Managed IT Servicesin North Charleston, SC

Facility will insource production of key security products and bring new jobs to the region

RESTON, Va., July 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE:LDOS), a FORTUNE^® 500 science and technology leader, today announced plans to establish a new security systems manufacturing facility in North Charleston, South Carolina. This will be the company's third security systems manufacturing location in the U.S., expanding its presence and support to customers. Leidos will invest $31.7 million in the new facility, creating up to 170 new jobs in the region over time.

"This facility brings more manufacturing back into the U.S. and expands Leidos' global security capabilities for the aviation and critical infrastructure markets," said Jim Moos, Leidos Civil Group president. "We're thrilled to expand into the North Charleston area and look forward to making a positive impact in the community."

The new facility will produce security systems for Leidos' Security Enterprise Solutions (SES) operation. SES offers a comprehensive suite of fully automated and integrated products for aviation, shipping ports, border crossings and critical infrastructure customers. These systems provide threat detection by screening baggage, cargo and people at checkpoints around the world.

"Leidos' $31.7 million investment in their new facility here in the Lowcountry will lead to significant job growth and economic development," said Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC-1). "We congratulate them on their expanding operation and thank them for putting their faith in South Carolina."

Located in Ladson Industrial Park, the new 150,000-square-foot facility will enable Leidos to onshore more manufacturing increasing the company's critical capacity to support its growing customer base. The new plant will optimize manufacturing efficiency, quality and safety through application of best-in-class manufacturing processes. The facility is currently under construction and is expected to be fully operational by the first half of 2024.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500^® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company's 46,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

SOURCE Leidos

Three restaurants will open in the fall in two new multiunit retail buildings under construction in an expanding North Charleston shopping center.

In part of a 15,000-square-foot building southeast of PetSmart in Cedar Grove Commons on Dorchester Road, Buffalo Wild Wings plans to open by late September, according to city Councilman Ron Brinson. Several other units remain available in the structure.

Across the parking lot in an 8,050-square-foot building under construction, Chicken Salad Chick should open by early to mid-October while First Watch plans to open by Thanksgiving, Brinson said in an email to his constituents.

European Wax Center also plans to have a shop in the smaller retail building, according to site plans.

Another outparcel in the shopping center will house a branch of Fifth Third Bank. Construction has not begun on the site, but it’s expected to be in operation by next spring, Brinson said.

He noted the developer informed him that tenant interest remains strong and a new phase of retail development is planned near discount grocery store Lidl, which is at the northwest end of the shopping center.

Cedar Grove also includes Ross Dress for Less, Ulta, Five Below, HomeGoods and Firehouse Subs.

Cup of java

A new place to get a caffeine boost is opening in the Lowcountry.

Scooter’s Coffee will host its grand opening Aug. 18 at 5641 N. Rhett Ave. in North Charleston where a Hardee’s restaurant once operated.

The cafe, owned and operated by Caroline Sbarra, Chandler Bigelow and Rebecca Bigelow, offers drive-thru service, specialty coffee and baked-from-scratch pastries. It’s open 6 a.m.-8 p.m.

Nebraska-based Scooter’s has other locations in South Carolina in Columbia, Greenville, Lugoff and Orangeburg. Others are in the works for Anderson, Sumter and Duncan near Spartanburg, according the company’s website.

On the way

A new restaurant is on the way to a major shopping destination in North Charleston.

Mario’s Peruvian Chicken plans to open at 4948 Centre Pointe Drive, next to Japanese restaurant Seasons of Tokyo.

It’s expected to welcome diners in the fall across from Tanger Outlets. Mario’s has one other Charleston-area location in East Cooper, next to Mount Pleasant Towne Centre.

Gassing up

A new convenience store and gas station is nearing completion in West Ashley.

Construction on a Greenville-based Spinx at 4000 W. Wildcat Blvd. is expected to be completed by September with an opening in the fall.

Under construction

A new discount store is being built between two massive housing developments in Berkeley County.

A project commencement notice recently was filed to begin construction on a new Dollar General store at 1851 State Road, also known as U.S. Highway 176.

The site is near Nexton and Cane Bay, where thousands of homes are on the ground or on the way in unincorporated parts of the county.

The C. Leon Dennis Trust of Summerville bought the 1.42-acre tract in May for $2.4 million from SC Summerville 176 II LLC, according to county land records.

Lights out

A fast-food restaurant in West Ashley recently went dark.

Hardee’s at 2563 Ashley River Road closed near the end of July. A sign on the door directs customers to another location on Savannah Highway.

Pet project

The proprietors of three breakfast restaurants in the Charleston area are branching out into pet care.

Jackie and Marc Cotone, who own the Eggs Up Grill locations in Cane Bay, Knightsville and Ladson, will hold a grand opening celebration for the Lowcountry’s first Dogtopia franchise noon-4 p.m. Aug. 19 at 619 Myers Road in Summerville.

The business offers day care, boarding and spa services and is offering 25 percent off select enrollment plans for the first 100 dogs that are enrolled.

The 6,400-square-foot shop is part of a multitenant building. Arizona-based Dogtopia has about 200 locations nationwide, with two in South Carolina in Greenville and Fort Mill.

Opening soon

An Alabama-based breakfast restaurant chain will open its second location in the Charleston area later this month in a space that once served morning meals.

Big Bad Breakfast is taking over the spot vacated in January by Cabana Burgers & Shakes at 2664 U.S. Highway 17, near the recently opened Bohemian Bull restaurant. A soft opening is set for Aug. 26, with the grand opening on Aug. 29.

Before Cabana Burgers & Shakes’ eight-month run at the site, the property housed an Eggs Up Grill location that closed in 2021.

The restaurant will be open 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. daily, serving a full breakfast menu along with lunch items such as sandwiches, burgers and salads as well as alcoholic beverages, including mimosas, beer and wine.

The other Lowcountry location, at 456 Meeting St. in downtown Charleston, opened in 2019.

Big Bad Breakfast has 17 other locations across eight states in the Southeast, with three more in the works. They stretch as far west as Little Rock, Ark., where another one is planned, to as far north as Louisville, Ky. Others are planned for Huntsville, Ala., and Durham, N.C., according to the company’s website.

Wellness at Walmart

The nation’s largest retailer is once again hosting a Wellness Day this weekend to get people on the path of healthiness ahead of a new school year.

More than 4,600 Walmart pharmacies across the U.S. will participate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 19.

The promotion includes free screenings for glucose, cholesterol, body mass index, vision and blood pressure at select locations, as well as immunizations for a fee for the flu, mumps, measles, tetanus, HPV, rubella, chicken pox/shingles, whooping cough, hepatitis A & B and other maladies. COVID-19 vaccines are free. Go to walmart.com/wellnesshub to find a free event.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WestRock Company (NYSE: WRK) today announced it will permanently cease operating its paper mill in North Charleston, South Carolina, on August 31, 2023.

“WestRock and its predecessor companies have had a long history in the region operating the North Charleston mill, and the contributions of the team members over the years have been greatly appreciated,” said David B. Sewell, chief executive officer at WestRock. “The decision to close a facility and impact the lives of our team members is never easy, and we are committed to assisting our North Charleston team with exploring roles at other WestRock locations and outplacement assistance.”

The North Charleston mill produces containerboard, uncoated kraft paper (KraftPak^®), and unbleached saturating kraft paper (DuraSorb^®), with a combined annual capacity of 550,000 tons. Containerboard and uncoated kraft currently produced at the mill will be manufactured at other WestRock facilities. The Company intends to exit the unbleached saturating kraft paper business when the mill shutdown is completed.

WestRock is committed to improving its return on invested capital as well as maximizing the performance of its assets. The combination of high operating costs and the need for significant capital investment were the determining factors in the decision to cease operations at the mill.

The North Charleston mill employs approximately 500 people. Employees will receive severance and outplacement assistance in accordance with WestRock policy and labor union agreements.

About WestRock

WestRock (NYSE: WRK) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions, with more than 58,000 teammates in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Our integrated packaging capabilities offer end-to-end solutions to help customers address their greatest challenges.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, beliefs, plans or forecasts and are typically identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “target,” “prospects,” “potential” and “forecast,” and other words, terms and phrases of similar meaning. Forward looking statements involve estimates, expectations, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks and uncertainties. We caution readers that forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Our businesses are subject to a number of general risks that could affect any such forward-looking statements. These risks are described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in Item 1A under the caption “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2022.

Contacts

Media:

Senior Manager, Corporate Communications robby.b.johnson@westrock.com

Investors: Rob Quartaro, 470-328-6979 Senior Vice President, Investor Relations robert.quartaro@westrock.com

There’s something to be said about an eatery that strives to do the humble hamburger justice — which explains why it finds its way onto the menus of both dive bars and fine dining establishments. There’s purists looking for the classic ground beef with yellow American cheese, but many restaurants mix it up the burger blends with short rib, brisket, and even bacon. There are always new places popping up in Charleston, but these are the 12 Lowcountry establishments that have and continue to serve the best burgers in town.

If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Dive bar with famous food Tattooed Moose offers a classic example of two thin patties, onions, lettuce, tomato, American cheese, and special sauce between toasted kaiser rolls. Don’t leave without ordering a side of duck fat fries.

Edmund’s Oast chef Bob Cook knows his meats, so it should be no surprise that he puts out not one but two superior burgers. Cook brings the Artisan Meat Share burger, from his former restaurant, with a slightly sweet bacon jam and spicy jalapenos for a fun balance. The Edmund’s Oast version is the classic bread and butter pickles, special sauce, onion, and tomato with patties and bun.

Herd Provisions is a Wagener Terrace neighborhood favorite. The regular menu offers an all-American burger with pickles, lettuce, onion, plus secret sauce, but on Mondays, the restaurant tries out new versions, like a recent special with barbecue sauce, crispy onions, arugula, pickled peppers, provolone, and burger patty mixed with Neuske’s ground bacon.

Moe’s has flipped burgers for over 20 years, making this dive a go-to destination any time a craving strikes. The well-worn griddle puts out expertly seared thick beef patties at an astonishing pace. The menu offers a ton of topping variations — try the goat cheese and poblano combo or the more traditional fried green tomato BLT option.

During most days of the week, Maison puts out stunning plates of classic French flavors, but on Wednesdays, chef Vandy Vanderwarker releases a burger that is simply a work of art. The kitchen builds everything from scratch, including the duck fat bun. This burger is house-ground beef, house-made duck sausage, melty caramelized onions, a rich Gruyere sauce, and a bordelaise that takes the umami levels up to 100. After the first bite, you will need a knife and fork to finish this masterpiece.

The smoke masters at Home Team BBQ always have a burger on the menu, topped with harissa mayo and a King’s Hawaiian roll, but you should look out for the on-off burgers, usually posted on Instagram. A recent special included a thick, pit-smoked patty with bacon and jalapeno mayonnaise.

Spring Street restaurant Bistronomy by Nico offers a French take on the burger on Monday nights. Made in limited numbers, the patties are formed from North Carolina-raised wagyu beef and topped with a generous amount of Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, and cornichon ketchup. It’s best enjoyed with a glass of French red wine.

Tully’s offers the ideal version of a late-night burger. It’s got all the definitive markers of a classic: sesame bun, griddled patties, shredduce (shredded lettuce), American cheese, and thinly sliced tomato and onions. Find the walk-up window on the side of the Music Farm.

Customers only have one chance to devour the celebrated Ted’s burger each week. Stop by on Saturday for this Charleston staple, which is made using Painted Hills natural beef and grilled in the Big Green Egg. It’s one of the thickest patties on the peninsula.

Posh hotel the Dewberry isn’t the first place you’d look for a big meaty burger, but its stunning midcentury modern bar, the Living Room, offers a great example of the usually humble offering. The high-quality beef is topped with onions, bordelaise, Emmenthal cheese, a potato bun, and a tiny cornichon on top. Pinkies up.

Dive bar/punk rock venue Big Gun specializes in burgers and excels at the classic with American cheese, onion, pickles, and special sauce. It’s an easy stop to squeeze in on the way to, or from, the bars on King Street. Though, if you want to stay put at Big Gun, check out the extensive collection of craft beers and whiskeys.

Battle the South-of-Broad crowds for a seat at the bar at classic steakhouse Oak if you want to try a prime example of a burger made with Certified Angus Beef. The patty is a combination of New York Strip, filet, and brisket (which could be why it rings in at $21). The burger is topped with Nueske’s bacon and served with truffle fries. Feel extra fancy and start the night with a dirty martini and oysters before tucking into the burger.

Dive bar with famous food Tattooed Moose offers a classic example of two thin patties, onions, lettuce, tomato, American cheese, and special sauce between toasted kaiser rolls. Don’t leave without ordering a side of duck fat fries.

Edmund’s Oast chef Bob Cook knows his meats, so it should be no surprise that he puts out not one but two superior burgers. Cook brings the Artisan Meat Share burger, from his former restaurant, with a slightly sweet bacon jam and spicy jalapenos for a fun balance. The Edmund’s Oast version is the classic bread and butter pickles, special sauce, onion, and tomato with patties and bun.

Herd Provisions is a Wagener Terrace neighborhood favorite. The regular menu offers an all-American burger with pickles, lettuce, onion, plus secret sauce, but on Mondays, the restaurant tries out new versions, like a recent special with barbecue sauce, crispy onions, arugula, pickled peppers, provolone, and burger patty mixed with Neuske’s ground bacon.

Moe’s has flipped burgers for over 20 years, making this dive a go-to destination any time a craving strikes. The well-worn griddle puts out expertly seared thick beef patties at an astonishing pace. The menu offers a ton of topping variations — try the goat cheese and poblano combo or the more traditional fried green tomato BLT option.

During most days of the week, Maison puts out stunning plates of classic French flavors, but on Wednesdays, chef Vandy Vanderwarker releases a burger that is simply a work of art. The kitchen builds everything from scratch, including the duck fat bun. This burger is house-ground beef, house-made duck sausage, melty caramelized onions, a rich Gruyere sauce, and a bordelaise that takes the umami levels up to 100. After the first bite, you will need a knife and fork to finish this masterpiece.

The smoke masters at Home Team BBQ always have a burger on the menu, topped with harissa mayo and a King’s Hawaiian roll, but you should look out for the on-off burgers, usually posted on Instagram. A recent special included a thick, pit-smoked patty with bacon and jalapeno mayonnaise.

Spring Street restaurant Bistronomy by Nico offers a French take on the burger on Monday nights. Made in limited numbers, the patties are formed from North Carolina-raised wagyu beef and topped with a generous amount of Gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, and cornichon ketchup. It’s best enjoyed with a glass of French red wine.

Tully’s offers the ideal version of a late-night burger. It’s got all the definitive markers of a classic: sesame bun, griddled patties, shredduce (shredded lettuce), American cheese, and thinly sliced tomato and onions. Find the walk-up window on the side of the Music Farm.

Customers only have one chance to devour the celebrated Ted’s burger each week. Stop by on Saturday for this Charleston staple, which is made using Painted Hills natural beef and grilled in the Big Green Egg. It’s one of the thickest patties on the peninsula.

Posh hotel the Dewberry isn’t the first place you’d look for a big meaty burger, but its stunning midcentury modern bar, the Living Room, offers a great example of the usually humble offering. The high-quality beef is topped with onions, bordelaise, Emmenthal cheese, a potato bun, and a tiny cornichon on top. Pinkies up.

Dive bar/punk rock venue Big Gun specializes in burgers and excels at the classic with American cheese, onion, pickles, and special sauce. It’s an easy stop to squeeze in on the way to, or from, the bars on King Street. Though, if you want to stay put at Big Gun, check out the extensive collection of craft beers and whiskeys.

Battle the South-of-Broad crowds for a seat at the bar at classic steakhouse Oak if you want to try a prime example of a burger made with Certified Angus Beef. The patty is a combination of New York Strip, filet, and brisket (which could be why it rings in at $21). The burger is topped with Nueske’s bacon and served with truffle fries. Feel extra fancy and start the night with a dirty martini and oysters before tucking into the burger.

Why visit North Charleston when you’re already so close to its more glamorous neighbors?

The best answer is Riverfront Park — 12 acres that offer views of dolphins, giant ships and the future.

Located on the former Charleston Naval Base along the Cooper River, the park is dotted with sculptures among its live oaks and open terrain. There’s a dog park and restaurant on-site, and a splash pad area for kids in the summer.

But the boardwalks and new bridge that gained international attention for its design are the main attractions.

Starting on the south end, you’ll see Navy ships and others awaiting repairs at the shipyard next door. And massive containerships sail by so close you could hit them with a rock. (Don’t do this.)

Keep your eyes on the water as you walk. Dolphins often pop up from the river, while egrets and other birds explore the shallow areas near the bank.

As you cross the raised bridge over Noisette Creek, it doesn’t take much imagination to see what’s next. Another boardwalk is being built along the waterfront. And those abandoned warehouses won’t stand the test of time. The city is looking for a developer to reimagine these 70 acres as a place where people can work, play and live.

Today, this end of the park feels like a ghost town. If plans work out, it’s destined to be a popular destination in North Charleston.

Go now and you can brag that you were there before it went mainstream.

And before you go, check the events schedule: The park regularly hosts festivals and concerts on weekends.

Explore

Park Circle

A short walk or drive from Riverfront Park will land you in North Charleston’s downtown, centered along Montague Avenue and dotted with shops and restaurants. The large park inside a traffic circle that gave this area its name has been getting a $20 million facelift, but it’s scheduled to reopen in 2023.

North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center

Alice Cooper played here in May. So did Zach Bryan. The venue also hosts a variety of musicals, comedy acts and other events, including pro wrestling and monster truck shows. It’s also home to the local hockey team, the Stingrays.

Firefly Distillery

Firefly has one of the best outdoor music venues in the region. Bring a blanket and sit on the grass next to the marsh while the band plays onstage. Food trucks ring the seating areas. Some summer 2023 performers included My Morning Jacket, Fleet Foxes, Two Friends and Lupe Fiasco.

The distillery also hosts local acts on its porch from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

North Charleston Farmers Market

The city’s farmers market runs from May through October on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. It’s a smaller operation, but you’ll find a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Eat and drink like a local

The Codfather

Fish and chips, done well and fast. Pour a little malt vinegar on everything and order a side of the mushy peas, which taste better than they sound.

Dashi

Try the duck quesadilla or bahn mi wrap at this Asian and Latin fusion restaurant on Remount Road.

Holy City Brewing

Whether you’re here for a drink or a meal, make your way out to the back patio overlooking the marsh.

Shopping

Tanger Outlets

This outdoor mall has a variety of name-brand stores selling their goods at a discount.

H & L Asian Market

This store is stocked with Asian foods and products you’re not likely to find at Piggly Wiggly or Harris Teeter.

Welch’s Seafood

This tiny market has a variety of fresh fish, crabs and oysters. Buy your fish whole or pick a few filets. Grab a pound of shark meat and make yourself a top-of-the-food chain dinner.

Choice’s Gourmet Market and Deli

The market is stocked with meals made daily in the kitchen. Check out the homemade desserts at the front counter, where you can also order a pizza or sandwich. The shelves are stocked with fancy pastas and wines. Near the back, you can find fresh pesto and frozen treats.

When one thinks of wood, the ideas of life, structure and shelter come to mind. Our readers this week showed these aspects and more.

This week’s winner is Paul Stone with a photo of wood that, at first glance, looks like a turtle. The honorable mentions are Denise Chastain with an image of dead tree that once stood at Broom Hall Plantation in Berkeley County, and Ken Robichaux with a photo of a walkway on Jekyll Island, Ga.

Next week’s topic is movement, which will be a challenge to capture in a photograph but stunning when done correctly.

The rules: Send your best photo to yourphotos@postandcourier.com by noon Thursday. Include your name, town and where the photo was taken. Add your name and the topic to the file. If you want your photo to be eligible to run in the newspaper, it must be at least 1,500 pixels, not have a commercial watermark and not have been published in another publication.

On Fridays, we first announce the editors’ pick of the week at postandcourier.com/yourphotos and declare a topic for the next week. On Saturdays, we publish an online gallery.

On Sunday, the photo pick of the week will appear in this section, Life.

All photos submitted will be considered for publication in The Post and Courier’s yearly magazine, My Charleston. Some images may be selected for other editorial or noncommercial use.

We reserve the right to not publish any photo for any reason.