Area Rug Cleaning in Charleston, SC

CHARLESTON — A lauded Lowcountry seafood spot known for the blocks-long line it garners nightly will begin offering limited reservations.

But the walk-in culture that ownership says is a cornerstone of the restaurant's spontaneous atmosphere will remain.

For residents and visitors alike, Chubby Fish is one of the most popular restaurants in Charleston. The seafood destination has landed a spot on The New York Times' list of the 50 best restaurants in America and earned a James Beard semifinalist nod in the Outstanding Restaurant category. In 2025, Michelin added it to its inaugural American South guide.

Patrons flock to the restaurant for chef James London's daily-changing, “dock-to-table” menu. Since it opened in 2018, Chubby Fish has not offered reservations. Instead, guests have waited their turn to be seated or signed up for a time to eat, with some arriving as early as 2:30 p.m., two-and-a-half hours before the restaurant opens its doors, to try to secure a seat.

Now, diners who hold OpenTable Gold status will have access to seats via Gold Tables, a curated selection of hard-to-book tables in cities across the U.S.

The reservation platform announced the new loyalty benefit in July. Through the recently relaunched OpenTable Regulars loyalty program, diners can unlock Gold status after completing six OpenTable reservations within 12 months. Participating restaurants at launch included sought-after destinations like Soothr in New York City, Elena’s in San Francisco, Saffy’s in Los Angeles, Fiorella in Philadelphia and Esme in Chicago.

Chubby Fish, for its part, is now accepting reservations for tables starting Oct. 13. The restaurant will open 12 reservable seats per night, said London, who owns the 40-seat spot with his wife, Yoanna Tang.

With Gold Tables, Chubby Fish is offering a small number of guests the ability to plan ahead without changing what has, for the past eight years, defined the restaurant, London said.

"Being walk-in-only has always been a big part of Chubby Fish, and that isn't changing. We love the energy of the line and the spontaneity of people deciding to come see us that night," London said. "There's something special about a restaurant where you don't have to plan months ahead to get in."

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Charleston Water System crews began replacing lead service lines in North Charleston Thursday as part of a project aimed at removing thousands of older lines from the system over the next decade.

Crews worked on Grayson Street, replacing service lines that have been in the ground since the 1930s. Charleston Water System officials said the work marked the utility’s 50th lead service line replacement under an almost $30 million Environmental Protection Agency grant.

“We’re kicking off a $30 million EPA grant to get the lead out of the pipes,” said Mike Saia, Charleston Water System’s director of communications. “It’s really important to have a lead-free system.”

Officials said Charleston Water System has replaced lead service lines for decades. The federal grant allows the utility to increase the pace of replacements without relying on money from ratepayers.

Saia said the utility has a little more than 2,000 lead service lines left to replace in total. Crews are expected to work in North Charleston and downtown Charleston over the next 10 years.

Charleston Water System said it has taken preventative steps to keep lead from entering customers’ water, including treating service lines. Saia said testing results have remained below EPA safety limits.

“From 1994 to present, our levels have been three to five times below what the EPA considers to be safe,” Saia said.

Still, officials say replacing lead lines with copper lines is the safest long-term solution. Saia said copper can also leach into water, but it is far less of a concern than lead.

Charleston Water System plans to hold a community meeting Oct. 21 at its downtown Charleston office to explain the project and answer residents’ questions.

LADSON, S.C. (WCSC) — Court records show the homeowner from Tuesday’s incident in Ladson has been charged in connection with the deaths of children.

Justine Marie May, 31, is charged with two counts of homicide by child abuse.

Deputies responded to an incident in the 3200 block of Pinewood Drive in Ladson just past 1 p.m. Tuesday. Upon arrival, two individuals were found dead, according to sheriff’s spokesperson Lexi Douglas.

The scene drew a large law enforcement presence, with nearly 20 Charleston County vehicles responding. Neighbors said they could not get to or leave their homes for hours, and sheriff’s office vehicles remained on the street late into the night.

By Wednesday, the neighborhood had returned to its usual routine.

Neighbors had their doors open and birds could be heard chirping. Across from the home, a trampoline sat in a front yard. Just two doors down, students were being dropped off by their school buses.

For residents, the contrast between the quiet neighborhood and what happened there has been difficult to process. Bob Matthews, who lives across the street, said neighbors have built strong relationships over the years.

“We really love our people, our neighbors. They’re there for you when you need ‘em.”

He said that what happened yesterday stopped him in his tracks.

“I was out at my farm at the time that it happened. And I was going to work, but I couldn’t work. It just really devastated me.”

He said the neighborhood has watched generations of families grow up there.

“Our neighborhood’s been a very good neighborhood. We’ve watched the children grow up here and become grandparents, and some are even still living here.”

Matthews said the incident was especially difficult because of how familiar neighbors are with one another.

“And for this to happen, it just took the life out of me.”

Rachel Breslin, who grew up across the street, said she had never seen anything like this happen in the neighborhood.

“That just has never happened. It’s never happened here. So, that’s crazy.”

Breslin said the incident was a reminder that neighbors may not always know what is happening inside each other’s homes.

“It’s really sad. I mean, you never know what’s going on behind closed doors.”

Irene Ackerman said she was struggling to comprehend what happened.

“God, I just can’t believe it. It’s tearing me up. I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

Ackerman said the situation was particularly difficult because of the nature of the neighborhood she calls home.

“It’s scary. Because you wouldn’t have thought something like that would happen in this neighborhood.”

The Charleston County Coroner’s Office has not yet confirmed the age, identities or cause of death of the victims, but the charges indicate the victims were children. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Department of Child Fatalities and the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office are both investigating the incident.

May’s bond was waived at a hearing Wednesday morning, meaning she will remain in custody. She is scheduled for an initial appearance Nov. 20. May remains booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center.

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NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — North Charleston officials are working to finalized the framework for the city’s Unified Development Ordinance which outlines priorities and recommendations for the city.

The first part of this ordinance was completed last week.

Residents had months to submit ideas and concerns to help guide the creation of the UDO.

The UDO guides the city in local zoning, subdivisions and related development regulations.

Officials say a meeting Thursday will allow residents to learn more.

“If they’re going to do improvements to their home, needs to replace a fence, build a screened in porch, those types of things. So those are the most often opportunities for them to interact with the zoning ordinance. Otherwise, if they’re doing want to maybe do an addition to their home, uh if they want to build an accessory dwelling unit, maybe they own a piece of property that has nothing on it. What does the zoning allow to be built there?” Tim McCall, the director of planning and zoning for North Charleston, said.

Officials say the meeting will include staff and a consulting team to walk residents through the new ordinance, “There’s going to be a number of stations; you’re going to be able to talk to different parts of my staff as well as our consulting team,” McCall said. “They’re going to cover a number of different categories on how this new ordinance is going to be broken up as well as how those portions address our comprehensive plan.”

City officials say the official zoning code is not yet finished and once it’s completed it will go to Planning Commission next year.

The meeting will be held Thursday at Lord of the Harvest Christian Faith Center, located at 3680 Meeting Street Road, from 6 to 8 p.m.

There is something for everyone this weekend.

Swim or sail over to the Mermaids & Mateys Festival for some ocean-themed fun. If you want to embrace the fall vibes, head to the Goose Creek Fall Festival.

Then enjoy some tunes outside at Brass on the Grass, and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Latin American Festival. Or eat some chiles at the Hatch Chile Roast.

SATURDAY (Oct. 3)

Mermaids & Mateys Festival

Grab your mermaid tail, pirate eye patch or best under-the-sea costume and head to Folly Beach for some underwater-themed fun. The event will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Oct. 3 along Center Street on Folly Beach. Apart from seeing everyone in their costumes, guests will be able to enjoy music, local vendors, family fun and plenty of under-the-sea adventures. A costume contest will be held at 2:30 p.m. The event is free to attend, but make sure to come prepared to shop and purchase some good local food. For more information, head on over to tinyurl.com/4chbndzy.

SATURDAY (OCT. 3)

Goose Creek Fall Festival

Gather the family and head to Goose Creek for a day of live music, food, activities and more fall-themed fun. The event will begin at 10 a.m. Oct. 3 at Joseph S. Daning Amphitheater, 519 N. Goose Creek Blvd. The day is a celebration of local businesses, and attendees have the opportunity to donate canned goods to Helping Hands of Goose Creek. The event is free to attend, but make sure to bring some cash to support the local businesses. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/47v899uk.

SUNDAY (OCT. 4)

Brass on the Grass

Bringing the spirit of community, Oktoberfest and some good music, Ohm Radio 96.3, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and The Green Heart Project will be putting on an outdoor show in downtown Charleston. The music will start at 3 p.m. and will be heard at Urban Farm at Enston Home, 900 King St. Come enjoy a variety of music, and make sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair because seating will be on the grass. The event is free to attend, but guests are encouraged to make a donation to Ohm Radio. For more information, head to tinyurl.com/y2dk5eaz.

SUNDAY (OCT. 4)

Latin American Festival

An afternoon filled with dancing, food, culture and fun awaits. The Latin American Festival will start at noon on Oct. 4 at Wannamaker County Park, 8888 University Blvd., North Charleston. The event will act as an immersive experience into Latin American culture with various food vendors and music to sing along to and dance with. A salsa dancing contest will also take place at 2:45 p.m. Tickets are $15 per vehicle in advance and $25 the day of the event. For more information, check out tinyurl.com/5n8yfce3.

SUNDAY (OCT. 4)

Hatch Chile Roast

Come hungry to the 9th annual Lewis Hatch Chile Roast, where there will be 4,000 pounds of Hatch chiles roasted on site. The event will be held from 1-4 p.m. on Oct. 4 at Rancho Lewis, 1503 King St., Charleston. The event will also feature live music from Taylor Corum and Solid Country Gold, plus a chile-eating contest and food from beloved Charleston chefs. Benefits from the day will go to support The Green Heart Project, which uses school gardens and urban farms to educate students through hands-on learning experiences. Admission to the event is free, but we advise you to bring some cash to either enjoy the food and beverages or donate to the charity. For more information, head to tinyurl.com/rp332xbr.