49 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Charleston Women in Food Whether it’s been in ownership or management, the Charleston’s food and beverage industry has been historically dominated by men. Within the last two decades, however, a shift has begun taking place, putting women to the forefront in the commercial kitchen. Fleet Landing has been a casual, seafood dining experience in Charleston Harbor since November 30, 2004. With views of the USS Yorktown, the Ravenel Bridge and the Cooper River, Fleet Landing has become a known landmark and restaurant staple. Weesie Newton, co-owner along with her husband Tradd, has been instrumental into making this waterfront dining experience a rare favorite among tourists and locals alike. Newton is a multi-generation Charlestonian and native. A mother of three and a first-time grandmother, she isn’t letting anything slow her down. Adventurous is an understatement when it comes to describing Newton’s personality. When she’s not on the clock, Newton loves being outdoors, which keeps her “grounded and zen,” and she also lets her hair down by delighting in the social scene of Charleston with her friends and family. Her newest hobbies include pickleball and Mahjong. “I bought into Mahjong, and I love it,” said Newton. “My friend and I learned how to play with just two people. I have my own game, and yes, I do travel with it.” Perhaps it’s this innate sense of fun and joy around people which helped Newton become such a celebrated restauranteur. Before creating Fleet Landing, Newton and her husband often fantasized about owning a restaurant business. “When the Fleet Landing building came up for sale, I was still doing real estate, pregnant with our third child,” shared Newton, “and we jumped in feet first and opened it.” The perfect location only helped the self-taught duo while they navigated their way through an adventure, they hadn’t had all that much with before opening. Newton, with her ever-positive attitude, stressed the excitement of building a business from the ground up, how seeing it grow was the most rewarding feeling, even when ironing out kinks. Fleet Landing now enjoys a local thumbs up with an international following. It’s unique because the Newtons can say they have bona fide regulars from all over the world. Customers from places like Africa, Europe and Ireland return each visit to Charleston for that local seafood experience. “First, we are lucky to be one of the few restaurants on the water. Second, our concept, serving seafood and operating out of a historic building is priceless. It has worked in our favor.” Newton hopes more women fulfill their dreams of becoming part of the food and beverage industry. She suggested to those wanting to break into the business, “Surround yourself with people who are knowledgeable in the world you want to be in. Mentorship is key. Ask for help. People are willing to assist you if you ask. If another Cheers to 20 years Weesie Newton steers the ship at Fleet Landing BY MAURICE J. FRAZIER Fleet Landing’s Weesie Newton.
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