Fleet Landing Restaurant Celebrates 20 Years with a Heartfelt Community Contribution
CHARLESTON – It’s a special time for Fleet Landing Restaurant as it marks its 20th anniversary and shows its deep appreciation for the local community in a meaningful way. Coming up on November 30th, the restaurant will donate a whopping 20 percent of its sales to the Charleston Waterkeeper. The initiative aligns perfectly with their commitment to giving back and underlines the importance of keeping Charleston’s waterways healthy and vibrant.
A Restaurant with a Heart
Fleet Landing wasn’t just a business venture for its owners, Tradd and Wendy. The duo dreamed of owning a restaurant long before it became a reality. Initially, Wendy was busy selling residential real estate, while Tradd worked in his family’s grocery business. When the building housing the former McCrady’s Restaurant came into play, they jumped at the chance. Instead of simply painting and updating the decor, they completely gutted the place, brought in a new chef, and transformed it into a culinary gem that even made it to Esquire’s “25 Best New Restaurants” list in their opening year.
The Key to Longevity
Over the years, Fleet Landing has become a staple in the Charleston dining scene. Their stunning waterfront location is obviously a big draw, but it’s also the dedicated team behind the restaurant that has reminded locals why they keep returning. Wendy notes that despite many changes in the local culinary landscape, their menu has largely remained unchanged, ensuring that guests know what experience they can expect every visit.
New Additions and Just Around the Corner
More recently, Fleet Landing introduced an oyster bar to enhance the dining experience. Wendy explained that the area formerly consisted of booths that didn’t take advantage of the gorgeous water view. Now, guests can enjoy a wider selection of fresh oysters and raw items such as crab claws and towers, which have already become crowd favorites. With a small kitchen designed for efficiency, this addition opens up the possibilities for more fresh seafood selections, ensuring guests leave satisfied.
As the city grows around them, the landscape surrounding Fleet Landing has evolved dramatically. With the Cooper hotel under construction next door, challenges arose, including visibility issues for the restaurant entrance. However, Wendy and Tradd are excited about the hotel’s impending opening next year, hoping it will attract more business to their blossoming section of the waterfront.
Giving Back in More Ways Than One
Fleet Landing isn’t just about profit but truly embodies the spirit of community connection. Over the past two decades, they’ve underlined their commitment to giving back by donating well over $1 million in cash and in-kind contributions to various local causes. Their charitable endeavors include sponsoring events like Feed the Need’s Dining for a Cause and participating in fundraisers for organizations like the Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center and the Coastal Conservation League. They love getting active and engaged in charity, often making the most of auctions to support these important causes.
Join the Celebration
As part of their anniversary celebration, Fleet Landing invites everyone to enjoy a delicious meal with the knowledge that they are supporting a worthy cause. On November 30th, when patrons dine at Fleet Landing, they won’t just leave with full bellies but will also know they contributed to the health of Charleston’s precious waters.
After 20 remarkable years, the future looks bright for Fleet Landing, and Wendy and Tradd are thrilled as they look forward to the next chapter, continuing to serve the community with passion and purpose.
