A locally owned coffee shop is brewing excitement as it prepares to open its fifth location in Charleston’s Design District.
Second State Coffee, founded by Ross Jett, will open at Storehouse Row in The Navy Yard Charleston, a historic site of buildings that once housed storehouses, administrative offices and machinist schools in the 1990s.
“I’ve always loved that area in terms of the buildings up there and its history,” Jett told What Now Charleston. “I’m excited to be up there, close to Park Circle. The space is going to be gorgeous.”
Jett said each Second State café reflects the character of its neighborhood, and this new location will be no different.
“I plan to make that sort of a very high-end, flagship-type,” he said. “Customers are going to be able to come in and expect the same pour-over menus and single-origin coffees, but once we get settled in and feel out the neighborhood, we’ll be putting out some drinks that are unique to that location alone.”
Jett describes the 900-square-foot space as a “glass box,” elevated within the courtyard.
“It’s going to be very clean, modern lines to it,” he said. “It’s surrounded by historic brick World War I and World War II warehouse buildings that are very, very cool and sort of a different style of architecture but it ties everything together.”
Jett said the courtyard location may add an afternoon beer and wine program. He is also moving the entire production facility nearby, making this area his new hub—a development he’s especially excited about.
While Second State has not announced an official opening date, Jett said the new location is slated for a winter 2025 debut.
Second State also operates four other distinct locations. The first, opened in 2012 in Downtown Charleston, offers a serene atmosphere with custom-built heart pine tables. The West Ashley café is known for its pour-over coffee, housemade gluten-free waffles and signature salted caramel latte. Oyster Park is the smallest location, featuring a curated selection of wines. Meanwhile, the Mount Pleasant spot is celebrated for its full breakfast and lunch menu served daily until 1 p.m.
Visit the café’s website and follow Second State Coffee on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates on all locations, including the upcoming The Navy Yard outpost.
