Best Jewelry Store in Nexton, SC

Contributing Writer

The local master planned community named the best in the nation has begun work on another phase, on the way to 7,500 residences. This new phase of the Nexton community in Summerville and Berkeley County is expected to add apartments for rent, hotel, office space and 150,000 square feet of shopping and dining space when it is completely built out over the next five to seven years.

Nexton has sold nearly 24 acres to Charlotte-based Crosland Southeast, which plans to develop the new One Nexton segment in multiple phases, starting this coming summer. The first phase of One Nexton will include 351 new apartments and 37,500 square feet of retail space anchored by a Publix supermarket.

One Nexton is consistent with the mixed-use development philosophy of the larger Nexton community, which sits between Interstate 26 and U.S. Highway 176 and was named the “Master-Planned Community of the Year” in 2021 by the National Association of Homebuilders.

Nexton sold 456 homes in 2020 and another 576 in 2021 to earn a spot on the RCLCO Real Estate Advisors list of fastest-growing planned communities. More than 1,800 homes currently comprise greater Nexton, including 250 under construction.

Located at the northeast corner of Brighton Park Boulevard and Nexton Parkway, the first phase of One Nexton will break ground in the summer and is expected to be complete in the fall of 2024.

“One Nexton illustrates that Nexton continues to be a national leader in modern community design,” said Brent Gibadlo, vice president and general manager of Nexton. “By fostering thoughtful commercial and residential growth along Charleston’s I-26 growth corridor, we can provide everything our residents want and need while cutting down on commute times and improving quality of life by allowing them to live, work and play and shop all within a short walk or drive from their homes.”

One Nexton will include green space, parks and trails that connect to the rest of Nexton. The master plan for the entire Nexton development calls for 50 miles of walking/biking trails; 2,000 of the total 5,000 acres set aside for woodlands, wetlands and open space; and 400 acres of office, commercial and retail.

One Nexton is the latest phase of the community, built one section at a time over the past decade. Originally developed by WestRock, the real estate company that was formed from lumber giant MeadWestvaco. Today, the development is under development by Brookfield Residential, which acquired the previous developer, Newland, last year.

Nexton’s previous phase to begin development was Midtown, five districts built around a central area of shops, restaurants and a wellness center complete with tennis center, lap pool, yoga studio and more. That followed on the heels last year of Downtown Nexton, 100 acres between Sigma Drive and Brighton Park offering the same amenities and walkability.

Tatum here. Did you know there’s a new Viva Chicken location in Nexton? If you love chicken, Peruvian food, or exploring Nexton’s restaurant scene, this spot should be on your radar.

Viva Chicken is a Peruvian rotisserie chicken joint whose co-founder is from Peru. The menu includes bowls, salads, sandwiches, and rotisserie chicken or pollo a la brasa.

I recently got to check out the new location in Summerville. Keep reading for insider tips (read: what to order) + discover how you can Try This.

What we tried (with pricing):

I tried the quarter chicken with yuca + plantains ($9.55), the maracuya juice ($3.25), and a churro ($3.50). My pollo a la brasa was crisped to perfection + I got the huacatay sauce for a bit of a kick.

When I bit into the yuca (which is like a potato) I thought I’d fried + gone to heaven. Pro tip: Dip the yuca in the huancaina cheese sauce or pair it with maracuya for a sweet and tangy complement.

What not to miss:

If you’re craving pollo, order the quarter, half, or whole chicken with sides like cilantro rice, green beans, and plantains. The chicken is charcoal-fired + marinated in spices.The eatery has plenty of healthy options like the Andina Power Food or the Inca Wrap. Plus, the menu is 70% vegetarian with the option to add a protein.

Choose from three sauces (all made in-house daily):

And wet your whistle with one of three signature juices:

What we’re still talking about: I learned that Viva Chicken partnered with No Kid Hungry and donates 50 cents for every churro sold. Talk about a win-win.

Also, the outdoor patio was the perfect spot to eat. If it’s a nice day, order on the app ahead of time + enjoy your food in the sunshine.

How you can experience this:

There are several ways to get your fix — order through the Viva Chicken App, online, curbside, in-store, or over the phone. Pro tip: Download the app, make an account + start earning VivaPoints. Earn 750 points to reach Aji Status and receive $5 off, 2,000 points to reach Haucatay Status and receive $7.50 off, and 3,500 points to reach Rocoto Status and receive $10 off.

Getting there: After turning left onto Nexton Square Drive, turn left again when you see Poogan’s Southern Kitchen + Viva Chicken is up ahead. Luckily, there’s plenty of parking.

Things to know if you go:

New bank branch in Nexton

First Citizens Bank has opened a new full service, 4,500-square-foot branch in the Nexton development at the corner of Nexton Parkway and Cross Park Drive, at 107 First Citizens Way, Summerville.

In addition to a staffed lobby, the full-service branch features a drive-through, ATM service, ample parking and a night depository. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“Our new Nexton office is a significant investment in our community and a prominent addition to our bank. It symbolizes our long-term commitment to our customers in Nexton, Summerville and the surrounding area,” said area executive Reeves Skeen. “It also gives our customers even greater access to our products and services at this growing location. We’re excited about continuing to provide our special brand of relationship-focused banking at this new facility for years to come.”

The branch plans to hold a grand opening ceremony in January.

First Citizens operates 20 branches in the greater Charleston area and 130 locations across South Carolina.

Local store celebrates anniversary

A Summerville-based electrical supplies store has celebrated 25 years in the community.

City Electric Supply (CES) is a family owned business located at 320 E. Fifth N. St. It held a special event for the anniversary on Dec. 9 that included prizes, special promotions, raffles and food.

“Knowing that I opened this branch for City Electric Supply in 1996 and had the opportunity to help make it grow, it feels good to be a part of such an amazing celebration,” said branch manager Archie Winningham. “I want the customers to know just how much they mean to us here at City Electric Supply Summerville.”

Vendors were also on site to discuss the newest products, give demonstrations and answer any questions customers had.

Get fit in Goose Creek

Planet Fitness held its grand opening in Goose Creek on Dec. 17.

The fitness business is located at 214 Saint James Ave. and is open until midnight every day for workouts. Business operating hours are between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The company markets itself on creating a workout environment where everyone feels accepted and respected. Goose Creek Planet Fitness manager Taylor Vega said the location has certified trainers ready to help customers feel welcomed, whether they’re first-time gym users or fitness veterans. As of Dec. 16, the business had 500 members.

Planet Fitness has more than 2,000 locations around the country and outside of it, according to its website.

By Barry Waldman

Your chance to own a piece of Summerville’s TV production history has finally arrived. The four homes built by local builder, Hunter Quinn Homes for season 3 of HGTV’s “Rock the Block” series will be on the market for sale in early April. You can own a one-of-a-kind home in the award-winning Nexton Community designed by Fixer to Fabulous hosts Dave and Jenny Marrs, sisters Lyndsay and Leslie from Unsellable Houses, Egypt and Mike from Married to Real Estate, or Keith and Evan from Bargain Block.

These 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 3,500 spacious square foot homes are well-appointed and unique. Each HGTV team started with the same base floor plan and added their own unique touch to the Charleston-inspired home they worked on. That might mean French doors in an unexpected place, a space-age shower in the master bath, a stand-out feature wall found in no other house, or some other element that makes each house one-of-a-kind.

“Not only will the future owners of these homes have a unique story to tell about who designed their homes, but they will forever be tied to a significant piece of cinematic history in Berkeley County,” said Hunter Quinn Homes marketing director Krista Mott. Each team of design professionals was given $225,000 to design and style their home in just six weeks—and the results are breathtaking.

Local homebuilder Hunter Quinn Homes was chosen by show producers to build the houses in Summerville’s Nexton community, the top master-planned community in the nation in 2020 and the best mixed-use community in 2022, according to the National Association of Home Builders. The producers researched the area before falling in love with the community and determining that Hunter Quinn was the best builder to handle the compressed building schedule and high show standards.

“Hunter Quinn has and continues to establish itself as the builder of choice for its customers, trade partners, team members, and the community,” said Hunter Quinn’s vice president of Sales and Marketing, Jason Harper, “We have put in a lot of work into our systems and processes to make the experience the best it can be, and I believe that is why we were selected to be the builder of these homes for the TV show.”

Each house includes luxury items inspired by architectural features of the historic Charleston single-style house like a Charleston-style veranda that opens to a spacious side yard, Lowcountry staples like sweetgrass and driftwood incorporated into the home designs, and designer finishes that mimic the historic ornamental ironwork found downtown Charleston.

Potential buyers with an interest in purchasing one of these homes can visit the Hunter Quinn website for information on how to submit an offer once the homes are released for sale on April 9. Four lucky families will have the opportunity to purchase and live in homes designed before the eyes of millions of people by designers they know and love.

Situated in Berkeley County, in the heart of the Lowcountry, Nexton offers all the benefits of Lowcountry living—weather, culture, beaches, history—along with delightful livable neighborhoods that are seamlessly integrated with retail and commercial. The show highlights the beauty and charm of Nexton and Berkeley County.

“Rock the Block has been an opportunity to show the world an award-winning master-planned community sited right here in Berkeley County and share some of the many things we love about where we are so fortunate to live,” said Ashley M. Powell, deputy county supervisor. “Our outdoor recreation via attractions like Cypress Gardens, direct access to the Cooper River, Lakes Marion and Moultrie, and the Francis Marion National Forest is unmatched. In addition, we boast ample opportunities for quality places to work and live.

As Hollywood met South Carolina, the project presented many challenges to Hunter Quinn, like lining up subcontractors and materials quickly despite a labor shortage and supply-chain disruptions. In addition, builders had to work with the shooting schedule, occasionally having to re-enact work for the cameras. But the result is four homes that everyone is talking about—and four lucky families will own.

“We normally build houses in about 150 days. Then these guys show up and ask if we can build them in 60 and do it a little differently,” said Will Herring, founder and CEO of Hunter Quinn. “It was a challenge, but we like challenges. If we could do it all again we would—and without hesitation.”

For additional information about South Carolinas Builder of Choice, visit their website www.hunterquinnhomes.com.

SUMMERVILLE – After a decade of playing professional ice hockey, Hunter Bishop wasn’t sure what the next chapter of his life would be.

Getting into the meat and deli business certainly wasn’t at the top of Bishop’s post-hockey occupational list.

Bishop, a former S.C. Stingrays hockey player, and business partner Devin Kelly opened a New York Butcher Shoppe at 502 Nexton Square Drive in Nexton Square off U.S. Highway 17A on Sept. 18.

“Five years ago, if someone had told me I was getting into the meat and deli business I would have thought they were out of their minds,” said Bishop, who played for the Stingrays during the 2012-13 season. “This is definitely different from going to the gym and hitting the ice, but we are super excited to be in Nexton.”

Kelly’s family had been involved in the fast-food industry with Kentucky Fried Chicken, so the transition came natural for him.

“Devin has been looking for the right franchise concept to dive into and the New York Butcher Shoppe seemed like an ideal opportunity,” Bishop said. “With his KFC background, I think this was an easy an easy decision for him.”

In addition to select cuts of beef, chicken, pork, veal and lamb, the shop will offer prepared dishes along with a selection of wines and specialty items such as cheeses, exotic sausages and international groceries.

“I know that a lot of families started to cook more from home during COVID,” Bishop said. “We have a three-headed monster with the meats and seafood, the fresh prepared meals and then the wine and craft beer. This isn’t an ordinary butcher shop, it’s a one-stop shopping experience for people that want to plan their meals for the week.”

The New York Butcher Shoppe chain has nine locations in South Carolina, including three in its home base of Greenville. Others are on Daniel Island and the Isle of Palms and in Mount Pleasant, Columbia and Indian Land near Charlotte.

The Mount Pleasant shop is the original location, Kelly said.

Seven others are located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. The duo plans to open a new store in Savannah in the coming year.

“The corporate folks already had a lease in Nexton, so when we took over, we bought a territory down in Savannah,” Bishop said.

The butcher shop will be the 15th food-and-beverage venue to open in and around Nexton Square. Other restaurants in the shopping center include Halls Chophouse, Taco Boy and D’Allesandro’s Pizza.

“Nexton is a booming area that’s only going to keep growing,” Bishop said. “It’s the perfect spot for this concept.”

The shop will be open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Wild Wings anyone

A new Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant opened its doors in Nexton’s North Creek neighborhood, which is just outside the Cane Bay Plantation entrance on Sept. 17.

The Buffalo Wild Wings, which is located at 117 North Creek Drive is a new Center Stage Buffalo Wild Wings design with state-of-the-art video displays to watch your favorite sports teams.

The restaurant will offer its trademark chicken wings and 26 signature sauces and seasoning options, plus other fan favorites including burgers, chicken sandwiches and bevy of appetizers.

The new location will employ more than 100 full-time and part-time workers.

Buffalo Wild Wings will be open 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday-Wednesday and 11 a.m. – midnight Thursday-Saturday.

The Columbus, Ohio-based Buffalo Wild Wings, which was founded in 1982, is the largest sports bar brand in the United States with more than 1,300 locations in 10 countries.

By the numbers

A new Mathnasium has opened up in Nexton Square.

Mathnasium is an international learning franchise with in-person and online math tutoring to help kids learn math through lessons and tutorials for grades K-12. It’s located at 500 Nexton Square Drive.