The Shrimp City Report Podcast (Charleston, South Carolina)

Birthplace of South Carolina: Inside Charlestowne Landing with John Hiatt

John Hiatt with Clark the Elk on The Adventure On this episode we visit the Charlestowne Landing State Historic Site in West Ashley, Charleston, and sit down with John Hiatt, Interpretive Ranger and park historian. John shares his personal journey to the park, how archaeological research and primary sources shape interpretation, and why Charlestowne Landing is known as the birthplace of South Carolina (first settled in 1670). Listeners will hear a sweeping overview of the site's layered history: the 17th-century English settlement and its move to Oyster Point, the Old Town Plantation era, archaeological discoveries (including a Mississippian-period Native American ceremonial site), and the African‑American cemetery connected to the plantation period. John explains how ongoing digs continue to refine the park’s story and how artifacts are rotated into exhibits and programs. The conversation also highlights the park’s living features: three miles of trails, 664 acres (about 200 acres of upland), Ferdinanda “Ferdie” Legare Waring’s extensive gardens and avenues of oaks, and the Animal Forest & Aviary — home to bison, elk, otters, bears, and domesticated animals that illustrate colonial life. John describes the Adventure tall‑ship replica, its construction and sea trials, and how small cargo vessels served the original settlement. Education and public programming are a major focus: curriculum-based school programs (Discover Carolina), hands‑on demonstrations (Colonial Cultivation, indigo dyeing), the popular Great Guns artillery demonstrations, living‑history events (Founders Day and Colonial Trades & Harvest Day), and seasonal archaeology tours. The park also offers two premiere event venues, robust volunteer opportunities, and an active outreach/video program developed during the pandemic. https://southcarolinaparks.com/charles-towne-landing [https://southcarolinaparks.com/charles-towne-landing] One of the native species you can check out at Charlestowne Landing.

Dave Lorenz and Lou Lou's Tavern on the Tracks Restaurant

https://www.louloustavern.com [https://www.louloustavern.com] www.instagram.com/louloustavern [http://www.instagram.com/louloustavern] In this episode we sat down with Charleston restaurateur Dave Lorenz — the owner behind Mex1, Islander 71 and the newly opened Lou Lou’s Tavern on the Tracks at The Refinery. Dave walks through his journey from the apparel business and early restaurant days with Sticky Fingers to building multiple local concepts, selling Bohemian Bull, and launching the chef-forward Lou Lou’s in the unique Neck/Refinery neighborhood. Topics covered include why Dave chose The Refinery and the “on the tracks” location (railcars, sunset patios, easy parking and an amphitheater), the restaurant’s shareable small-plates approach, and the balance between Southern comfort and adventurous, chef-driven dishes. We discuss menu highlights — lobster bao buns, gochujang-inspired short ribs, marinated deviled eggs and crispy maitake mushrooms — and how the small-plates format invites communal dining and discovery. The conversation also dives into Lou Lou’s beverage program: kegged wines and keg cocktails for consistent, balanced pours; thoughtful cocktail development; and a curated draft list that complements the food and concert crowd. Dave describes the team behind the kitchen (Chefs Patrick and Alex), the development process for the opening menu, and how the restaurant plans to keep things rotating and approachable for Charleston diners. Beyond food and drink, Dave explains Lou Lou’s community ties — a local art wall with consigned pieces, partnerships with The Refinery’s concert schedule, and a VIP program that gives early access to events, menus and special dinners. The episode highlights the idea of “dinner and a show” at The Refinery: arriving early for a relaxed meal and drinks, then stepping outside to catch live music without the usual line or slow bar service.

Boris Van Dyck: Entrepreneurship, Diving and more from the Paradiso Cabana Club

https://www.borisvandyck.com/ [https://www.borisvandyck.com/] https://www.instagram.com/borisvandyck/ [https://www.instagram.com/borisvandyck/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/borisvandyck/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/borisvandyck/] https://www.paradisochs.com/ [https://www.paradisochs.com/] For this interview we  sit poolside with Boris Van Dyck, the entrepreneur behind Paradiso Cabana Club at Mixon. In this wide-ranging conversation Boris shares his personal and professional journey — from growing up between Belgium and the Caribbean, to studying marine biology at the College of Charleston, to working as a commercial diver in the Gulf of Mexico, and ultimately finding his calling in hospitality, event services, and real estate development. Topics covered include the origin stories of multiple ventures: the high-end cocktail catering company Icebox, the event rentals and tent business Event Haus, and later pivots into real estate development and capital raising. Boris walks listeners through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship — surviving the 2008 market downturn, scaling Icebox to thousands of events a year, the impacts of COVID on a senior-housing development, and how those experiences informed his approach to building and managing mixed businesses today. The episode also dives into the story behind Paradiso Cabana Club: how Boris discovered the property, his vision to transform it into an oasis inspired by Caribbean and European beach clubs, and the long renovation and operational work to reopen and grow membership. Expect a tour of Paradiso’s amenities — a large pool, nine roomy cabanas, a recovery cabana with cold plunge and sauna, a 24/7 gym and wellness center with monthly classes, a members-only restaurant/co-work space, and the Market coffee shop open to the public. Listen for practical details on membership and programming: roughly 500 membership accounts (about 1,300 individuals), seasonal usage patterns, year-round fitness and events, a concert series and ticketed shows to drive winter engagement, recurring adult swim nights, DJ sets, and big-screen World Cup and match watch parties. Boris also explains how Paradiso balances member benefits with public-facing offerings to grow visibility and revenue. Key takeaways highlight resilience and versatility — how to pivot after setbacks, the value of hospitality experience in launching successful event and hospitality brands, lessons learned building teams and systems, and the benefits of integrating real estate, development, and operations. Boris shares how he structures his current businesses (development, construction, capital raising, property management) and his preference for building long-term assets rather than transactional brokerage work. Whether you’re interested in hospitality, real estate development, event production, or simply looking for Charleston’s best new poolside hangout, this episode offers inspiration, strategy, and behind-the-scenes stories from a serial entrepreneur who turned a rundown property into a thriving community hub.

Inside Groucho's Deli with Max Miller

Pictured: Bruce Miller (L) and our guest for the episode, Max Miller (R).  Both of Groucho's deli.   In this episode we sit down with Max Miller, owner-operator of Groucho’s Deli in the Charleston area, for a deep dive into sandwiches, family history, and what makes a hometown deli last. It is a lively conversation about the classic lunch-counter vibe, community connections, and the recipes that built a South Carolina institution. We trace Groucho’s roots back to Columbia in 1941 with founder Harold “Groucho” Miller and learn how the shop evolved under Max’s grandfather, Ivan — from a go-by-the-pound deli to the signature sandwich and side-focused menu the family is known for today. Hear the origin stories for their iconic dippers and sauces (including the famous 45 sauce, developed in 1945, and the 95 sauce), the Apollo-era influences, and why those flavors still set Groucho’s apart. Max shares his personal journey — growing up in Columbia, studying entrepreneurship at the College of Charleston, and opening the Mount Pleasant location in October 2020 in the middle of COVID. He talks candidly about the risks and rewards of launching during the pandemic, community support, and the day-to-day of operating neighborhood sandwich counters with long lunch bars where regulars gather. There is also behind-the-scenes anecdotes about family lore (including immigrant roots and a surprising Philadelphia orphanage chapter), menu favorites like potato salad and coleslaw, the mechanics and appeal of dipping sandwiches, and fun moments (TikTok prep, pre-interview coaching, and loyal customers who buy sauce by the pint). The episode also touches on future plans — retailing the sauce, trademark ideas, and keeping a local brand growing while staying authentic. Groucho's Mt. Pleasant: https://www.facebook.com/grouchosmp [https://www.facebook.com/grouchosmp/] https://locations.grouchos.com/locations/sc/mount-pleasant [https://locations.grouchos.com/locations/sc/mount-pleasant] Groucho's Deli: https://www.facebook.com/GROUCHOSDELI [https://www.facebook.com/GROUCHOSDELI] https://www.instagram.com/grouchos_deli [https://www.instagram.com/grouchos_deli/]

Bowen's Island: A Tradition of Oysters, Seafood, Family & Folly Beach Sunsets

On this live episode of the Shrimp City Report, hosts Devin and DJ broadcast from Bowen's Island Restaurant on a small Lowcountry island just outside Folly Beach. Their guest is Hope Barber, a fourth-generation member of the Bowen family who runs the iconic, longest continuously operating restaurant in Charleston.  Hope traces Bowen's origins to 1946 when her great-grandmother Sarah May bought the 13-acre island (for $3,900) and later turned a fisherman's offer into a meal service that evolved into the restaurant. The conversation covers family continuity (many island homes remain in the family), Hope's journey from law and teaching back to the restaurant, and the restaurant's role as a community hub across storms, fires and changing times. The episode digs into Bowen's menu and seafood sourcing: the preservation of classic fried fish, shrimp and flounder platters; the addition of a raw bar and local oysters due to nearby oyster farms; the farm-to-table/river-to-table experience of watching oysters come off boats; and practical tips for newcomers (how to enjoy oysters, steamed vs. raw, fried green tomatoes, crab dip, seafood platters and Frogmore Stew). Expect discussion of oyster terroir (salinity and minerality), the local oyster season (generally October–May), all-you-can-eat clusters, and the restaurant’s oyster-recycling and conservation practices. Key milestones and challenges are highlighted: Bowen's earned the James Beard America’s Classic award, suffered a major fire and rebuilt over several years — a narrative of resilience that underscores the family’s stewardship of the land and waterways. Hope also talk about operations: docks for boat arrivals, working with Charleston Outdoor Adventures and kayak tours, event and wedding venues on site, staffing patterns (local students and long-term employees), and how the business balances tradition with new offerings. The episode previews recent and upcoming events at Bowen's — from EDM “Grooving Violations” nights and pilates-on-the-pier pop-ups to partnership events like Flavor Fest with Southern Flavor Magazine — and notes that many special events sell out quickly. Website [http://www.bowensisland.com] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bowensislandrestaurant/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/bowensisland/]