Have you ever noticed how hard it is to get rid of junk? For most folks, junk is a collection of unwanted items and appliances just begging to be thrown out. But for whatever reason - work obligations, busy schedules, over-worked brains, or plain old procrastination - we're woefully content to let the junk sit. If you're sick and tired of all the old, junky items in your home and want more room to live and play, you need junk removal in Beaufort, SC, today.
At Labor Bros, we mix the most comprehensive junk removal in town with the highest quality general labor services available. That makes Labor Bros your one-stop shop for all your junk hauling and labor needs, from house cleaning to power washing and just about everything in between. Our customers choose Labor Bros because we prioritize friendly, helpful customer service and good old-fashioned hard work. We take pride in our work, and you see evidence of that with each of our Labor Bros, who are anxious to work hard for you, no matter the size of the project. We're very proud of the fact that we're locally owned and operated. We know the local roads, grew up in these parts, and know the people. As such, we offer fair and competitive pricing for all our customers, whether they're new or returning.
Our goal is to make your life easy, so you can focus on the most important aspects of life while we handle the hard stuff. We understand that your life is busy, and you probably don't have the time or energy to haul away old junk or climb up on a ladder to trim your trees. Why risk a trip to the emergency room when you can call the Labor Bros to handle the heavy lifting? At the end of the day, we do the jobs that you can't or just don't want to do - and that makes us happy. Just click or call and consider it done!
Our fully trained Labor Bros have extensive experience, unmatched work ethic, and crazy cardio. This combo lets them tackle a wide variety of junk removal and labor service projects, including:
On average, the typical American creates more than four pounds of waste every day. That figure doesn't include the items in your home that need to be hauled away but remain for whatever reason. The reality is most South Carolina residents have tons of junk lying around that they don't need. Unfortunately, most of us don't have the time or patience to get rid of these items in an efficient, eco-friendly way. That's where Labor Bros junk removal swoops in to save the day.
If you have never used or even heard of junk removal, don't sweat it - we've got you covered. Junk removal is an on-call service that removes all of the old trash and junk from your home or business. It works like this:
You give our office a call or use our online contact form to set up an appointment. You let us know how much junk we'll be hauling in our junk removal trucks. You then choose a time and date for an appointment, and the Labor Bros will be there on time, ready to work.
Once you give us the green light, our team will get to work hauling all your old debris and junk items from your home or office. It's that simple!
We'll come to your location to get the full scope of the job we're completing for you. Once we do, you get a no-obligation, affordable quote.
Here at Labor Bros, we've hauled away an incredible amount of junk since we opened our doors. Whether it's the hundreds of unsightly, heavy mattresses or old, unusable TVs, our crew has hauled some serious junk over the years. For each truckload of junk that we remove from a home or business, we work hard to donate applicable items and recycle others, to give back to the community and keep it clean.
When it comes to junk removal in Beaufort, SC, here are some of the most common items we remove:
Even the best mattresses will need to be replaced with enough time. Over the years, your mattress will begin to break down, causing you more pain than pleasure when your head hits the pillow. When your quality of sleep is affected, so too is your day-to-day life and wellbeing. To make matters worse, your old mattress is a haven for dead skin cells, hair, and even bugs. When it gets to this point, it's time to get rid of your mattress. Unfortunately, that can be easier said than done, especially if you're working 40 hours a week and must balance a family too. Luckily, the Labor Bros can remove your old mattress quicker than it takes you to snooze on a Sunday afternoon.
Labor Bros Pro Tip: Mattress parts like steel springs, wooden frames, and coils can often be donated or recycled. Our team is happy to handle this part of the junk removal process, so you don't have to!
If you plan on upgrading your kitchen, chances are you will need to update your old fridge too. Refrigerators are notorious for being big, clunky, hazardous appliances to remove. Most folks don't want to deal with the lengthy process of removing the appliance and disposing of it safely. That's where the Labor Bros come in! Whether you have a regular-sized fridge at your home or several large chest freezers at your business, the Labor Bros are here to haul them away today.
Labor Bros Pro Tip: Remember, many refrigerators and freezers have harmful chemicals that need to be disposed of properly. The Labor Bros always take these hazards into account, so you don't risk your health. Once these materials have been dealt with, our junk removal experts will either donate your unwanted fridge or haul it to the appropriate recycling facility.
With new technology and features debuting every other day, it's no surprise that we haul away old TVs every day. Whether you're moving to a new home or just want a new TV, we can remove your old flat screen quickly and safely. Our customers choose the Labor Bros for their TV removal not just because we're fast and effective, but because many modern TVs contain hazardous materials. Once our team removes your old TV from your home or business, we'll make sure your TV is disposed of in an eco-friendly manner.
In addition to our junk removal services, Labor Bros also offers the highest quality general labor services in South Carolina. In today's fast-paced world, many home and business owners don't have the time or staff to handle labor-intensive jobs like garage cleanouts and yard debris removal. There's no need to call in a favor with your best friend or father-in-law. Contact the Labor Bros for fast, efficient service for any of your general labor projects. We save you time, money, and the possibility of injuring yourself or your friends.
If you own a home, you probably know how frustrating it can be to keep up with odd jobs around the house. Sometimes, you need a little more than a helping hand - you need a team of experienced professionals to get the job done right. And that, in a nutshell, is why we founded Labor Bros - to give good people like you the chance to keep their homes looking great, inside and out. Here are just a few of the most common general labor jobs we complete for homeowners in South Carolina:
If you're anything like us, your garage space doubles as a storage unit. Over time, the items you store in your garage can pile up. Often, these items go unused for years, essentially becoming junk right before your eyes. At some point, you will need all that junk and debris cleaned out. When you want it done right, it's time to call the Labor Bros. Our team will not only remove the junk from your garage - we'll clean your garage afterward, so it looks and feels like it was brand new.
Cleaning up your yard debris can be a real pain in the butt. You need the right clothes to protect your legs and arms, gloves for your hands, possibly a back brace, and a lot of patience. After you're done, you're bound to need a shower and a long break. With all that in mind, it's no wonder why so many South Carolina residents call the Labor Bros for yard debris removal! Our general labor techs have cleaned up dozens if not hundreds of yards, and they can help you too. We make yard debris cleanup easy by taking everything: limbs, leaves, grass clippings, wood chips, and more. Simply click or call, and we'll haul it all!
If you just bought a new couch or desk but don't have the time to set it up yourself, call the Labor Bros for a fast solution. Whether you're moving into a new home and you need help mounting your TV, or you need a large piece of furniture assembled, we can do it all.
At Labor Bros, we don't just serve homeowners - we offer general labor and junk removal services for businesses too. All businesses generate junk in some form or fashion. Typically, entrepreneurs don't have the time to handle junk removal and odd jobs like window washing on their own. That's why business owners in South Carolina trust the Labor Bros - because we make their lives easier and more productive, at a reasonable rate. If you're sick of making complicated arrangements that don't fit your business needs, it's time to call our office. We can help with just about any general labor services you need, from removing old office furniture to transporting new equipment to your job site.
Here are some of our general labor specialties for local business owners:
Call or Text 815-931-3993 to receive a FREE QUOTE or to set up your
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At the Labor Bros, we do junk removal a little differently than our competition. We strive to provide the very best residential and commercial junk removal in Beaufort, SC. To achieve that goal, we prioritize customer service, meaning our clients come first before anything. We know it can be hard to trust junk removal companies, which is why we offer transparent services and pricing. No small print. No sneaky fees. Just hard work at a cost-conscious rate.
As professionals, we treat your home or business like it was our own. Our Labor Bros will work as long as it takes to get the job done while respecting your space. At the same time, we're not your cable TV technician, so we won't be moping around your house all day. We'll show up on time and get the job done effectively, so you can get back to living life.
When you book an appointment for junk removal, you can feel good knowing we'll recycle as much of your used junk as possible - because Mother Earth needs a helping hand too. If you're looking for a hassle-free junk removal experience with fair, upfront pricing, look no further than the Labor Bros.
815-931-3993BEAUFORT — The city of Beaufort and the Town of Bluffton recently became the third and fourth coastal municipalities to call for the declaration of an economic disaster due to the dumping of imported shrimp into local markets.The actions speak to a statewide concern. Fishermen warn that limited resources and an inundated market have created a “perfect storm” that without intervention could tear apart South Carolina’s shrimping industry.On Dec. 12, Beaufort and Bluffton joined Mount Pleasant and McClellan...
BEAUFORT — The city of Beaufort and the Town of Bluffton recently became the third and fourth coastal municipalities to call for the declaration of an economic disaster due to the dumping of imported shrimp into local markets.
The actions speak to a statewide concern. Fishermen warn that limited resources and an inundated market have created a “perfect storm” that without intervention could tear apart South Carolina’s shrimping industry.
On Dec. 12, Beaufort and Bluffton joined Mount Pleasant and McClellanville in urging Gov. Henry McMaster to declare an economic disaster due to the dumping of imported shrimp.
Van Willis, Port Royal town manager, said officials there are planning to take a similar action in January.
The declaration would allow for the U.S. Department of Commerce to determine if controls should be imposed on imported shrimp and could open financial assistance for South Carolina shrimpers.
Brandon Charochak, a spokesman for McMaster, said the governor is exploring the possibility of an emergency declaration.
“Gov. McMaster recognizes that South Carolina’s shrimping industry is a vital part of our economy, and he is currently exploring all avenues with state and federal partners to determine if such a declaration is possible,” Charochak said.
Shrimp dumping occurs when imported, farm-raised shrimp oversaturate the local market. It’s an issue Beaufort fisherman Craig Reaves has seen for decades, but one that he says has grown in recent years.
A shift in supply coincided with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The supply of foreign shrimp entering the U.S. market exceeded demand at that that time, Reaves said. The price for shrimp fell as a result, hurting local shrimpers in the process.
The Southern Shrimp Alliance estimates that U.S. imports of frozen, warmwater shrimp nearly doubled from 2013 to 2021 to an unprecedented level of 1.8 billion pounds.
The shrimp dumping compounds other struggles within the industry, including a loss of waterfront property, increasingly expensive equipment and an aging workforce.
PORT ROYAL — The newly sworn-in mayor of Port Royal wasted no time getting down to business during the Dec. 13 Town Council meeting.
The smiles, handshakes and words of encouragement that marked Kevin Phillips’ brief inauguration ceremony were immediately followed by a motion to move the Town Council into executive session.
The session’s purpose, as indicated in the meeting agenda, was to receive legal advice regarding the controversial Safe Harbor development underway in the town that sits wedged between Battery Creek and the Beaufort River.
Less than 30 minutes later, Council emerged from the behind-closed-doors session and newly re-elected Councilman Jerry Ashmore offered a motion.
“I would like to make a motion to direct Mayor Phillips to submit a letter to Safe Harbor advising of our council’s concerns and feedback to items related to the Port of Port Royal development,” Ashmore said.
The motion passed unanimously.
The contents of that letter have not yet been made public. The Post and Courier has requested a copy of the letter under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act and is awaiting the town’s response.
Phillips defeated incumbent Joe DeVito in the Nov. 7, 2023, election for the town’s top elected spot. DeVito had served one term as mayor. The margin of Phillips’ victory — he garnered 60 percent of the 1,041 votes cast compared to DeVito’s 39 percent of the vote — surprised even Phillips.
“I was shocked by that. I thought it would be a lot closer than that,” Phillips recounted.
If there was one issue that distinguished Phillips from DeVito, it was Safe Harbor. And, as Safe Harbor’s development plans became public in the late summer and early fall, it was almost certainly a deciding factor in the election.
“That was something that was different between me and Joe,” Phillips said.
The Port of Port Royal has for years been a point of unrealized potential. Phillips said that residents have long been frustrated by plans that announced and never come to fruition. The South Carolina Ports Authority sold the port to a private developer in 2017, Grey Ghost Properties LLC.
They made some good progress, according to Phillips, including getting two restaurants opened: Shellring Ale Works and Fishcamp on 11th Street. But in 2021, they sold to Safe Harbor Marinas, a national chain with facilities across the U.S. with a heavy East Coast concentration.
In August, Safe Harbor presented their development plan, and nearly everyone was caught off guard. It was, according to Phillips, the first time the public and the council had heard anything about plans for Safe Harbor. Communication with the company was, he said, lacking.
“It was just completely different from anything that anyone had conceptualized. They just came out of left field,” Phillips said, adding that all hell broke loose after the plans came to light.
Safe Harbor’s plan, as described by Phillips, calls for a boatyard “larger than anyone ever thought” and the construction of approximately 230 build-to-rent housing units. The new homes could add as many as 400 cars to downtown.
“It’s gorgeous out there, and we’re just going to build 230 build-to-rent townhomes in the middle of that? Nobody saw that coming,” Phillips said. “If Port Royal knew that was the plan originally, I don’t think there’s anybody on Council that would’ve made that deal.”
Phillips characterized his response to the plan as more confrontational than DeVito’s. Phillips made it clear, he said, that he was prepared to take on Safe Harbor, while DeVito’s approach was perceived as more cooperative.
“When you’re dealing with something this special, this important, you’ve got to stand up for it and you’ve got to fight for it,” Phillips said. “That’s what I plan to do, and I think Council is behind it, too.”
The willingness to take on Safe Harbor appears to have resonated with voters. The issue is almost certain to be a defining issue during his term as mayor.
DeVito was presented a key to the town and a plaque honoring his term as mayor that included a gavel. He noted the irony in the gift because during his entire term, he never used a gavel.
“I do not believe you need a gavel to run a meeting,” DeVito said. “We ran the meetings together as a team and we did it because we all love Port Royal. We did it for one reason and one reason only, the betterment of Port Royal.”
By Delayna EarleyThe Island NewsBeaufort has a new mayor, and his name is Phil Cromer.As of Tuesday night, Dec. 12, the unofficial results for the Special Election for Mayor of the City of Beaufort show Cromer winning over opponent Mike Sutton with almost 66% of the vote with 15 of the 17 precincts reporting and all 14 absentee and early voting precincts reporting.Sutton received almost 34% of the vote with 627 votes.“It feels terrific,” Cromer said while at his...
By Delayna Earley
The Island News
Beaufort has a new mayor, and his name is Phil Cromer.
As of Tuesday night, Dec. 12, the unofficial results for the Special Election for Mayor of the City of Beaufort show Cromer winning over opponent Mike Sutton with almost 66% of the vote with 15 of the 17 precincts reporting and all 14 absentee and early voting precincts reporting.
Sutton received almost 34% of the vote with 627 votes.
“It feels terrific,” Cromer said while at his election after party at Panini’s in downtown Beaufort. “All those three months of campaigning, it seemed like a long time, but it really went by pretty fast and now it’s all over. It was all worth the effort.”
Cromer said that he was grateful for all the support that he received while campaigning and finished with a message to those who voted for him, “I’m not going to let you down.”
He planned on spending a little more time at his after party before heading home to get some much-needed rest, but he would like to meet with City Manager Scott Marshall sometime this week to begin to discuss things for the next 11 months.
Voter turnout was high for a special election with almost 20% of registered voters in the City of Beaufort showing up to the polls on Tuesday.
Cromer will be sworn in Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m., assuming the election results are verified during the Canvass Hearing and Certification of Results of the City of Beaufort Mayor Special Election on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at 10 a.m.
The Special Election was held to fill the void left by former Mayor Stephen Murray who resigned in September of this year.
Murray had one year left in his term, and the newly elected mayor will finish out his term.
Cromer served on City Council for four years before he retired in Dec. 2022.
He decided to come back and run for mayor so that he could try and smooth out some of the tense interactions between the City of Beaufort and preservation organizations like the Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF).
Acting Mayor Mike McFee said that he looks forward to working with the new mayor.
“I’m looking for a very positive transition,” McFee said Tuesday night.
Attempts to reach Cromer’s opponent, Mike Sutton, were unsuccessful.
Delayna Earley formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
The former Beaufort County Jail is being transformed into a condominium development.Columbia-based developer Wheeler & Wheeler Properties is developing Justice Place, the conversion of the jail at 1409 King St., into nine individual residential condominiums, according to a news release.Construction on Justice Place has begun, and units are expected to be available for lease in the summer of 2024.Garvin Design Group of Columbia, which has won numerous awards across the state for its preservation efforts, is the archit...
The former Beaufort County Jail is being transformed into a condominium development.
Columbia-based developer Wheeler & Wheeler Properties is developing Justice Place, the conversion of the jail at 1409 King St., into nine individual residential condominiums, according to a news release.
Construction on Justice Place has begun, and units are expected to be available for lease in the summer of 2024.
Garvin Design Group of Columbia, which has won numerous awards across the state for its preservation efforts, is the architect for the jail, and notable features of the jail have been retained and incorporated into the design, the release stated. For example, the visiting area has been converted into a breakfast area in one of the units, hallways have been preserved, and portions of old jail bars have been used as accents.
“The conversion of the former county jail into residential condominiums is a great example of adaptive reuse,” said Jeff Wheeler, a partner in Wheeler & Wheeler, in the release. “It allows us to take a deteriorating property and adapt it for another use while preserving the historic character of the structure, a structure that might well have been torn down and lost.”
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Total investment in the project is $3 million, according to Wheeler.
The adaptive reuse project will consist of six one-bedroom, one-bath units ranging in size from 605 to 735 square feet and three two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath units ranging from 900 to 1,050 square feet. Five units will be on the first floor and four on the second floor. Parking for the residents will be on site.
Hill Construction of Columbia is the general contractor. Hill, Wheeler & Wheeler, and Garvin also teamed up for the renovation of the Fannie McCants Elementary School into 11 townhomes in the historic Earlewood neighborhood in Columbia, according to the release.
Development brings history back to life
Constructed on the site of an earlier jail, the present jail was built in 1939 and expanded in 1961, according to the release. A small addition was added to the rear of the building around 1975. The original 1939 jail was designed by Beaufort architect Jules D. Levin and is a well-developed example of Art Deco/Moderne architecture.
However, the building has sat vacant and deteriorating for several decades in the historic Northwest Quadrant, the release stated.
Preserving the historic character of the jail, while at the same time meeting modern housing standards, was a challenge achieved through a collaboration among the South Carolina Department of History and Archives, the National Park Service and Garvin Design Group, the release stated. Garvin created a design that is functional and architecturally consistent with the area. The jail is on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing building to the Beaufort Historic District.
Located near the city center and shopping, Justice Place is expected to appeal to urban professionals, the release stated. Following approval of the jail project, Wheeler and Wheeler began discussions with the county through the County Attorney, Brittany Ward, about the remaining portion of that block. “The negotiations have been collaborative and proactive with a goal of developing affordable housing. Both the City and the County have been supportive of this project,” Wheeler said.
Developers envision a residential community
Justice Place is now a part of Justice Square, a proposed two-block residential community envisioned by Wheeler & Wheeler in Beaufort’s historic Northwest Quadrant, according to the release.
“The Justice Square development will meet a range of housing needs and is envisioned as a catalyst to spur further revitalization in the heart of that historic area,” Wheeler said.
In addition to Justice Place, the proposed urban infill development of Justice Square may include, according to the release:
“The Beaufort Housing Study identified four critical elements which Justice Square will meet: affordable rental housing, for sale housing to moderate income households, residential development that will appeal to millennials and young professionals, and adaptive reuse of existing vacant structures for residential purposes,” said Zack Wheeler, also a partner in Wheeler & Wheeler Properties, in the release.
Here’s what to know about visiting Beaufort, one of South Carolina’s most beautiful towns.0 seconds of 59 secondsVolume 0%This video file cannot be played.(Error Code: 224003)Charleston may get most of the attention when it comes to South Carolina’s many cities, but the history, culture, and (of course) Southern ch...
Here’s what to know about visiting Beaufort, one of South Carolina’s most beautiful towns.
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Charleston may get most of the attention when it comes to South Carolina’s many cities, but the history, culture, and (of course) Southern charm that make it so special can also be found in smaller and less expensive places in the region. If you’ve ever watched “Forrest Gump” or read anything by the late author Pat Conroy, you may be familiar with Beaufort, a harbor town on Port Royal Island. Its narrow streets, oak trees, and historic district that pre-dates the Civil War are similar to those in Charleston, but Beaufort is remarkable and magical in its own right. Plus, it doesn’t draw the same crowds that tend to flock to notable Holy City hangouts like King Street, Folly Beach, and the Battery.
Before you read any further, though, you need to know how to properly pronounce the name. Not to be confused with Beaufort, North Carolina (said like “bow-fert”), the coastal town has a pronunciation more akin to “bew-fert.” Mistaking the two will immediately identify you as a tourist — and it won’t sit too well with the locals. Once you have that squared away, you can start planning your trip to Beaufort, the second-oldest city in South Carolina.
8 Charming Small Towns in South Carolina — From the Mountains to the Beach
In 1969, Beaufort became one of the few U.S. cities with an entire downtown designated as a historic district by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, so exploring the neighborhoods filled with Victorian, Greek Revival, Neoclassical, and Federal-style homes is at the top of most travelers’ lists. At Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, you’ll spot Woods Memorial Bridge, recognizable from the aforementioned Tom Hanks blockbuster. Stretching your legs is also encouraged along the Spanish Moss Trail, a 10-mile greenway that weaves by Beaufort’s marshes and through trees draped in Spanish moss. Given its waterfront location, Beaufort should also be experienced by boat; book a Dolphin & History Boat Cruise with Coastal Expeditions or an ecology tour with Beaufort Kayak Tours. Paddleboarding is another option, with rental equipment available at Higher Ground Outfitters.
Beaufort’s ties to the literary world are strong; visiting the Pat Conroy Literary Center (Beaufort was Conroy’s adopted hometown) or one of the three independent bookstores in town — NeverMore Books, McIntosh Book Shoppe, and Beaufort Books — is a must for book lovers. For those interested in local art, there’s the Gullah Art Gallery and Museum, Legacy Art Gallery, Rhett Gallery, Thibault Gallery, or Atelier Off Bay.
Many of the best things to do in Beaufort are found further outside of downtown. About 17 miles east is Hunting Island State Park, with its pristine beaches, marshes, maritime forest, saltwater lagoon, and the Hunting Island Lighthouse, which was destroyed during the Civil War and rebuilt in 1875. St. Helena Island (a 13-minute drive away) is home to Penn Center — one of the United States’ first schools for formerly enslaved individuals — as well as the family-owned Dempsey Farms, where you can pick in-season fruits and vegetables. Local produce can also be acquired on Saturdays at the nearby Port Royal Farmers Market.
The Best Things to Do in South Carolina, According to a Local
An overnight trip to Beaufort is best accompanied by a stay in one of the town’s upscale inns. Slow Southern mornings paired with a home-cooked breakfast can be enjoyed on the expansive wooden porch at The Rhett House Inn. Guests can also book the more modern Rhett House Inn Cottages, which sit across the street from the main building. Once a Union Army hospital, Anchorage 1770 overlooks the Beaufort River and offers a fine dining experience at the Ribaut Social Club. The Beaufort Inn first opened its doors in 1897, and the property’s modern-day chapter features several fully renovated buildings within the town’s historic district.
As with most Southern cities and towns, food is a major part of the local culture. If you’re a traveler who plans their vacations around meals, you’ll want to start your day at Blackstone’s Cafe or Herban Market and Cafe. If you’re exploring Beaufort during the day and want something quick, order a fried chicken sandwich or po’boy from Lowcountry Produce Market & Cafe. Chapman’s Grocer also has grab-and-go treats, wine, and craft beer. Old Bull Tavern is a lively gastropub open only for dinner, Saltus River Grill is great for indulging in seafood, and those craving Italian should dine at Griffin Market. Gullah Grub Restaurant on St. Helena Island is one of the area’s most famous restaurants (it appeared on Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations); get the shrimp gumbo.
A South Carolina summer is hot and humid — there’s no getting around that. To explore Beaufort in the most comfortable climate, your best bet is to go in either early spring or late fall. April and October are ideal for having plenty to do (winter is far from bustling) while simultaneously avoiding the sweltering weather synonymous with the South.
If you’re flying into Hilton Head Airport (HHH) or Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) — both are under an hour away — you’ll need to rent a car to fully experience Beaufort and its surrounding area. Charleston International Airport (CHS) is also an option, although it’ll take about 90 minutes to get to Beaufort.
Three Beaufort County food businesses were cited with “B” and “C” grades in September health inspections by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control:Lowcountry Produce Market and Cafe, 302 Carteret St. in Beaufort, scored an 85% (B) on Sept. 20 in a routine inspection.Issues noted by the inspector included: Person in charge does not have a food handlers certif...
Three Beaufort County food businesses were cited with “B” and “C” grades in September health inspections by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control:
Lowcountry Produce Market and Cafe, 302 Carteret St. in Beaufort, scored an 85% (B) on Sept. 20 in a routine inspection.
Issues noted by the inspector included: Person in charge does not have a food handlers certificate; food employees drinking from open cups while working on the cook line; paper towels not supplied at the kitchen hand sink; issues with proper cold food holding temperatures and the walk-in cooler unable to hold food at the required minimum temperature; walk-in cooler condenser frozen over with ice; thawed salmon with warning label to remove from package upon thawing in intact packaging; fan in kitchen with heavy accumulation of dust on; shelving in walk-in cooler with rust and organic matter build-up; light fixture in kitchen without protective shielding; and light fixture in back kitchen storage room broken.
Okatie Ale House, 25 William Pope Court in Bluffton, scored an 80% (B) on Sept. 27 in a routine inspection that was the result of a public complaint.
Issues noted by the inspector included: Outside bar hand-washing sink used as storage; prep area hand-washing sink with soiled wiping towels covering the faucet; employee washing utensils in a hand-washing sink; all kitchen hand-washing sinks and both bar hand sinks without ways to dry hands; bar soda nozzles with buildup of black organic matter; knives used to cut raw chicken washed with only water and then wiped with a dry wiping cloth before being placed on knife rack without sanitizing; issues with proper cold food holding temperatures and refrigerators in poor repair; heavy presence of flies in dish-washing area; soiled and wet wiping cloths on cutting boards and prep surfaces throughout the kitchen; and cups without handles in dressings being used as scoops.
Wayback Burgers, 4 Bluffton Road in Bluffton (inside Walmart), scored an 83% (B) on Sept. 26 in a routine inspection.
Issues noted by the inspector included: Hand-washing sink inaccessible because of several buckets in it; issues with cold-food storage temperatures and the low-boy prep cooler in poor repair; working spray bottles without labels to identify the contents; residential pesticide spray stored in the kitchen area; a container of food without a label to identify the contents; a bucket of pickles stored directly on the walk-in cooler floor; three-compartment sink without sanitizing test strips; walk-in cooler and freezer with debris and grime all over the floors; walk-in cooler storage racks with a heavy accumulation of black organic matter and dust; and ceiling vent cover with a accumulation of dust.
The following restaurant is located in Jasper County but is frequented by many Beaufort County residents because of its location near the county line. During September, DHEC inspectors conducted 22 checks of Jasper County businesses; all others were given A grades.
Rio Chico Mexican Restaurant, 468D Mark Cummings Road, Suite 107, in Hardeeville, scored a 71% (C) on Sept. 21 in a routine inspection that was the result of a public complaint.
Issues noted by the inspector included: Employee standing and eating in food prep area; access to the bar hand-washing sink blocked by large buckets and the kitchen hand-washing sink had miscellaneous items in the basin; raw chicken and raw ground beef defrosting in standing water together; beef thawing in sink basin at ambient temperature; ready-to-eat lettuce being handled in the same sink basin as raw beef; lack of chlorine in the chemical dish machine; issues with hot food and cold food holding temperatures and cooling appliances in need of repair; paint, primer and other chemicals stored with food; both back doors propped open; flies throughout the kitchen; wet, soiled wiping cloths on counters and prep tables; utensils with no handles or stored handle down in liquid salsas and sauces; and the three-compartment sink held together with duct tape and spray foam and leaking.
Inspectors hand out a grade of A, B or C, depending on the conditions found at the time. Points are docked for a variety of infractions, and restaurants have a chance to correct the problems and improve their score.
During September, DHEC recorded 206 inspections of restaurants, schools, stores and other food establishments in Beaufort County. The agency publishes the results of these health inspections on its website.
Newer food grade decals include a QR code that customers can scan with their phones to see a food establishment’s latest report.
Below are the SC DHEC restaurant grades in Beaufort County from Sept. 1-30, 2023.
At the top left of the chart, there is a space to search for the name of a restaurant. Please note that this month’s inspections take up three pages. Switch to page 3 at the top right.