By Stephen Boyer Walking into an eye exam at Waring Vision Institute is not just another mundane clinical visit — rather, it’s a visual experience. As you are greeted by fine artwork and a gallery-like atmosphere – an ode to all that eyesight has to offer a person – a sense of serenity and quality immediately become evident in this practice of George O. Waring, IV, MD, FACS, … [Read more...]

By Colin McCandless Charleston native Dr. Andrew Saffer, a podiatric physician with Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists and Best Podiatrist winner for the third consecutive year, had yearned to open a practice ever since completing podiatric medical training in Ohio. In 2006, his dream materialized when he partnered with childhood friend Dr. Adam Brown and started the … [Read more...]

By John Torsiello Mercedes-Benz of Mount Pleasant, owned by Baker Motor Company, has worked diligently since it opened to create a culture that fosters unity, personal growth and a service-oriented mentality. This philosophy of doing business has elevated the customer experience and differentiated the dealership from the competition. In fact, Baker Motor Company won Best … [Read more...]

By Theresa Stratford “I have waited all my life for this moment.” That’s a phrase heard often at Mercedes-Benz of Mount Pleasant, owned by Baker Motor Company. “Fulfilling a life-long dream of owning a Mercedes-Benz is something the staff here gets to experience every day,” said AJ Geffert, Dealer Group general manager. “As one of the world’s most recognizable brands, … [Read more...]

Michael’s Barkery Pet Spa & Boutique, winner of Best Pet-friendly Business, may have just turned one last November, but that’s still a wealth of experience in dog years, and they are already accumulating Best Of accolades like seasoned professionals. Their staff member Courtney Larrier also won one of the best in the Best Dog Trainer category. They were named one of the … [Read more...]

More than ever, it’s important to support small businesses within our community. “Local businesses have to work so hard to compete with big-box stores like Amazon and other online businesses,” Southern Belles owner Susie Molony said. It’s been hard for Molony to see shops around her shutter during the pandemic, but she credits her loyal customers for keeping her … [Read more...]

By John Torsiello There are limited restaurants serving classic French bistro cuisine in the Mount Pleasant area, which makes Bistro Toulouse unique. “I think our focus on the overall experience for the customer, including food, wine/beverage, service and ambience is unique, too,” remarked owner Candice Mahala. “We are not trying to excel at one thing; we want our … [Read more...]

By Isabel Alvarez Arata A visit to Mex 1 Coastal Cantina recreates an epic adventure off the West coast highway for which it is named: the sun, ocean breeze and salt air are captured in the fresh foods and unique flavors they serve. Morgan Hurley, marketing and beverage director, wants guests to feel “like they are on an adventure down Baja where you surf your brains out … [Read more...]

By Lindsay C. Bishop If you’ve ever stopped into Sena Café for a hot espresso or tasty lunch, you know you don’t have to be Southern to embody hospitality. Hailing from Serbia and Bosnia, owners Ogi and Sena Jovic opened their quaint café two years ago with the dream of offering locals a place where they would feel welcome, comfortable and leave with bellies full of … [Read more...]

Melvin’s Barbecue has been an iconic barbecue restaurant since 1961, when David Bessinger’s father, Melvin, first opened the doors. It’s no wonder, with a family full of barbecue royalty. David’s grandfather is one of the 15 Most Influential People in BBQ History, according to Southern Living Magazine, and inventor of South Carolina’s first mustard-based barbecue sauce — today … [Read more...]