Gullah Geechee CATERING Excellence

As National Iced Tea Day approaches on June 10, it's the perfect time to look at Charleston's surprising role in America's tea history and the Lowcountry traditions that turned a simple glass of tea into a symbol of Southern hospitality.  Many people are surprised to learn that some of the first tea plants grown in the United States were planted near Charleston in the late 1700s. French botanist André Michaux introduced the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, to South Carolina at Middleton Place along the Ashley River. While those early efforts faced challenges, they helped establish the Lowcountry as the birthplace of America's tea industry. Over time, tea became woven into the fabric of Southern life. By the late 1800s, successful tea cultivation took root in nearby Summerville, helping South Carolina become the only state in the nation with a commercial tea industry. But tea's story in the Lowcountry is about much more than agriculture—it's about community, culture, and gathering around the table. African Americans, particularly the Gullah Geechee people of the South Carolina and Georgia coast, played a significant role in shaping the region's food traditions. Descendants of enslaved Africans brought agricultural knowledge, culinary techniques, and a deep sense of hospitality that continue to influence Lowcountry cuisine today. While tea itself was not native to West Africa, the traditions of sharing beverages, gathering with family, and welcoming guests became central to Southern food culture. For generations, sweet tea has been present at church suppers, family reunions, fish fries, cookouts, weddings, and Sunday dinners throughout Black communities across the South. A pitcher of sweet tea on the table often meant you were welcome, there was enough to share, and nobody was leaving hungry. Much like a pot of rice, a cast-iron skillet, or a family recipe passed down through generations, sweet tea became part of the traditions that brought people together. Today, whether served alongside a plate of fried chicken, barbecue, seafood, or your favorite Lowcountry meal, iced tea remains one of the South's most beloved beverages. It represents hospitality, connection, and the stories that unite us across generations. So as we celebrate National Iced Tea Day, let's raise a glass to Charleston's role in America's tea history and to the families and communities who helped make sweet tea a cherished Southern tradition. After all, around here, tea isn't just a drink—it's a part of our heritage.

There’s something about a crab crack in Charleston that feels like home. Before the tablecloths, curated cocktails, and Instagram-worthy seafood spreads, there were folding tables in backyards, newspaper spread across picnic tables, and the unmistakable sound of crab shells cracking while somebody’s auntie yelled, “Pass the butter.” A crab crack wasn’t just a meal — it was a gathering. A celebration. A reason to slow down and be together.  In the Lowcountry, seafood has always been tied to community and culture. Generations of Gullah Geechee families along the South Carolina coast made a way of life from the water, harvesting blue crab, shrimp, oysters, and fish from local creeks and marshes. Crab cracks became a tradition born from simplicity and abundance. Blue crabs were affordable, plentiful, and best enjoyed with a crowd. Friends and family would gather outdoors with coolers full of drinks, pots seasoned to perfection, and enough seafood to feed anybody who happened to stop by. Nobody left hungry, and nobody left without laughing. Over time, crab cracks evolved. What started as casual backyard gatherings slowly found their way into fundraisers, family reunions, church celebrations, and eventually Charleston’s modern food scene. But the spirit stayed the same — good food, loud conversations, music in the background, and the kind of joy you can’t fake. In Charleston, seafood isn’t just cuisine; it’s storytelling. Every crack of a shell carries tradition with it. That same spirit is exactly what inspired our upcoming Juneteenth Bougie Crab Crack at Holy City Brewing. Juneteenth is about freedom, resilience, culture, and celebration — and what better way to honor that than with a Lowcountry tradition centered around food, fellowship, and community? We’re taking the classic Charleston crab crack and giving it the Carolima’s touch: elevated vibes, curated seating, incredible flavor, and an atmosphere designed for connection. Guests will enjoy crab served in a controlled environment with the option to choose their own table mates, creating the perfect mix of comfort, community, and bougie fun. Think less crowded seafood line and more intentional dining experience — where Southern hospitality meets celebration. Expect seasoned crab, signature flavors, music, cocktails, and the kind of energy that feels like summer in Charleston. So come dressed cute, ready to crack shells, make memories, and celebrate culture the Lowcountry way. Purchase tix HERE . Gather your people and meet us at the table this Juneteenth.