The Charleston Briefing — Week of August 31 — Charleston Briefing, Week of August 31, 2026

01

Peninsula Grill to close as Planters Inn renovations begin

Peninsula Grill, one of Charleston's most enduring fine-dining institutions, is set to close its doors as the Planters Inn embarks on a significant renovation. Chef John Ondo, a Charleston native with more than three decades in the Lowcountry food scene, has been central to the restaurant's identity.

Why it matters · One of the peninsula's last white-tablecloth holdouts won't be open indefinitely — go before it closes.

via Post & Courier · Aug 20, 2026

02

Food & Drink↳ babas on meeting

Babas on Meeting signs lease for former Rodney Scott's BBQ space on King Street

A new tenant has been confirmed for 1011 King Street: babas on meeting is taking over the address that Rodney Scott's BBQ vacated, a closure that came as co-founder Nick Pihakis filed for bankruptcy with $44 million in debts. The Italian-leaning café, already operating on Meeting Street, will expand into one of King Street's more prominent restaurant footprints.

Why it matters · The King Street block gets a new direction — watch for babas on meeting's opening timeline at the new address.

via Post & Courier · Aug 21, 2026

03

Opening↳ Two Blokes Brewing

Two Blokes Brewing opens downtown on Cannon Street

A new brewery from familiar local operators is now pouring on Cannon Street in Charleston. The Post & Courier notes the team behind it comes with established local credentials, making this one of the more anticipated downtown openings of the summer.

Why it matters · Downtown finally has another production brewery within walking distance of the peninsula's core — worth a first visit this week.

via Post & Courier · Aug 24, 2026

04

Event↳ Charleston Gaillard Center

Lowcountry Jazz Festival marks its 20th edition at the Gaillard, September 5–6

The Lowcountry Jazz Festival returns to the Charleston Gaillard Center for two nights of jazz, soul, and R&B on September 5 and 6 — its 20th edition, making it one of the longer-running annual music events on the peninsula.

Why it matters · Two decades in, this is a legitimate local institution. Buy tickets for both nights before they're gone.

via Charleston City Paper · Aug 28, 2026

05

Food & Drink↳ The Harlow

Harlow owners announce Texas-style steakhouse for James Island's former Smoky Oak Taproom space

Josh and Katie Drewry, who run The Harlow on James Island, are opening a second restaurant called Char House Social in the space that held Smoky Oak Taproom. The concept is Texas-style steakhouse, adding to a growing list of Lone Star–inflected barbecue and beef operations in the Charleston market.

Why it matters · James Island's restaurant corridor keeps building out — Char House Social is one to track for a fall opening.

via Post & Courier · Aug 25, 2026

06

City Hall↳ Historic Charleston Foundation

Winslow Hastie to step down as Historic Charleston Foundation CEO after nine years

Winslow Hastie, who has led Historic Charleston Foundation since late 2017, announced his retirement this week. During his tenure the organization has been a central voice on preservation issues as development pressure on the peninsula intensified.

Why it matters · Leadership transitions at HCF carry real weight for how the city handles demolition reviews and preservation fights — worth watching who takes over.

via Post & Courier · Aug 26, 2026

07

City Hall

Johns Island's River Road added to the National Register of Historic Places

River Road on Johns Island, in use since at least the 1770s, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Officials say the designation adds a meaningful layer of protection to the corridor as the island faces accelerating development pressure.

Why it matters · The listing won't stop all development, but it raises the bar — relevant for anyone watching how Johns Island changes over the next decade.

via Post & Courier · Aug 28, 2026

What mattered this week