Mount Pleasant Magazine 6.3

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In GoodTaste
A Haven from the Ordinary
Shelter Kitchen + Bar
The Rolling StoneS wanted
it, Bob Dylan promised it and now
Mount Pleasant can claim it in the
form of an enticing restaurant and bar.
The Shelter Kitchen + Bar provides
patrons a haven from the ordinary with
a laid-back atmosphere and good food and drinks.
On any given day, the large outdoor seating area is
filled with customers who flock
to this popular hangout near
Shem Creek.
The Shelter is locally owned and operated by Ashley
Berry, her brother Thomas,
longtime friend Ryan Kaufmann
and his father, Dave.
“As locals, we just wanted a
place where you could sit outside
that had affordable drinks and
friendly service,” said Ashley, who
was born and raised in Mount
Pleasant and has a master’s in
International Business.
What started as an idea
between close friends in January
2012 quickly became reality when
an ideal property became available
in April. The restaurant opened in
September.
Inside, the corrugated metal
walls are covered with a mix
of colorful paintings, beach-
inspired signs and chalkboards
displaying seasonal beers or daily specials. Strings of lights,
intermingled with little wooden buoys, hang from the
ceiling and around the bar. Ashley described the playful
concept behind The Shelter as “dive bar meets beach bar;
industrial meets rustic.”
The mouthwatering menu features a variety of
appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and entrees, with an
emphasis on Southern staples and regional cuisine.
“We use fresh products, such as bread and coffee, from
local businesses. And as much as possible our produce and
seafood comes from local sources,” said Ashley.
Now a dish off the delicious menu can be enjoyed at
home thanks to The Shelter’s convenient delivery service.
For those with relatives visiting or with hectic family
schedules, just call or order online – anytime from 11
a.m. to 10 p.m. on the weekdays and 4 to 10 p.m. on the
weekends – and specialties such as local fried shrimp or
Lowcountry boil can be delivered right to your door.
The Shelter also offers full-service catering for all events,
from small corporate luncheons to wedding receptions.
Ashley, who oversees the catering, said she enjoys working
with clients through the entire process – from planning to
preparation to the final product.
No bar would be complete
without live music, and bands
perform a mix of rock, alternative,
reggae and bluegrass on the
weekends.
The business currently employs
50 to 55 people, according to
Ashley, including 12 bartenders,
16 to 18 servers and many talented
chefs and kitchen staff.
Ashley attributes the success
of The Shelter to hard work and
the support of family, friends and
their loyal following of locals and
tourists.
“We’ve built a place that we’re
proud of, so it’s rewarding when
people choose to hang out here or
when visitors tell us that they make
sure to come back each time they’re
in town,” she said. “That’s the ultimate compliment.”
The Shelter is open Monday through Friday from 11
a.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to
2 a.m. The kitchen serves food until midnight during the
week and until 1 a.m on weekends. Don’t miss their popular
Saturday and Sunday brunch, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Shelter is located at 202 Coleman Blvd. in Mount
Pleasant. To learn more about the restaurant and its catering
capabilities, visit or call
843-388-3625.
By PaMeLa BrOwnsteIn
Photos courtesy of The Shelter Kitchen + Bar.