In the heart of Union Heights, North Charleston, a beloved family-run restaurant is getting the recognition it truly deserves. Bertha’s Kitchen, a soul food staple for over four decades, has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express. This funding will help preserve the restaurant’s legacy and allow it to grow with the times—without losing the soul that made it a community favourite.
A Legacy Built with Love and Lima Beans
Bertha’s Kitchen isn’t just a place to grab a plate of hearty home-style food—it’s a symbol of love, tradition, and service. Opened in the 1980s by Albertha Grant, the restaurant has long served as a gathering place where generations come together to enjoy affordable, flavourful meals.
Run today by Albertha’s daughters, Linda Pinckney and Julia Grant, Bertha’s continues its mission of serving the community with kindness and care. Regular customer Franklin Scott sums it up best: “When you come down to Bertha’s, I believe they put the love in the pot.”
Serving Soul, Sustaining Culture
Over the years, Bertha’s has kept its food affordable without compromising on taste. A special plate of lima beans, rice, and chicken once cost just ₹4.00; today, it’s still modestly priced at ₹6.75. That commitment to value has made it a lifeline for many, especially in a neighbourhood now facing the pressures of gentrification.
As new, modern homes spring up around Union Heights, Bertha’s stands strong as a cultural anchor. It’s not just about food—it’s about history, identity, and community. And that’s exactly why this grant is so important.
Why Bertha’s Was Chosen for the Grant
According to Seri Worden from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Bertha’s fits all the right criteria:
It’s in a historic building
It has generational ownership
It plays a vital role in the community
Calling it an “icon in Charleston”, Worden explains that the grant is not just financial help—it’s a celebration of what Bertha’s represents. The program has awarded more than $8 million to 180 restaurants over the past five years, and in 2025, Bertha’s is one of only 50 businesses nationwide to receive this recognition.
Plans for the Future: A Touch of Art and Fresh Paint
Linda and Julia already have exciting plans for the grant. Their top goal is to create a mural honouring their late mother and the family’s legacy. They’ll also make essential upgrades to the building, such as:
A fresh coat of paint
New awnings
Other aesthetic and structural improvements
These updates will help Bertha’s remain both visually welcoming and structurally sound—keeping the charm alive while adapting to the changes around them.
More Than Just a Restaurant
For customers like Franklin Scott and many others, Bertha’s is more than just comfort food—it’s comfort itself. It has always looked out for those who didn’t have much, offering warm meals and even warmer hospitality. The grant not only helps preserve the restaurant’s physical structure, but also honours the values that built it.
In a city where the old often makes way for the new, Bertha’s Kitchen is a beautiful example of how history and progress can co-exist. With the $50,000 grant, Bertha’s is ready to refresh its space while keeping the spirit of Albertha Grant alive. It’s a powerful reminder that places like Bertha’s aren’t just about business—they’re about belonging. And now, with national recognition, this beloved Charleston treasure is set to serve its community for generations to come.
