A beloved North Charleston restaurant, Bertha’s Kitchen, has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express as part of the Backing Historic Small Restaurants program. The funding will help the iconic soul food spot continue serving both its community and its cultural legacy.
A Legacy of Gullah Geechee Cuisine
Founded more than 40 years ago by Albertha Grant, Bertha’s Kitchen has become a staple of Charleston’s food scene. Today, Albertha’s daughters continue her mission, serving traditional Gullah Geechee dishes like:
Red rice
Okra soup
Collard greens
Bertha’s is more than just a restaurant. It has been recognized with the “America’s Classics” award by the James Beard Foundation and even honored in the Matriarchs of the Lowcountry exhibit at the South Carolina State Museum.
More Than a Restaurant: A Community Anchor
Natalie Woodward, associate manager for the program, said Bertha’s is vital to the Union Heights neighborhood, where dining and grocery options are limited.
“More than a restaurant, Bertha’s is a lifeline … It provides affordable meals, supports churches and community centers, and offers a welcoming gathering place. Its presence sustains both the culture and the community of North Charleston.”
Plans for the Grant
Owners say the grant money will be used to:
Refresh the exterior paint with bright turquoise and purple
Add a mural of Albertha Grant on the side of the building
Install a handicap-accessible ramp to make the restaurant more inclusive
Part of a National Program
Bertha’s Kitchen was one of 50 restaurants nationwide to receive the $50,000 award. The program is designed to highlight and sustain historic small restaurants that hold cultural, culinary, and community significance.
Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said:
“These restaurants demonstrate the power that places hold. For generations, neighbors have gathered here, shared stories, made new connections, and enjoyed regional cuisine that often reflects our nation’s global roots.”
