Bittermilk swept a national awards list
Bittermilk Bottling Co. took Gold and two Silvers in The Daily Pour's 2026 Zero Proof Awards. Gold went to Bittermilk No. 6 Oaxacan Old Fashioned. Silvers went to No. 1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Manhattan and No. 3 Smoked Honey Whiskey Sour.
Founders Joe and MariElena Raya run three brands out of the Charleston area: Bittermilk, Tippleman's and Barcoop Bevy. They are expanding local production.
A Mount Pleasant optical shop got national recognition
The Vision Center at Seaside Farms was named by INVISION Magazine as one of America's Finest Optical Retailers for 2026, an honorable mention. Judging covered retail design, customer experience, eyewear merchandising, branding, and how well eye care and optical retail are integrated.
Owner Dr. Brad Bodkin said the goal "has always been to provide the highest level of eye care while creating an experience that feels welcoming, personal and distinctly Charleston."
Ten years at Cane Bay
The Eggs Up Grill at Cane Bay hit its 10 year anniversary. Franchise owner Marc Cotone is renovating it now, with new lighting, booths, tables, chairs and flooring, plus a two to three day kitchen closure to add fryers and ovens. He is also opening a Goose Creek location at 98 S. Goose Creek Blvd. later this year.
Cotone on the region: "The Lowcountry is absolutely booming. The sky is the limit."
Two neighbors ran a promotion together
M. Dumas and Sons, the menswear store, is marking two years at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, with its second anniversary at that location on September 13. To mark it, they teamed up with SAVI Cucina and Wine Bar next door on a month-long Shop and Snack promotion running through September. A same-day receipt from either business gets you 10 percent off at the other.
This is a small idea and a very good one. Two businesses that share a sidewalk, sharing customers, at no cost to either. Worth stealing.
A barbershop that gives free haircuts for honor roll
Your Barber, with locations at 414 Drive In Lane in Moncks Corner and off Dorchester Road in Summerville, runs a program called Fresh for A's. An honor roll student who brings a certificate to the appointment gets a free haircut.
Owner Kris Robyck explained it this way: "Kids get recognized for what they accomplish on the field, and we think it's just as important to celebrate what they accomplish in the classroom." He added that it shows students "we see the work they're putting in."
The shop also discounts for military, first responders, educators and college students, sponsors youth sports teams, and runs an annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway.
And one recognition for a Mount Pleasant author
Dr. Troy Hall of Mount Pleasant, who created the Cohesion Culture framework, was named one of MSN.com's Top Visionary Entrepreneurs Shaping the Future in 2026. His line on it: "Building a thriving workplace isn't just about strategy or perks; it's about creating a sense of cohesion where people feel needed, valued and trusted."
Sources
Holy City Sinner, Bittermilk Earns Gold and Silver Honors in The Daily Pour's Zero Proof Awards
Moultrie News, MP optical retailer earns national praise
The Berkeley Independent, Eggs Up Grill expands in Goose Creek, renovates Cane Bay site
Moultrie News, M. Dumas & Sons, SAVI join forces
The Berkeley Independent, New Berkeley barbershop offers free haircuts to honor roll students
Moultrie News, Dr. Troy Hall honored by MSN.com
First reported by holycitysinner.com.