Look Who’s Here: 834 Foundation Street

Almost overnight, it seems like a slew of new businesses popped up and opened in The Gates, a new shopping center in the Point Hope community located at 834 Foundation St. – just a block away from the well-traveled roundabout off Clements Ferry Road.

 

The still-growing commerce center, across the street from the Publix grocery store, is now home to a variety of shops, including grab-and-go eateries, a sit-down bar and restaurant, a nail salon, a yoga studio, and even a cigar shop. 

 

Catrina’s Tacos and Tequila welcomed its first customers last December to a striking, colorful dining room and an elegant bar that the owners hope complements the fusion twist they’ve incorporated into their entrees.

 

“The concept of this restaurant is not your traditional Mexican restaurant,” said manager Eduardo Vasquez. “That’s why we didn’t put ‘Mexican restaurant’ in the name.”

 

Vasquez said offerings like sushi and food bowls have given customers a chance to experience something a little bit different from the norm.

 

“It’s been great,” he said. “We have had people from Daniel Island come all the way out here to check us out, people from Mount Pleasant, as well as people from (Point Hope), too.”

 

While the new Domino’s Pizza doesn’t shy away from touting its familiar name and national menu, owner Kevin Kerchenko said his pizzeria does strive to be something different. While delivering fast pizza is his team’s constant goal, he said building a bond with Point Hope neighborhoods is intrinsically more important.

 

“The community feel is just special here,” Kerchenko said. “We have already built a great interaction with Philip Simmons. They call me directly, and I’m involved with the PTAs. Anytime there are school events, we go out there and donate pizzas.”

 

Kerchenko, who also owns the Domino’s franchise on Daniel Island, recently purchased a home in Point Hope.

 

“Me living in this area, it’s all about being involved. I follow the community closely, and I just believe it’s going to be an amazing place. I think five to 10 years from now this will be the place to be.”

 

Nancy Nguyen has already embedded herself within the community for years. Nguyen owned the Orchid Nail Salon on Daniel Island and recently moved it to her new location in The Gates.

 

The shiny new salon sports 25 comfortable mani- and pedi-chairs for its clients in a wide-open space that is as big as it comes – 3,000 square feet.

 

“When they come in here, we take care of them,” she said. “They come here, relax, and enjoy.”

 

Nguyen, who has been in the nail business for two decades, said her Point Hope salon will continue to offer upscale, organic, and luxury products and said she is thankful and pleased to serve both her new customers and longtime regulars. “A lot of people on Daniel Island know me,” she laughed. 

 

Step into the spacious studio at Modern Movement Yoga, and you might feel the warmth of infrared-heating panels radiating from the ceiling to its yoga students down below. 

 

Owner Jolene Newman said her boutique studio offers not only yoga but Pilates and strength training. With 46 classes already scheduled across seven days a week, Newman is excited to welcome her students to a top-of-the-line studio that includes amenities like a fully outfitted bathroom and shower for those on the go. 

 

“I love that our studio brings together people from all walks of life,” Newman said. “Watching someone step into their power and happiness, both on and off the mat, is the most rewarding part of doing business here. It makes my heart so happy to celebrate the success of my students.”

 

Meeting friends after work with a relaxing cigar, a nice, cold beer, or a glass of wine might entice them to check out King’s Leaf Cigar Lounge. The Point Hope location is one of five in the Charleston area, and owner Brian Lucier said this particular locale is a “sophisticated place to connect and unwind that’s not too far from home.”

 

Lucier said the lounge, which is open seven days a week with late-night hours on Fridays and Saturdays, promises customers “the very best the cigar world has to offer” with walk-in humidors, premium cigars, and “an intentionally designed lounge space for all to enjoy a taste of luxury. We’re proud to be able to cultivate an environment where our customers get to know their neighbors over cigars and conversation – many meeting with each other multiple times a week.”

 

Firehouse Subs provides a variety of hot subs with premium meats and cheeses piled on toasted rolls. This new location is one of more than 15 fast-casual restaurants owned and operated by the Paquin family, who said they are proud to live and serve here locally.

 

“Charleston’s strong sense of community and support for local businesses makes it a special place to serve,” said Kayla Paquin.

 

Paquin said the Firehouse brand was founded by firefighters, and every purchase at the store helps fund life saving equipment for first responders through its public safety foundation. 

 

“We’re proud to connect with customers... who value great food and giving back; we’re honored to contribute to the safety and well-being of this vibrant, historic city,” she said.

 

Dunkin’ is a favorite stop for fans of breakfast, coffee, and sweet treats. The 1,900-square-foot space, operated by Coastal Franchising, also includes a drive-thru for car convenience, and when opened last December, offered free coffee for a year for the first 100 customers in line.

 

“Dunkin’ is more than coffee, as we’re part of the communities we serve,” said marketing director Brandy Zimmerle. “As the local Dunkin’ franchise owner, Coastal Franchising continues to grow in the Charleston area, and we’re committed to creating local jobs, supporting neighborhood initiatives, and delivering the fast, friendly service our guests love. We’re here to keep Charleston running, one cup at a time.”

 

Many businesses within The Gates were built by Ferrara Buist Contractors. The design-assist-build construction company also set up shop in the complex and worked hand-in-hand with many of the center’s owners to outfit their restaurants and shops.