When it comes to natural, whole-body wellness, chiropractic care is one of the most effective ways to heal your body. Unfortunately, in today's society, people with neck and back pain settle for addictive pain medication or invasive surgeries over chiropractic treatments. At James Island Spine & Disc Center, we specialize in correcting pain through non-invasive, quality chiropractic work. Rather than treat symptoms that return over time, we address your body's underlying conditions. That way, we can provide you with real results and a long-term solution to your pain problems.
No surgery. No strange meds. No aggressive sales tactics or fine print.
Whether your journey to wellness involves light chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, or custom shoe insoles, we can help. We're proud to be your trusted chiropractor in James Island and treat every client with the utmost respect and compassion, whether it's their first or fiftieth visit. Unlike some chiropractors in South Carolina, we believe in a client-centric approach based on real results and one-on-one service. We strive to foster a positive environment with a community feel. You won't ever be judged or shamed at our practice. On the contrary, we will communicate with you in a friendly, encouraging manner, empowering you to live your best life.
At James Island Spine & Disc Center, we offer our valued clients a wide range of chiropractic services that solve serious symptoms like:
If you are always in pain and have given up on your doctor's suggested therapies, we've got great news - a permanent solution to your back and foot pain may be closer than you might think.
We like to think there's a simple reason why so many clients return to our chiropractic office in James Island. Sure, our state-of-the-art, modern equipment and technology are leaps and bounds above the rest. But what truly sets us apart is our dedication to you, the client.
We see you as so much more than a financial transaction. Our team knows that no two people are the same. As such, we never use "cookie-cutter" plans in our chiropractic treatments - we use a personalized approach, focusing on your long-term pain relief and wellness.
As doctors and specialists, we hold true to our core values:
We want you to feel comfortable knowing that from your first visit, you will be treated with the care and compassion you would expect from a team of professionals.
At James Island Spine & Disc Center, our doctors are not just experts. They're people, too, and understand how pain and back problems can be crippling. Our goal is to get you well as soon as possible, without drugs or surgeries. That way, you can get back to a normal, healthy living for years to come.
We pair cutting-edge technology with advanced chiropractic services like spinal decompression to get your life back on track.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to see a chiropractor as soon as possible, we're here for you. Our chiropractors have treated thousands of patients, and we can treat you too.
Our office offers a robust range of chiropractic services in James Island, from custom shoe insoles for your feet to adjustments and massages for your back.
For many patients suffering from serious disc problems in the past, the path to pain-free living often involved addictive medicines and invasive spinal surgeries. Thankfully, those days are gone, and today, patients benefit greatly from spinal decompression services.
This powerful treatment was developed for patients with herniated or degenerated discs and treats sciatica and lower back pain better than other more dangerous solutions. Spinal Decompression Therapy not only reduces back pain and nerve pain - it allows patients the chance to reclaim their lives and enjoy activities that they thought were impossible to experience.
Thousands of people, including athletes and elderly patients, are choosing spinal decompression over surgery and medication. They're sick of masking their pain with strange medicines that cause horrible side effects. They're frustrated by ineffective shots and costly surgeries, which result in weeks of downtime and scarring. Spinal decompression is safe, effective, and non-invasive, but it's not right for everyone. For that reason, it's essential to work closely with your chiropractic doctor at James Island Spine & Disc to ensure successful treatment. Our doctors will work with other applicable health professionals in your care network to discover the exact nature of your back pain and which treatments are best.
While physical therapy, traction, and traditional chiropractic manipulation reduce disc pressure, only spinal decompression in James Island can elicit negative spinal pressure. Clinical trials show that spinal decompression techniques create negative pressure as low as -110 mm HG3. Usually, when pulls are exerted on your spine, it triggers your sensory receptors, which cause your back to tighten the muscles around your vertebrae and discs. Your body does this to prevent injury. However, spinal decompression circumvents this natural response by pulling on the spine slowly, which relaxes your back over time. This process, performed by experienced physicians at James Island Spine & Disc Center, lets your discs be repositioned without muscle guarding or spasms.
Most often, spinal decompression patients do not experience any major, negative side effects. One common side effect occurs after the first couple of treatments, which can include dull aches or soreness. It feels similar to working out for the first time in a very long time. Patients rarely suffer from pain worse than the injury that caused them to seek treatment. Some patients with severe, acute herniations can experience mild back pain during the first couple weeks of treatment. That's because the disc herniation needs to retract, eliminating nerve pressure. Despite some minor aches and pains, most spinal decompression patients enjoy up to 50% relief after only a few sessions. At the end of the day, spinal decompression from James Island Spine and Disc Center is a comfortable, safe treatment.
Prior to treatment, patients are examined manually with advanced imaging technology, to determine if spinal decompression is suitable and which spinal discs are compressed. Once you're approved for spinal decompression treatment, the patient is placed in a comfortable position on the decompression table. A specific force is applied to your compressed discs while a computer alternates decompression and relaxation cycles. Typically, we apply a series of 18 one-minute alternating decompression and relaxation cycles, which takes approximately 30 minutes. During this process, your spine is gently elongated, creating a vacuum that pulls your discs back into proper position. Realigning the discs in this manner reduces pain and promotes healing. Our spinal decompression treatments are not "one and done" - most patients need up to 24 treatments over a six-week period to completely relieve pain.
If you suffer from one or more of the following signs, spinal decompression may be a suitable treatment for you. Remember, you should always consult with your chiropractic doctor before moving forward.
If you're ready to get started on the path to pain-free living, contact our office today to schedule your no-cost spinal decompression consultation.
Custom shoe insoles sound exactly like what they are: shoe inserts that are custom-made for your feet. They are specially crafted to fit your foot shape perfectly and treat foot and body conditions that cause pain and discomfort. Our custom insoles are calibrated using your intended use and weight, providing incredible support during weight-bearing activities like standing and running.
Our custom shoe insoles help anyone experiencing pain from walking or imbalances in the body that are known to cause pain. One tremendous benefit of custom orthotics is that you can wear them on a daily basis, so you can enjoy normal activities without pain.
Unlike some chiropractors in James Island, we offer custom shoe insoles that are clinically proven to improve your body's total wellness. Our insoles also reduce pain by balancing your body from the ground up. After all, your feet are your body's foundation.
When you suffer from structural imbalances in your feet, you may be suffering from symptoms like:
Plantar Fasciitis: Also called heel pain syndrome, this malady is considered the most common type of heel pain. It becomes apparent after a gradual degeneration of your plantar fascia or when sudden trauma occurs. It feels like a deep ache or sharp stab and often happens in the morning when you first take a step.
Lower Back Pain: Low back pain is very common, especially in hardworking men and women. It can be caused by an unusual "gait" or walk, which imbalances your lower extremities like your knees, feet, and ankles. This causes pain throughout the body, but particularly in your lower back.
Sciatica: If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness that starts in your lower back and shoots down your leg, you might have sciatica. When combined with chiropractic treatments, custom shoe insoles can solve your sciatica issues.
Plastic Deformation: The soft tissues that make up the three arches in your feet are stretched every day. However, over the years, your arches suffer from decreased elasticity when they're pushed beyond their limits. Once your feet's arches are stretched beyond their limits, they will never be the same. Custom shoe insoles from James Island Spine & Disc Center give you more stability and shock absorption. This helps support the structure of your feet and provides pain relief daily.
Knee Pain: Knee pain is a very common problem for adults in the U.S. It can come about through sudden injuries or may be part of an underlying condition, like arthritis. In many cases, successfully treating your knee pain requires a comprehensive treatment plan from your chiropractor, starting with custom insoles for your shoes.
You might be asking yourself, "how do I get started with orthotics?"
We start with a one-on-one consultation to discover your pain points. Once we have learned everything possible about your problems and symptoms, we'll take a foot impression or scan to show imbalances in your feet, which lead to problems within your body. Once we have a proper foot scan, we get to work crafting your insoles.
Our team pulls together our collective training and experience to build you a custom insole for enhanced support and long-term pain relief. That way, you can get back to enjoying an active life.
At James Island Spine & Disc Center, we're proud to use Foot Levelers custom insoles for our patients. Only Foot Levelers support all three arches in your feet. Your arches give your feet the strength to keep your body balanced. Balancing your foundation helps relieve pain and prevents future issues.
Q.Who Are Custom Shoe Insoles Right For?
A.Custom-made insoles are necessary for many athletes, diabetics, and people with debilitating injuries. They often suffer from Achilles tendinitis, lower back pain, overpronation, hip pain, knee pain, etc. But not all shoe insoles are created equal. You can count on our team to select the ideal materials for your insoles while ensuring a perfect fit tailored to your body for maximum comfort.
Are you looking for a chiropractor in James Island, SC who treats more than just symptoms? If you're sick of chiropractic services that aren't tailored to your needs and body, it's time to make a change. Our expert chiropractors at James Island Spine & Disc Center focus on your needs, not an idealized version of you. From chiropractic adjustments to custom shoe inserts and spinal decompression, we have the services and treatments you need to live life to the fullest.
Ready to live your best life free of pain? Contact our office today or explore our site to learn more about the James Island Spine & Disc Center difference. We want you to feel comfortable knowing that you will be treated with care, compassion, and excellence every time you visit our office.
A year long project and vision to improve the Folly Road corridor has wrapped up another year of research and plans.JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A year long project and vision to improve the Folly Road corridor has wrapped up another year of research and plans.The Rethink Folly Road Complete Streets Initiative has a goal to improve congestion and connectivity with pedestrian and bike lanes. Officials hope the work will also improve the value and quality of life along the thoroughfare.The idea behind the project began in 2...
A year long project and vision to improve the Folly Road corridor has wrapped up another year of research and plans.
JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A year long project and vision to improve the Folly Road corridor has wrapped up another year of research and plans.
The Rethink Folly Road Complete Streets Initiative has a goal to improve congestion and connectivity with pedestrian and bike lanes. Officials hope the work will also improve the value and quality of life along the thoroughfare.
The idea behind the project began in 2015 and Charleston County, Charleston City, Folly Beach and the Town of James Island approved the initiative in 2016. It’s a collaborative effort to study the area, design improvements and secure funding for work.
For the past three years, Toole Design has been working with the county and cities along the corridor to do research and community studies on how to best implement the biking and walking paths.
Lakeesha Dunbar, Office Manager for Tool Design, says the design phase and securing property is often longer than actual construction.
“The last two years is getting the design of the Phase One project done in coordination with the state. And so that’s a big piece in itself. And then since I’ve been on board, um, in the last year, we’ve done quite a few little things to keep it trying to keep the momentum going with the community,” Dunbar says.
Tool design worked with the county on designs and also collaborated with business owners along the road.
“We have to get buy in one because we’re having to get easements and property from property owners along the corridor,” Dunbar explains.
The Tool firm’s contract with the Rethink Folly Road project ends and the end of 2022.
“We’ve been expansion of staff to coordinate the steering committee and the BI monthly meetings. I think just that continued coordination and communication between all of the jurisdictions because there are the multiple jurisdictions along the corridor - that’s key,” Dunbar says.
Going forward, the jurisdictions hope to see phase one completed in the next two years. Phase 1 is the initial phase of the bicycle and pedestrian accommodation project stretching from Lowe’s to Walmart.
Charleston Councilwoman Jenny Costa Honeycutt says in the coming year, people will notice disjointed parts of the paths going in.
“There’s been several improvements within that area already and as different areas like the Chick-fil-A that’s being remodeled as they get improved, you will see isolated, you know, paths and all built in those areas, but along for the long term is going to take a little bit longer to acquire all the property we need,” she says.
Honeycutt compared the goal for Folly Road to how Coleman Boulevard functions in Mount Pleasant – a main road but with bike lanes and sidewalks that connect the nearby community. She says it’s a grand vision of a safe community road that will take a while to accomplish and asks people to be patient as the county and involved cities continue designing and construction.
“So, you’ve got the county who’s sort of the applicant that’s sort of running the operation, you might call, but you have all of those stakeholders involved in at the table and as we progress, we want you know, the community’s input, particularly business owners along the corridor to make sure that it reflects what the community wants,” Honeycutt says.
Copyright 2022 WCSC. All rights reserved.
DANIEL ISLAND — As skates shuffled across the white surface temporarily covering the clay tennis court below, no ice spritzed from the blades and no grooves were left behind.Children and adults alike shimmied from foot to foot as they looped the makeshift concourse. While it wasn’t the most polished performance to watch from the sidelines, on a 75-degree day in Charleston, those skaters wouldn’t have had the same opportunity if they had been on real ice.The new outdoor ice skating rink at ...
DANIEL ISLAND — As skates shuffled across the white surface temporarily covering the clay tennis court below, no ice spritzed from the blades and no grooves were left behind.
Children and adults alike shimmied from foot to foot as they looped the makeshift concourse. While it wasn’t the most polished performance to watch from the sidelines, on a 75-degree day in Charleston, those skaters wouldn’t have had the same opportunity if they had been on real ice.
The new outdoor ice skating rink at Credit One Stadium is one of three to pop up in the Charleston area this season that’s made of synthetic ice, a high-density polymer or polyethylene plastic.
There’s also one at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina in Mount Pleasant that will be open Thursdays through Sundays through Feb. 5 and another promised for Folly Beach across from Bert’s Market from Dec. 23 to 25.
More than 5,000 advance online tickets to the Credit One rink were purchased in just a few days; guests are still invited to come observe, but skating spots are booked.
As for the “ice,” polymer is cheaper to use and doesn’t require the same sort of cooling system that might falter in the Lowcountry’s unpredictable December temperatures.
The oval rink at Credit One, which takes up most of the flat standing-room surface at the Daniel Island concert venue, was built in three days by the in-house crew, a group that had never attempted the feat before.
That included seven employees installing 255 synthetic panels that each weigh 86 pounds for eight hours each day. After the 3-by-6-foot panels were joined together, dasher walls were added to line the rink’s edges. Then Christmas trees, fire pits for roasting s’mores and other festive touches were incorporated.
There’s a Santa’s Sweet Shoppe snack bar on the concourse for purchasing holiday treats, along with one up above with a great view of the rink serving up coffee and hot chocolate, plain or spiked with peppermint schnapps or Baileys Irish Cream. There’s a little something for the whole family, in other words.
For Chris and Emily Mingledorff, s’mores were a must after an hour of laps around the rink with kids Molly and George on Dec. 3. Their eldest daughter in high school was coming later that night with friends.
The family has lived on Daniel Island for the past 11 years and was quite excited to skate in their own backyard. They’ve been to the Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park skate rinks in New York City, along with ski resorts out west, but Emily Mingledorff said there’s nothing like skating at home.
“All us Daniel Island residents are really thankful to have these new opportunities for our family and friends,” Mingledorff said. “The tennis and concerts have been wonderful, but this is something extra special.”
The first-ever ice-skating rink at the venue was an idea encouraged by the Daniel Island Community Fund, including event planner Maureen Hickey.
“We had a conversation that instead of having our annual tree lighting across the street and then doing something festive here, why don’t we just combine the two?” said Hickey.
This year’s Daniel Island tree lighting was held inside the stadium, with a Santa Claus firetruck procession winding from the courtyard into the stands. The ice-skating rink opened the same night. As the lights turned on and glimmered throughout the amphitheater, including from a dazzling disco ball, fake snowflakes fluttered in a magical display.
“I just felt like, ‘Pinch me, is this Charleston?’” Hickey said.
Ashley Ridge High School teacher Kim Emery wasn’t there for opening night, but she was the day after as those who signed up online for a slot lined up for their skates. Her volunteer position with United Sports Foundation, an organization that raises money for students to play sports, included selecting the right size for skaters and sharpening the blades, a necessity especially for the synthetic ice.
Emery, who’s been at the Summerville school for 14 years, said she wouldn’t be surprised if some of her students showed up. She herself wasn’t planning to skate.
“I’m scared of it,” she said with a laugh. “I haven’t put on ice skates in 20 years. Now I might twist an ankle.”
While the fake ice doesn’t quite allow the same sort of glide that real ice might, it’s less painful to fall on, feeling more like a linoleum kitchen floor than a rock-hard veneer. From an observer’s perspective, it also seems to be steadier, with less full-on tumbles.
“I was watching from the sidelines to see how it worked, and by the end of the session, everyone was getting the hang of it,” Hickey said. “I think for the little children, especially, it’s probably easier. You didn’t see a lot of Bambi on the ice.”
Retired firefighter and paramedic Steven Rosone brought his experienced ice-skating family, originally from New Jersey and currently residing in Mount Pleasant, out to the rink on opening day.
His daughter Samantha, 11, who takes figure skating lessons at the Carolina Ice Palace, Charleston’s indoor ice rink, admitted that the fake ice was not quite like the actual stuff. Son Tyler, 13, agreed he was a bit disappointed.
“It’s easy to stay up, but not easy to skate,” offered Samantha between shuffles.
The point was for a festive outing, said Rosone, who was also planning to take his wife, Stacey, and kids to the James Island Festival of Lights and Isle of Palms Christmas Festival, along with some upcoming pop-up holiday markets.
“I grew up with skating and snow every year, but I’ll trade it in for this weather,” Rosone said with a laugh, noting that Samantha was donning a swimsuit and shorts in December.
Bob Moran, president of Charleston Tennis, said it’s been heartwarming to see locals engage in a new holiday tradition on the island.
“Our goal was to create a thoughtful, unique experience that brings joy,” Moran said. “Seeing how quickly the community responded to this and watching them enjoy the stadium in this way has been incredible for my team and I.”
In addition to the three outdoor rinks popping up in the Lowcountry, the Carolina Ice Palace is hosting skaters for the month of December at its “Winter Wonderland” holiday-decorated indoor rink.
Kevin can’t wait to get on the road.Former King of Queens funnyman Kevin James launches his ‘Irregardless Tour’ February 1 at the Carpenter Theater in Richmond, VA . The tour will hit more than 30 cities before including two shows at Boston’s Wilbur Theater June 10 and 11. Shows in Raleigh, NC; Huntington, NY; Morristown, NJ; and Gary, IN were announced this week. See the full routing below.Tickets for the newly announced dates go on-sale January 13 at 10 a.m. local time.Among James&rsquo...
Kevin can’t wait to get on the road.
Former King of Queens funnyman Kevin James launches his ‘Irregardless Tour’ February 1 at the Carpenter Theater in Richmond, VA . The tour will hit more than 30 cities before including two shows at Boston’s Wilbur Theater June 10 and 11. Shows in Raleigh, NC; Huntington, NY; Morristown, NJ; and Gary, IN were announced this week. See the full routing below.
Tickets for the newly announced dates go on-sale January 13 at 10 a.m. local time.
Among James’ most recent shows is a two-performance play at Worcester, MA’s Hanover Theater November 11 and 12, grossing a total of $235,693 on 3,970 tickets over both performances, an average price of $59, according to reports submitted to Pollstar Boxoffice.
Kevin James Irregardless Tour
Feb. 1—Richmond, VA—Carpenter TheatreFeb. 2—Asheville, NC—Thomas Wolfe AuditoriumFeb. 3—Knoxville, TN—Tennessee TheatreFeb. 4—North Charleston, SC—North Charleston Performing Arts CenterFeb. 5—Jacksonville, FL—Florida TheatreFeb. 8—Tampa, FL—Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event CenterFeb. 9—Hollywood, FL—Hard Rock Live at SeminoleFeb. 10—Ft. Myers, FL—Barbara B. Mann HallFeb. 11—Columbia, SC—Township AuditoriumFeb. 28—Munhall, PA—Carnegie Library of HomesteadMar. 2—Prior Lake, MN—Mystic Lake Casino HotelMar. 3—Harris, MI—Island Resort & CasinoMar. 5—Detroit, MI—The FillmoreMar. 19—Huntington, NY—The ParamountMar. 22—Boise, ID—Morrison CenterMar. 23—Eugene, OR—Silva Concert HallMar. 24—Seattle, WA—Paramount TheatreMar. 25—Bellingham, WA—Mount Baker TheatreMar. 26—Spokane, WA—Martin Woldson Theater at the FoxMar. 30—Santa Rosa, CA—Luther Burbank Center for the ArtsMar. 31—Lincoln, CA—The Venue at Thunder Valley CasinoApr. 1—Rancho Mirage, CA—The Show at Agua Caliente CasinoApr. 2—Temecula, CA—Pechanga TheaterApr. 15—Staten Island, NY—St. George TheatreMay 6*—York, PA—Strand TheatreMay 7—Raleigh, NC—Duke Center for the Performing ArtsMay 19—Morristown, NJ—Mayo Performing Arts CenterMay 21—Chester, NY—Sugar Loaf Performing Arts CenterJune 3*—Red Bank, NJ—Hackensack Meridian Health TheatreJune 4—Huntington, NY—The ParamountJune 9 Mashantucket, CT Premier Theater at FoxwoodsJune 10—Boston, MA—The WilburJune 11—Boston, MA—The WilburJune 18—Gary, IN—Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana
*— Two shows
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - As 2022 comes to a close, a popular Charleston-area pizza restaurant shuts down after three decades in business.A sign on the door of the last-remaining Andolini’s Pizza location on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard in West Ashley read, “With sad hearts, we have closed the last Andolini’s Pizza” and thanked the community for its support over the years.The official announcement came on the restaurant’s Facebook page Saturday afternoon, almost one month after a post celebrating the r...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - As 2022 comes to a close, a popular Charleston-area pizza restaurant shuts down after three decades in business.
A sign on the door of the last-remaining Andolini’s Pizza location on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard in West Ashley read, “With sad hearts, we have closed the last Andolini’s Pizza” and thanked the community for its support over the years.
The official announcement came on the restaurant’s Facebook page Saturday afternoon, almost one month after a post celebrating the restaurant’s 30th anniversary.
“To all our loyal patrons and staff who were part of the journey...thank you from the bottom of all our hearts! We will miss you,” the post states.
While several restaurants in recent months have cited a variety of problems, from a slow economy to supply chain issues to finding workers, co-owner Mindy Odle said there was no specific issue that led to the decision, adding that COVID made it difficult for families to eat inside restaurants.
“Andolini’s was a staple for so many Charleston families and in many cases it began with the original Andolini’s on Wentworth,” Odle said. “It became the favorite pizza place for the College of Charleston.”
One patron responded to the post, saying she had been “a fan (and frequent customer)” since her college days at the College of Charleston and enjoyed introducing her children to “the best pizza on earth.”
Another posted a string of crying emojis with the message, “You had THE BEST PIZZA in Charleston!”
Many of the responses included emojis expressing sadness at the news.
Some former employees also expressed their appreciation to the family that started the business.
At its height, there were five primary locations across the Lowcountry: downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, James Island, North Charleston and West Ashley.
Its menu included Italian and Greek salads, breadsticks, calzones, and pizza by the slice or pie.
Its Facebook page stated Andolini’s was voted “Best New York Style Pizza” for 28 years.
“We had a good run for 30 years,” Odle said. “We will miss being Charleston’s favorite pizza place for more than 25 years in a row.”
Andolini’s is the latest in a list of longtime Lowcountry restaurants that closed their doors in 2022. Other familiar eateries that bade farewell during the year included The Sunflower Cafe in West Ashley, Nana’s Seafood, Philly’s in Summerville, Caroline’s Aloha Bar and the first location of Ladles Soups in West Ashley.
Copyright 2022 WCSC. All rights reserved.
CHARLESTON, S.C. - A Wisconsin couple is spreading the culinary joys of the Badger State one stick of summer sausage and package of cheese curds at a time.Casey Diedrich and Taylor Ambrosius opened Wisconsin Meat and Cheese two weeks ago in a city with a legendary food reputation.What made them think Wisconsin beef sticks and aged cheddar stand a chance of competing with shrimp and grits?A decade of frustration.Credit for the store idea goes to Ambrosius’ dad, Steve, who she said lives in Flor...
CHARLESTON, S.C. - A Wisconsin couple is spreading the culinary joys of the Badger State one stick of summer sausage and package of cheese curds at a time.
Casey Diedrich and Taylor Ambrosius opened Wisconsin Meat and Cheese two weeks ago in a city with a legendary food reputation.
What made them think Wisconsin beef sticks and aged cheddar stand a chance of competing with shrimp and grits?
A decade of frustration.
Credit for the store idea goes to Ambrosius’ dad, Steve, who she said lives in Florida half the year.
“He had this idea for the last 10 years because he was never able to find good meat and cheese anywhere in Florida,” she said.
At least not Wisconsin good. Sausages and brats from the likes of Miesfeld’s and Usinger’s. Cheeses from Carr Valley, Henning’s, Marieke Gouda, Renard’s, Sartori, Springside and Widmer’s.
And really, is it the holidays without the joy of Pine River port wine cheese spread on a snowflake shaped Ritz?
I don't think so.
That all-star lineup of meats and cheeses is something Wisconsinites take for granted. Geez, you can find award-winning meats and cheeses at gas stations in America’s Dairyland.
Once you get out of the Midwest, that’s not the case.
And though Steve wanted to open a shop like this in Florida years ago, other business ventures kept him from bringing that to fruition, Taylor said.
When Taylor and Casey moved to Charleston three years ago where she enrolled in law school, they found that like Florida, the meat and cheese selection in South Carolina couldn’t compete with Wisconsin.
Casey and Steve talked about opening the store in Charleston for the last year, got serious about it in May and opened the shop Nov. 22.
Taylor said her dad is familiar with business operations, but Casey runs the show in Charleston. She helps with the marketing.
Wisconsin Meat and Cheese opened with 200 products from Wisconsin.
Casey works with Wisconsin producers to select and arrange the meat and cheese orders. A family member who lives in Wisconsin drives a delivery truck to about 10 different locations to pick up the supplies and drives them to their shop in Charleston.
Some products were chosen because Casey and/or Taylor loved them growing up in Ashwaubenon and Seymour, respectively. Some products were picked after taste-testing samples shipped from Wisconsin suppliers, some cheeses picked because they “sounded delicious” based on descriptions including blueberry cobbler, maple bourbon, and mango fire.
Other Wisconsin products, including authentic Foamation cheeseheads and Racine Danish Kringles, fill the shelves. Casey is working on adding Door County wine to the offerings.
What about Wisconsin’s most famous cheese, the curds? They get vacuumed-sealed versions. Overnight shipping costs for fresh curds cost more than the cheese itself. There’s still some squeak, Taylor said.
You can coax some extra squeak with the microwave trick — zap them for a few seconds.
Taylor said there are more people from Wisconsin living in Charleston than they knew about.
Though folks don’t have to be from Wisconsin to appreciate the state’s most famous food export.
“Every time we tell people we are from Wisconsin, we always get asked about cheese right away,” Taylor said. “Although there are places to buy cheese here, there is nothing like the vision we have for our store.”
That vision includes spreading the flavor of Wisconsin.
“We hope to franchise the store in the future and introduce it into even more states,” Taylor said. “Which is even more exciting because America’s Dairyland can be enjoyed by that many more people around the country.”