98 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com F or as long as Mark Pulley can remember, he has been working in the food and beverage industry. Growing up in Ware Shoals, South Carolina, a small town of about 3,000 residents and 81 students in his graduating class, Pulley started his career cooking and waiting tables in a restaurant owned by a friend of his mother’s. When Pulley decided to expand his horizons and leave a town where everybody knows everybody, he moved to Greenville, where he waited tables at various chain restaurants. Everything changed the day that one of the bartenders called in sick and Pulley had to fill in. That moment marked the start of his new career as a mixologist. Praised by his customers for being friendly, attentive, quick on his feet and for crafting excellent bloody marys and margaritas, Pulley soon found himself behind the bar at a popular tippling spot in downtown Greenville. Cranking out the tips every night, Pulley learned that the establishment was being sold and it seemed the perfect time to pursue his dream of moving to Charleston to live near the beach. Here in Mount Pleasant, he started bartending at what was formerly known as East Coast Wings and worked his way up to bar manager. Not long after, Pulley learned that the joint was being sold to Perry Freeman. Pulley wasn’t too worried about finding a new job though, as some 150 to 200 regulars emailed Freeman urging him to keep Pulley on staff because as they said, “He comes with the building.” Seven years later, Pulley still enjoys slinging drinks behind the bar in the same location, called Charleston Sports Pub. He said his favorite cocktail to make during the summer is what he calls “Mark’s Special Sunrise.” To craft the delicious and refreshing drink, Pulley suggested using equal amounts of pineapple, cranberry and orange juices, along with 1.5 oz of Malibu Rum and a splash of ginger ale. His bar menu favorites include the bird dog fries, a pretzel, stuffed jalapenos or the crowd pleasing fried green tomatoes. The most rewarding part of his job, Pulley said, is meeting people, whether it’s visitors or locals and listening to their stories. “Plus,” he added, “my passion is getting to come to work and watch sports every day.” When asked about earning the Best Bartender of Mount Pleasant award two years in a row, Pulley said he’s going for a third. “It’s not just me,” he said. “It’s the bar staff. I share the award with everybody.” To meet Pulley, drop by the pub anytime during the day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or at night on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You won’t find him behind the bar on weekends, however, because he’ll be watching sports either on the big screen at Kickin’ Chicken or traveling with friends somewhere to catch the Green Bay Packers or the Atlanta Braves. BY SARAH ROSE Behind the Bar Charleston Sports Pub food Served with passion by Mark Pulley.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1