By Dropping Pin / Images courtesy of Dropping Pin
From innovative festivals to luxury bubbles, these trailblazers are not only elevating the industry but also creating spaces for community, celebration and representation.
Charleston, South Carolina, has long been known for its rich culinary traditions, and I want to highlight some movers and shakers, near and dear. Standing on the shoulders of giants, a new wave of Black food and beverage entrepreneurs is making a lasting impact on the city’s culture of dining, drinking and unique tasting experiences.
From innovative festivals to luxury bubbles, these trailblazers are not only elevating the industry but also creating spaces for community, celebration and representation.
Taneka Reaves and Johnny Caldwell, known as The Cocktail Bandits, have been at the forefront of Charleston’s craft cocktail movement for some time, bringing a unique perspective to mixology. As experts in spirits and hospitality, they have worked to amplify the voices of professionals in the industry while educating audiences on the art of cocktails.
Their influence extends beyond the city, earning national recognition for their storytelling, beverage consulting, and advocacy for diversity within the spirits world. From cocktail crawls to weekly livestreams, they truly are the “Curly Ladies that Talk Cocktails Daily”. Be sure to follow their journey on Instagram at@thecocktailbandits.
Marcus Hammond saw a gap in Charleston’s festival scene and turned his vision into reality with theBlack Food Truck Festival.Launched in 2021, the festival has grown exponentially, now featuring over 40 food trucks, including a national favorite, Slutty Vegan in the past. The event, set to return April 25-27, 2025, at the Exchange Park Fairgrounds, highlights Black culinary talent while fostering economic empowerment.
A College of Charleston alumnus and entrepreneur, Hammond has created more than just a food festival — he’s built an transformative movement that uplifts small businesses and showcases the rich diversity of Black food culture and entertainment.
In 2024, three friends — Justin "Luchi" Wages, Andre Grundy and David Kinloch — introducedDon Luchi Proseccoto Charleston, adding a Black-owned brand to the world of luxury sparkling wine. With its Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. designation, Don Luchi has quickly gained popularity throughout the state.
The founders saw a need for representation in the Prosecco and Rosé market and successfully bridged the gap by crafting a premium product with deep cultural significance. Their presence in Charleston’s beverage scene is a testament to the growing influence of Black entrepreneurs in the wine industry.
I'm David White, founder ofThe Dropping Pin.My platform is dedicated to showcasing unique culinary experiences to include Black-owned businesses, from festivals to traveling to Italy with the founders of Don Luchi. The Dropping Pin has become a vital part of Charleston's food and beverage conversation.
Whether through collaborations, storytelling or experiential gatherings, the brand is ensuring that Black voices and flavors are front and center in Charleston’s evolving dining landscape.
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