Home Inspection in Charleston, SC

CHARLESTON , S.C. (WCIV) — After weeks of online speculation and fears that a longtime waterfront staple had served its final meal, the family behind Charleston’s iconic Marina Variety Store Restaurant says the beloved spot is not closing, it’s transforming.

The restaurant, which shut its doors in November for renovations, will reopen under new management as Finn & Crab, while neighboring favorite Salty Mike’s will keep its name. Despite the change in ownership, the family says the experience customers have loved for decades will remain firmly in place.

Family Legacy, New Chapter

The Altine and Ritter families announced early this year that after 61 years of family ownership, the property had been sold to Safe Harbor Marinas.

That announcement sparked months of questions, and plenty of rumors, about what would happen to the historic restaurant overlooking the marina. But according to two of the original owner’s granddaughters, Amanda and Amber Strickland, the spirit and traditions of Marina Variety Store are not only safe, they’re being carried forward.

“Our grandfather started it,” Amanda Strickland, front of house manager explained. "When he passed, Mike Altine Jr. took over with our cousin Richard Ritter, and they carried it on until Safe Harbor bought it. And now we're with Cindy and James."

For guests worried about losing the restaurant’s heart and history, Amanda says the new owners share the same values. “Cindy and James have the same vision that our grandfather had. We want to keep it family oriented. They're making it a point to carry on traditions with food — like recipes and how we serve it.”

Still, she understands the emotional reaction from longtime customers.

“I know that it's hard to see the Marina Variety Store kind of become no longer, but I do want to reassure everybody the vibes, the feeling, the food, the staff — we are all still here.”

And she wants to clear up one rumor in particular. “I’ve seen a lot of comments about how we've been firing all of our previous staff. They're all still here. They're very excited to welcome you to Finn and Crab.”

Inside the Renovation

The iconic space has undergone a major refresh. Carpet has been removed, natural marina views have been opened up, walls have been repainted, additional bathrooms were added, and dining space has been expanded. But Amanda says returning guests will still feel right at home. “Once they come and visit, they’ll know it’s still pretty much the same place just with improvements.”

Her sister Amber Strickland, longtime server at the family restaurant agrees. “Even though the restaurant may look different, it's still the same exact atmosphere — it has the same bones.” And for fans of Salty Mike’s, she offered the update many have been waiting for. "We do have bathrooms downstairs. Y’all will love that.”

New Owners Embrace the Tradition

New owners Cindy and James Capps aren’t new to coastal dining. They operate a seafood restaurant and market in North Carolina, and Cindy says she felt an instant connection to the Marina Variety Store legacy. “The most important thing for me in any business is the team — the family. And in this case, the family was already here.”

The couple plans to expand the restaurant’s schedule and build on the classic menu rather than replace it. “We wanted to open the space up to the beautiful view and build on the food, not erase the culture,” she said.

“We’d like to take the menu and have a whole section that is just Marina Variety Store.” Some customer favorites already made the cut, including the entire breakfast menu. “We’ve brought back the pimento cheese, the fried green tomatoes, and the shrimp and grits.”

Cindy says guests will still see familiar faces. “Exact same friendly faces they always saw, and hopefully some new ones, because we’d like to expand to seven days a week.” And yes — Salty Mike’s is staying true to itself. “It’s the same bar, same layout, same marlin on the wall just with two full bathrooms now.”

Cindy says she hopes the Charleston community gives the new chapter a chance. "Don’t judge us, come and see us and tell us what we can improve, what we missed, what you want to have come back.”

Opening Soon

Finn & Crab hopes to open its doors to the public this weekend, pending final inspection approvals. And according to the family, what customers loved most about Marina Variety Store, the people, the flavor, the atmosphere, is ready to welcome Charleston back. As Amber put it, “They treat us like family they’re not trying to take our family away from this restaurant.” And in the words of both sisters, “Come and see us. Don’t be scared! It's still fresh seafood, same concept it just looks a little better in here.”

The Colorado Buffaloes (5-3) will meet the Charleston (SC) Cougars (6-1) at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. This contest is available on ESPN+.

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The Belmont Bruins (7-0) will try to continue a seven-game winning streak when they visit the Charleston (SC) Cougars (4-4) on November 30, 2025 at TD Arena.

In its most recent game, Belmont defeated Toledo on Wednesday, 87-72. Tyler Lundblade scored a team-high 22 points (and chipped in four assists and three boards). In its previous game, Charleston (SC) topped Evansville on Monday, 78-59. Its top scorer was Martin Kalu with 21 points.

When is Belmont vs. Charleston (SC) and when does it start?

This contest between the Bruins and Cougars will happen on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Be ready to see the opening tip at 3:30 p.m. ET.

The Bruins and Cougars will hit the hardwood at TD Arena for this matchup on Nov. 30, and if you would like to catch the matchup live, get your tickets now from Vivid Seats!

You can catch this game live on FloCollege.

Belmont Bruins vs. Charleston (SC) Cougars Game Preview

Belmont averages 85.9 points per game (69th in college basketball) while giving up 64 per contest (28th in college basketball). It has a +153 scoring differential overall and outscores opponents by 21.9 points per game.

The 85.9 points the Bruins average are 14.4 more than the Cougars concede.

Belmont knocks down 10.1 three-pointers per game (49th in college basketball), 2.2 more than its opponents (7.9). It is shooting 36.2% from beyond the arc (90th in college basketball) while allowing opponents to shoot 25.6%.

Charleston (SC)’s +19 scoring differential (outscoring opponents by 2.4 points per game) is a result of putting up 73.9 points per game (262nd in college basketball) while giving up 71.5 per contest (145th in college basketball).

The Cougars put up 9.9 more points per game (73.9) than the Bruins give up (64).

Charleston (SC) connects on 5.8 three-pointers per game (333rd in college basketball) at a 25.7% rate (357th in college basketball), compared to the 8.6 per contest its opponents make, shooting 35.4% from beyond the arc.

And for more CBB game previews, NCAA basketball picks or even how to bet on college basketball check out the latest NCAAB lines on Betsperts.

CHARLESTON — Small Business Saturday may have been founded by one of the largest credit card companies in the U.S., but the spirit to support local is strong, especially in the Lowcountry.

American Express originated the idea in 2010 to encourage consumers to shop small during the holiday season. It gained government support a year later when the U.S. Small Business Administration became a co-sponsor.

In the Charleston area, supporting small makes the economy tick.

For every dollar spent in a local establishment, about 67 percent stays in the community, supporting neighborhood families and helping to “preserve the personality” that makes this area so special, said Matt Brady, economic development director for the Town of Mount Pleasant.

“Supporting local businesses is one of the most powerful things we can do as a community,” he said.

He added, “You are not just making a purchase, you are investing in your neighbors and strengthening the small businesses that give our town its special character.”

Mount Pleasant's locally owned shops, include Drifter Merch, owned by Lorrie Dixson Griggs. Founded in 2016 out of a deep-rooted love for live music, Drifter Merch has grown into a thriving hub for music enthusiasts, offering more than 60 high-quality, band-inspired designs from Widespread Panic and Billy Strings to the Grateful Dead and Willie Nelson in the form of T-shirts, hoodies, hats, accessories and more.

“Drifter Merch was built by fans, for fans,” Griggs said. “Every piece we create is meant to capture the spirit of the music that brings us all together.”

Mount Pleasant also has multiple bookstores. Pick up a new or secondhand book at The Village Bookseller, the buy-sell-trade shop Trade-A-Book and The Archive, which also offers coffee, wine and snacks.

Cara Otto, owner of her own small business — furniture and home-décor company Indigo Refurb — said an unknown gem is Grammy’s Attic off Clements Ferry Road.

“Also Eclectic Finds in Mount Pleasant is a mall with tons of small businesses inside featuring home décor, furniture, collectibles, body care products and so much more,” Otto said. “Both are great options for shopping small.”

For locals Julie Collins and Connie Robertson, they recommend Yesterday’s and Today's Unique Treasures in Moncks Corner.

With more than 50 small businesses under one roof, Robertson said, “it is a fantastic store with so many unique vendors truly has something for everyone!”

On James Island, Lounge with Us has the cozy factor with lounge clothes, pajamas and accessories.

The Cannonborough-Elliottborough district in downtown Charleston is a trove of small women-owned shops. There’s The Paper Canopy with curated cards, stationery and an adorable children’s section. Taxidermy features luxury exotic leather handbags, shoes and jackets in statement-making colors. And Tiny Tassel is known for its beaded jewelry and bags.

Shoppers can also dine at Pink Cactus or a number of the new restaurants around Spring Street, or grab some fresh groceries at The Veggie Bin.

A number of businesses on Oprah’s “Best Charleston-Made Holiday Gifts” feature favorites sold here in the Holy City. The list includes a bow tie from West Ashley-based Brackish, jewelry from woman-owned Hermosa and award-winning tea at veteran-owned Oliver Pluff & Co.

In North Charleston, Park Circle has The Station and Odd Duck Market for shopping; Paddock and Whiskey, Orange Spot and Common House Aleworks for dining; and Park Circle Ceramics for a fun and inexpensive spot to make your own gifts.

And while not open yet, Off Track Ice Cream on Beaufain Street is moving to Park Circle soon.

In West Ashley, visit local favorites like Consign Charleston, where shoppers can find gently used clothing, collectibles and furniture on a budget, or Charmed Beauty Gifts and Apparel and Rhodes Boutique, which have an array of Southern-inspired jewelry, gifts, apparel, handbags and more. Garfield Jewelers also has an ever-changing selection of estate jewelry, Charleston-themed rice bracelets and seasonal gifts, while local record store Monster Music and Movies offers the Southeast’s largest selection of vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray and cassette tapes.

Hungry? Grab a bite at Betty Lou’s Bistro or Cafe Roca, or satiate your sweet tooth at Christophe’s Macaron et Chocolat. Betty Lou’s is run by Kris Kincaid, also the owner-operator at local Cannon Distillery.

Or take a drive to Owlbear Cafe in Mount Pleasant, where the extensive library of board games are free to use.

Lowcountry Local First has more than a dozen pages of small businesses you can shop and support on Nov. 29.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Elijah Strong scored 20 of his season-high 22 points in the second half and South Carolina beat Charleston Southern 74-62 on Friday.

The Gamecocks pulled away when Kobe Knox scored on a one-handed dunk, sparking a 16-4 run for a 57-45 lead with about seven minutes to play. Strong scored seven points during the stretch.

A little more than a minute later, Jesse Hafemeister answered with a 3-pointer and Brycen Blaine made a layup to pull the Buccaneers to 57-50 but they didn’t get closer.

Strong, who spent the past two seasons at Boston College, shot 8 of 11 in the second half. Knox finished with 15 points and Nordin Kapic added 11 for South Carolina (5-2), which ended a two-game skid.

Blaine scored 23 points to lead Charleston Southern (5-4). A’lahn Sumler added 14 points and Hafemeister had 10.

Knox scored seven points to help the Gamecocks build a 30-28 halftime advantage. Blaine scored 12 first-half points to pace Charleston Southern. A Blaine 3-pointer gave the Buccaneers their last lead, 40-39, with about 13 minutes left in the second half.

KEY STATS

After going just 3-of-7 the first half, Carolina was 16-of-18 (88.9%) from the charity stripe the final 20 minutes of the game.

The Gamecock defense held the Buccaneers to just 35.7% (25-of-70) from the floor and 7-of-31 (22.6%) from behind the arc. Carolina’s 3-point defense is 48th in KenPom currently as the team has allowed just 28.7% shooting from behind the arc thru seven games this season.

NOTABLES

Junior forward Elijah Strong led the team with a season-high 22 points off the bench, 20 of which came in the second half. It was Strong’s second career 20-point game and his first in Garnet and Black. He was 9-of-16 (56.3%) from the floor in just 16 minutes of action. Strong played just 3 minutes in the opening half.

Redshirt senior guard Kobe Knox also scored a season-high, finishing with 15 points. He was an efficient 6-of-8 from the floor with a highlight reel poster dunk in the second half that helped the team surge ahead.

Freshman guard Eli Ellis nearly recorded his first career double-double with nine points and a career-high nine rebounds (led the team). He added an assist and a steal in 31 minutes on the floor.

Senior guard Mike Sharavjamts was on triple-double watch, finishing with eight points, eight rebounds and a team-high seven assists. He also had two blocks and two steals on the defensive end. Sharavjamts’ seven helpers were a season high and it marked the 22nd game of his career with five or more assists.

Senior forward Nordin Kapic had 11 points, five rebounds and an assist in his first start since the Southern Miss game back on Nov. 9. It was his first double-figure outing since scoring 13 in a season-opening win over NC A&T back on Nov. 4.

Despite only scoring four points, senior Meechie Johnson continued to lead on the defensive end of the floor as he had the best +/- on the court, finishing +13 in 29 minutes of run.

South Carolina improves to 43-9 (.827 win percentage) when holding opponents below 70 points in four seasons under head coach Lamont Paris.

The Gamecocks improve to 9-0 the last two seasons (2-0 this season) when holding opponents below 40.0% shooting.

UP NEXT

South Carolina (5-2) remains home as it welcomes in Virginia Tech (6-2) for the ACC/SEC Challenge. It’ll be the third-straight season the Gamecocks and Hokies have met with Carolina winning each matchup on a neutral floor. Anish Shroff (pxp) and Chris Spatola (analyst) will be on the call for the SEC Network broadcast.