling this off,” she said. “They were very much a part of our team.”
The team — one made up of staff and volunteers — had to work to both put together a festival and clean one up, with a bit more mud and detritus than anyone expected.
“I think that sometimes made the situation that happened this weekend sting even more because I feel like our team delivered a stellar experience this year, even the Culinary Village,” Smith said.
So what does the future hold for the festival and the Culinary Village? Moving the Culinary Village — which takes about 10 days to set up, according to Smith — inside doesn’t seem likely. Maute Smith said that the fest will likely try to find some more indoor/outdoor venues for larger signature events, like the opening night and finale.
“We’ll be kind of unraveling the effects for a couple weeks,”Smith said Maute. “And [we’re] going to make sure that we apply lessons as much as we can with what we have to work with here in Charleston to the future.”
MORE: Learn more about the CW+F festival online. Ticket holders with questions for the festival can email [email protected].
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