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MOUNT PLEASANT — The S.C. Shrimpers Association is suing the 40 unidentified Charleston-area restaurants that were recently found to be selling imported shrimp following a genetic study by a Texas-based research firm.

The federal complaint, filed June 13 on behalf of the association by attorney Gedney Howe IV, accuses the restaurants of false advertising and violating South Carolina's Unfair Trade Practices Act.

That statute states that knowingly misrepresenting food as a South Carolina-produced product is an unfair trade practice.

Joined by representatives and chefs from nearby restaurants, Howe and association leaders announced the lawsuit from the humid docks of Shem Creek.

"These boys don't want a lot. They just want to be able to work and earn a living and continue the work that their parents and grandparents that came before them did," Howe said.

The defendants, called John Doe Restaurants 1-40 in the complaint, were secretly tested by SeaD Consulting, a Texas-based research firm, in late May.

A team took small samples of cooked shrimp sold by the restaurants, some of which were labeled on menus as being wild-caught in the United States. Some locations were selected for using shrimp boats and other imagery. The 40 establishments named in the lawsuit were found to be selling imported shrimp, not U.S.-caught shrimp.

Because SeaD Consulting did not release the names of the 40 restaurants they claimed were misleading consumers on June 10, it’s unclear if all the defendants were publicly advertising local, wild-caught shrimp but serving the imported product.

A representative for SeaD Consulting said the company had not seen the lawsuit and declined to comment.

The complaint alleges that passing off imported, farm-raised shrimp as wild-caught threatens to "irreparably harm the strong reputation and customer goodwill" earned by South Carolina shrimpers.

Rocky Magwood, president of the S.C. Shrimpers Association and a fourth-generation shrimper, said he has spent his entire life fighting to keep the industry alive. He hopes the testing results, and the subsequent lawsuit, can change the tide for the dying industry.

"Now that we we have some proof ... hopefully we can get something to come out of this, because it's wrong," Magwood said. "It's been a long time coming."

The association is seeking monetary damages, an amount to be determined at trial, as well as an injunction against the 40 restaurants. The injunction would prohibit restaurants from labeling imported or farm-raised shrimp as wild-caught or local, Howe said.

Restaurant community reacts

For many, the genetic testing results published June 10 by SeaD Consulting were shocking. For others, the fact that only four of the 44 restaurants sampled served wild-caught shrimp came as no surprise.

Kerry Marhefka, a biologist and member of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, suspected that if every restaurant in the tri-county area were to be tested, the ratio would be about the same.

"It's a huge problem, and it's not just shrimp," Marhefka said.

There are reasons for serving imported seafood, Marhefka said, whether it's access or cost of goods. But the issue in this case, she said, is whether some restaurateurs are lying about what's on their menus.

"Don't try to pass off to the public that it's local when it's not," Marhefka said. "The key is to be honest."

She does have one concern about the study: By not naming the supposed offenders, researchers have put the entire restaurant industry on the defensive to say they are not one of the 40, Marhefka said.

Allison Cagle, an owner of The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene restaurant off Shem Creek, said the seafood establishment tucked away on Haddrell Street in Mount Pleasant has "only ever served locally sourced shrimp right here from our South Carolina shrimpers."

"While we were very happy with the testing, finally, it was the manner in which the results were reported, I was kind of shocked," she said. "The exclusion felt purposeful, even though I'm quite sure it wasn't, but there are a lot of people in this area serving nothing but great locally-sourced shrimp."

Local purveyors like Tarvin Seafood have taken to social media to highlight the many restaurants that do serve local shrimp. Still, the news has sent waves of chatter through the dining community.

"I know a lot of restaurants here in Charleston are probably using the shrimp that are being outsourced. They get at a cheaper price, but at the end of the day, it's hurting our families that are around here," said Grant Smith, director of restaurants for Miller's All Day.

Parker Milner contributed to this report.

A grab-n-go New York-style delicatessen and bakery in downtown Summerville has only been open a month, but is already drawing lines of customers hungry for its authentic Italian sandwiches, salads, entrees and baked goods.

Customers at Nonna’s Olde World Italian Deli and Specialties can even find the real-life “Nonna,” the restaurant’s namesake grandmother, Angela Riccio, 83, in the back making meatballs.

The new venture is owned by Richard Riccio, who operated similar delis in New York and New Jersey and who moved to the area in December with wife Phyllis Riccio. The couple visited the area often and had always planned to retire in the Lowcountry.

“We saw there was nothing like this deli down here and we sped up 'retirement' a little," she said. They found the location on South Main Street after an online search.

The restaurant stands apart by using the Riccio's family recipes, passed down for generations.

“His family has had bakeries since 1922," she said.

Nonna's features imported ingredients with house-made mozzarella, sauces and freshly baked bread. Customers can choose between hot and cold sandwiches with names like “The Sinatra,” “Hoboken” and “Dean Martin” along with pasta-forward Italian entrees. The restaurant also offers platters and catering options.

While there isn’t a dining area, customers can enjoy their meal at nearby Hutchinson Square. There is often a line of customers spilling out the door beneath the restaurant's prominent Italian flag.

“We're humbled by its popularity. We thought it would be busy, but not to this extent,” Phyllis Riccio said. “We’re very happy.”

Nonna’s Olde World Italian Deli and Specialties is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

New Aldi

Mount Pleasant will see its second Aldi soon.

The discount grocer confirmed a summer opening for its location at 3153 Highway 17 near the KOA campground.

Last week, Mount Pleasant Town Council member Daniel Brownstein posted on social media that the target opening date is June 25 following final inspections.

First opened in Germany in 1961, Aldi has a U.S. headquarters in Illinois and operates more than 2,000 stores across 36 states. Its new Mount Pleasant location will be its eighth in the Charleston area.

Ramen on Reynolds

A pop-up ramen noodle restaurant that has had residencies at Sweatman's Garden and Estadio looks to be eyeing its own brick-and-mortar in North Charleston.

Weems Ramen recently applied for a state permit to sell beer, wine and liquor for on-premise consumption at 1921 Reynolds Ave. The colorful building at Sutton Square previously housed The Barbeque Joint and is still painted with a mural.

More pickleball

PickleRage, an indoor pickleball club franchise, is slated to open a location in late 2025 in the recently purchased Festival Centre.

The 40,195-square-foot venue will include 13 indoor joint-friendly cushioned courts with a pro shop selling equipment and apparel.

A range of programs, lessons and clinics will be offered, and the club also plans to host community events.

Festival Centre was purchased in 2024 by locally based Woodlock Capital, which plans to reimagine the aging 330,000-square-foot shopping center into an entertainment destination.

Boutique closes

A longtime Charleston boutique near the College of Charleston has shuttered its downtown doors.

House of Sage, which had a location on George Street for more than 5 years, announced the closing in February and hinted that there may be a new location.

The retailer has two other locations on Daniel Island and in West Ashley, which remain open. The boutique is owed by husband and wife duo Chris and Erin Abagnale.

They’re the moms behind the Instagram swoon-worthy profiles, the viral home décor and the family coastal living inspiration — but behind every well thought out photo is a local mom with a packed schedule and a story about how it all started with a need for something more.

Mount Pleasant’s Arin Jura (@arinsolange) and Amy Romfo (@thecoastaloak) didn’t set out to become influencers. They were just moms in the thick of it — meal planning, carpool lines and Target runs — who needed creative outlets. Their side hustle surprisingly transformed into something much bigger: community, purpose and financial security.

“I honestly went into it with a blog as my mindset,” said Jura, who began sharing her life online when she was pregnant with her third child. “I never assumed I would become an influencer.”

Romfo’s story is similar: a nurse manager turned stay-at-home mom who found herself craving creativity during maternity leave. “I started sharing furniture and home projects, and my social media just started growing,” she said. “It became a beautiful mix of creative outlet and income.”

Naptime Hustle

Both women are open about how tough the balance can be. Jura, now a full-time content creator with three kids in school, commented on the transition. “When this became a full-time job, I was resistant to having help with my kids. But I realized that giving myself some dedicated hours to work meant I could give my kids dedicated hours too.”

Romfo agreed, but added that finding balance isn’t black and white. “Some days I sacrifice creativity for structure, or I have lower output. But that’s okay — it’s all about the season of life you’re in.” Her go-to trick? Block scheduling and batching content when possible.

And then there’s the not-so-glamorous side of influencing. “Time management is tough. Being present while still recording lifestyle content is hard,” Romfo said. “And criticism? I’ve learned to set boundaries — especially when it comes to my family.”

Fame, Faith & Flexibility

If you ask either mom what keeps them grounded, the answer comes quickly.

“My faith and family come first,” said Romfo. “I learned the hard way after burning out and falling into comparison. Now, I weigh every opportunity by asking, ‘does this pull me away from my faith or my family?’ I also remind myself that every ‘yes’ is a ‘no’ to something else and to weigh my decisions on what works best for my family and not what everyone else is doing.”

Jura, too, is intentional with her time and brand partnerships. “I won’t share a product I wouldn’t buy myself,” she said. “I love partnering with brands like Spoonflower and Society Social, but I also adore small shops like Eventide Pennant Co. that have been in my kids’ rooms for years.”

Both moms are big on supporting local businesses and experiencing the scenic beauty of the Lowcountry, especially in Mount Pleasant. When they’re not creating content, you’ll find them at Coastal Crust, Pitt Street Bridge or out boating near Morris Island. “We love looking for shark teeth or hitting the playground in Old Village,” said Romfo. “And shopping with my daughter at Towne Centre is always a treat.”

Be Real

Despite the growing numbers and brand deals, both women are clear: their families are their biggest priority and the best part of what they do.

“My hope is that followers leave my page knowing that beautiful, organized homes can coexist with real, messy life,” Jura said. “We’re always 15 minutes away from being company-ready … and that’s a win!”

Romfo’s goal? “That my content brings joy. Social media can be dark and I want to leave it a little better — with uplifting ideas and a cozy vibe.”

As for their kids? “They argue about who’s more famous,” Jura laughed. “None of us are, but it cracks me up!”

Wisdom Worth Sharing

When asked for their best mom advice, both shared nuggets that go beyond algorithms.

“There are glass balls and there are plastic balls,” Jura said. “You will drop some. Just know which ones can’t break.”

Romfo added, “Parent with the goal of a relationship in the end. The housework can wait.”

These Mount Pleasant mamas prove that being a momfluencer isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection, creativity and remembering why you started in the first place.

By Katie Finch

Sharing is Caring

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In a heartfelt tribute, the Town of Mount Pleasant announced Thursday that its Town Hall Gym will be renamed the Debbie Antonelli Gymnasium. May 15, 2025. (Town of Mount Pleasant)

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) — In a heartfelt tribute, the Town of Mount Pleasant announced Thursday that its Town Hall Gym will be renamed the Debbie Antonelli Gymnasium. This honor recognizes Antonelli's remarkable achievements in athletics and her dedication to inclusive sports and community advocacy.

Mayor Will Haynie, alongside Town Council members, made the announcement, highlighting Antonelli's illustrious career in basketball media and her impactful work with the Special Olympics and families of those with disabilities.

"Debbie’s name on this gymnasium will serve as a lasting reminder not only of her incredible success as a broadcaster and athlete, but of the compassion and drive she brings to causes that uplift others," Mayor Haynie said. "It’s about honoring a legacy rooted in community, inclusivity, and service."

Antonelli, a prominent voice on ESPN and national broadcasts for over two decades, is celebrated in the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. She was recently awarded the Curt Gowdy Media Award by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

READ MORE | "Debbie Antonelli and son Frankie join News 4 to discuss Nothing But Net fundraiser"

Despite her numerous accolades, Antonelli expressed that the Town's recognition held special significance. "I’m grateful. I don’t know what to say, I’m speechless. This is not just about basketball, this is about community service and helping families with children with special needs," she said. "I’ve given a lot of speeches lately, been honored lately, but none of the speeches were as emotional as this one. This is different because this is recognizing our whole family. This town has supported us, and I’m truly overwhelmed with gratitude."

Antonelli's advocacy is inspired by her son Frankie, a Special Olympics athlete. Through her "24 Hours of Nothing but Net" fundraiser, she has raised over $1.3 million for Special Olympics South Carolina. Her work also contributed to the launch of the Elevate program at her alma mater NC State University, which gives resources and educational opportunities to students with disabilities.

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Mount Pleasant town leaders will consider a change to an ordinance that would allow owners of a former restaurant to build a hotel in its place, a move the town’s mayor is against.

The town’s planning commission has recommended amending the Seaside Farms Planned Development District Ordinance to allow for a small boutique-style hotel to be built. That hotel, which would be limited to no more than 25 rooms, would be built at the site of the former Yamato Steakhouse on Riviera Drive.

The owners of the former restaurant hope to build the new hotel within the Neighborhood Retail and Office Tracts on a 2.4-acre parcel of land near the Isle of Palms Connector.

But Mayor Will Haynie says he does not believe many of the town council members are on board with the change based on conversations he has had with them. He says the neighborhood was initially designed to have grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and retail all in one place to reduce driving traffic.

Adding a hotel there, he believes, would add to beach traffic.

“I just don’t see how putting something that is just for transient use is within the keeping of what the neighbors want and by far from what I’ve heard of seaside neighbors is they don’t want another hotel in there, not every single one, but by far the majority of them feel that way,” Haynie says.

One business owner who declined to speak on camera said with the Harris Teeter next to the potential development site going out of business, having a hotel may help bring in business from visitors.

Haynie said he would like to see that space turned into something people who live in that neighborhood can use.

“As Mount Pleasant has grown, one reason this was put up there was to be a place where when you get home, if you have to commute, maybe you can work from home, that you don’t have to leave and contribute to the traffic on all the major arteries,” he says. “And so I look at something like this through that intent and that was the original intent of that whole neighborhood, and I’d like to see it stay that way.”

Haynie said if the proposal gets voted down, the property owners must wait a year before they can reapply or that can be waived if they come back with a different plan.

If someone buys the property and uses the zoning as is, town council does not have to vote on everything that goes on there.

This proposal is unrelated to the Harris Teeter property. There are no plans to convert that space into housing or a hotel, and it currently has two strong leasing prospects, town leaders say.