Business news

Lowcountry business briefs: Conservation, growth, honors and new ventures shape local scene.
From expanding luxury vacation portfolios to launching bird conservation programs and debuting stylish new dining venues, the Lowcountry’s business community continues to thrive with innovation and purpose. Here’s a roundup of recent business developments across Bluffton and Hilton Head Island:

Luxury Simplified Retreats expands through merger and acquisition.
Charleston- and Palmetto Bluff-based Luxury Simplified Retreats has expanded its vacation rental portfolio by 40% in the past year. A merger with Stay in Palmetto Bluff and the acquisition of Charleston Island Rentals helped grow the firm’s holdings to over 140 properties, including new markets Kiawah Island and Isle of Palms.
Founder Sebrina Leigh-Jones emphasized their focus on personalized service, stating: “We offer 24/7 guest services, upscale amenities, and personalized concierge support so guests can fully unwind.”

Juicebox opens in Bluffton with ribbon-cutting.
Natural wine and craft beer enthusiasts now have a new spot in Old Town Bluffton. Juicebox opened June 18th at 1266 May River Road, offering tastings and a curated selection of natural wines and specialty brews. Follow @juiceboxbluffton for updates.

Nectar debuts private event space ‘The Loft’ in Old Town Bluffton.
Nectar Old Town Bluffton has unveiled “The Loft,” an upscale private dining space for events ranging from rehearsal dinners to corporate meetings. Located above the restaurant, the second-floor venue seats up to 50 and features customizable chef-driven menus, AV capabilities and Southern charm.
Managing Partner Paul Norris said the addition “offers guests a stylish, private setting to celebrate life’s special moments.” Reservations are now available through nectarfarmkitchen.com.

Bluffton Rotary awards over $25,000 in charitable grants.
The Rotary Club of Bluffton awarded more than $25,000 in grants to six local nonprofits during its first round of 2025 funding. Recipients include Bluffton Self Help, Boys & Girls Club of the Lowcountry, Habitat for Humanity, Beaufort-Jasper Volunteers in Medicine, Reading Discovery and Spirit of Sebastian.

Funds were raised through events such as Mayfest and the Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival.

Hilton Head PSD’s Pete Nardi named national water conservation chair.
Pete Nardi, general manager of Hilton Head Public Service District, has been named Chair of the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) Water Conservation Division and appointed to its Technical Education Council. The AWWA represents over 4,300 utilities nationwide.

Nardi, who has led the PSD since 2015, called the honor “an opportunity to help lead water professionals across the country in advancing conservation and efficiency.”

PSD earns 5-Year Safe Water Award.
Hilton Head PSD received the 5-Year Directors Award from the Partnership for Safe Water for its rigorous efforts to optimize its drinking water distribution system. Water Quality Supervisor Sarah Hickman leads the utility’s self-assessment program.
“This award is recognition of the team’s commitment to quality for our customers and community,” said Nardi.

Audubon grant to boost conservation with new hire.

Hilton Head Audubon (HHA) has been awarded a $10,000 grant by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry to hire a Conservation Coordinator. The role will be filled by Denise Prichard, who will spearhead initiatives to protect local habitats and engage the public in environmental stewardship.

According to the organization, Prichard will lead shorebird protection campaigns, develop educational efforts under the “Safe Birds Need Safe Cats” program, and expand the Certified Bird & Wildlife Friendly Habitat Program. Her work will include collaborating with volunteers, schools, and youth groups such as Adolescents Advocating for HHA.

Sea Pines Resort welcomes new golf sales director.
John Haskins has been appointed Director of Golf Sales at The Sea Pines Resort. A Clemson University graduate with extensive experience in golf tourism, Haskins previously led group sales at a five-star resort and Charleston Golf, Inc.

Mark Goodwin, Director of Sales and Marketing, praised Haskins’ industry expertise: “Our three courses are the crown jewels, and John’s network will help us showcase them.”

Palm Trees & Pistons returns July 12th.
The monthly “Palm Trees & Pistons” car show is set for Saturday, July 12th, from 9 to 11 a.m. at NALAS Beach Bar & Grill Restaurant, the former Carrabba’s location on Hilton Head Island. The event features vintage, muscle, and exotic cars and is free and open to the public. Weather permitting.

Pet Wants Bluffton brings holistic pet nutrition to Bluffton.
Pet Wants Bluffton, located at 1256 Fording Island Road, now offers a range of fresh, small-batch pet food and wellness products targeting optimal pet health. The store carries Small batch raw and freeze-dried dog and cat foods featuring organic meats, vegetables and supplements like kelp and bee pollen. Customers can access in-store pickup, curbside service, local delivery and same-day delivery.

The family-owned store emphasizes pet wellness through nutritional counseling and high-quality ingredients slow-cooked at low temperatures every 45 days. With consistently high customer ratings, Pet Wants seeks to reshape pet food norms in the Lowcountry. PetWantsHiltonHead.com

STMT Boutique opens, curates chic women’s fashion.
STMT Boutique has launched a contemporary women’s fashion store in Old Town Bluffton, offering a curated mix of resort-ready and everyday styles. Founded by Jennifer Miotto, the boutique features brands like Free People, Z Supply, SPANX, Show Me Your Mumu, Vintage Havana, Surf Gypsy and Steve Madden.

The store emphasizes “effortless Lowcountry elegance,” blending comfort, versatility and style across pieces such as denim, accessories and statement items. STMT cultivates a personalized and warm customer experience, centered on individual expression through fashion. shopatstmt.com

Jean-Pierre Klifa debuts French resort wear at Coligny.
Upscale French designer Jean-Pierre Klifa has opened a new boutique at Coligny Plaza, marking the brand’s arrival in the Lowcountry. Known for vibrant resort wear and sophisticated accessories, the line emphasizes high-quality fabrics and bold prints chosen for comfortable elegance. The store caters to both residents and visitors seeking resort-ready ensembles with European finesse. jeanpierreklifa.com

Nala’s Beach Bar & Grill opens June 28 near the sand.
Nala’s Beach Bar & Grill has opened its doors at 14 Folly Field Road, promising vibrant fare and beach ambiance. Founded by mother-daughter duo Susana Legare and Val Plasse, the restaurant honors their late dog, Nala, who loved Hilton Head’s coast
The all-day eatery brings Caribbean-inspired dishes alongside scratch-made menu items and cocktails in a relaxed, dog-friendly space. nalasbeach.com

MilkShake Factory debuts fun dessert destination.
MilkShake Factory has opened its first South Carolina location at 1201 Main Street, part of Main Street Village, elevating the local dessert scene The family-owned franchise delivers hand-spun milkshakes crafted from in-store, homemade ice cream, along with signature chocolates and non-dairy alternatives. milkshakefactory.com