The salty steam of freshly shucked oysters will mingle with talk of economic development when Mount Pleasant throws its annual “shellebration” for local business owners later this month.

The Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce will host an oyster roast in late February, inviting local business owners and employees to crack shells while learning about new economic and business development initiatives coming to the growing East Cooper community.

For a town that’s transformed from sleepy fishing village to booming suburb in just a few decades, the marriage of oysters and business development makes perfect sense. Mount Pleasant has managed to hold onto its Lowcountry roots even as tech companies, restaurants, and retail developments have reshaped its economic profile.

“We wanted to create an event that celebrates both our heritage and our future,” said a Chamber spokesperson. “What better way to do that than over a traditional oyster roast where business owners can connect and learn about opportunities ahead.”

The timing couldn’t be better. February marks the tail end of oyster season in South Carolina waters, when the bivalves from nearby creeks and inlets are at their plumpest. Local suppliers will likely source from nearby Bowen Island or Bulls Bay, where generations of oystermen have worked the same beds their grandfathers harvested.

While details about the specific business initiatives remain under wraps, Mount Pleasant has been aggressive in courting new development. The town recently approved several mixed-use projects along Highway 17, and downtown Mount Pleasant has seen a surge in restaurant openings over the past two years.

The food and beverage scene, in particular, has exploded across the Charleston area, though not without challenges. Even as new spots like The Wedge draw daily lines, the industry has faced headwinds from rising rents and labor costs that have claimed several established restaurants in recent months.

For Mount Pleasant’s growing roster of restaurateurs and food entrepreneurs, the Chamber event offers a chance to connect with peers while learning about municipal support programs. The town has been exploring ways to streamline permitting processes and provide resources for small business owners navigating the post-pandemic hospitality landscape.

The oyster roast format is quintessentially Lowcountry—part business meeting, part social gathering, entirely dependent on good conversation and better seafood. Attendees will gather around communal tables covered in newspaper, armed with oyster knives and small mallets, while speakers present between courses.

Traditionally, a proper oyster roast includes steamed oysters served directly from the pot, accompanied by cocktail sauce, saltines, and plenty of cold beer. Some hosts add sides like hoppin’ john or she-crab soup, though the oysters remain the star attraction.

The timing also aligns with Mount Pleasant’s broader efforts to support local businesses after a challenging few years. Like communities across the Charleston region, Mount Pleasant saw numerous small businesses struggle with pandemic shutdowns, supply chain issues, and staffing shortages.

Now, as the town continues its rapid growth—Mount Pleasant added nearly 10,000 residents between 2010 and 2020—municipal leaders are working to ensure local businesses can capitalize on the expansion while maintaining the community character that makes the area attractive.

The Chamber has been particularly focused on supporting businesses in the food and dining sector, which has become a key economic driver for the town. From casual seafood joints serving fried shrimp baskets to upscale establishments featuring locally sourced ingredients, Mount Pleasant’s restaurant scene has evolved significantly from its fish camp origins.

Business owners interested in attending the late February event should contact the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce for registration details and timing. Given the popularity of Chamber networking events, early registration is recommended.

The “shellebration” represents more than just another business mixer. In a region where oysters have been sustaining communities for centuries, gathering local entrepreneurs around steaming shells connects present-day commerce with deep-rooted traditions.

As Mount Pleasant continues balancing growth with preservation of its coastal heritage, events like this oyster roast offer a blueprint for honoring the past while building toward the future—one perfectly steamed oyster at a time.