We May Doze But We Never Close – A History Of Bert’s Market Folly Beach
Bert’s Market
Tucked just off Ashley Avenue on Folly Beach, Bert’s Market has become more than “just a grocery store.” It’s a landmark — a place woven into the fabric of the island community. With its eclectic mix of everyday groceries, beach supplies, deli sandwiches and a 24-hour vibe, it has earned a reputation as the heart of Folly. And at its core is the mantra: “We might doze but we never close.”
Origins and Bert
Bert’s Market opened its doors in 1993 under the ownership of Bert Hastings. (Charleston City Paper) Before Bert took on the location it had a prior life, but under his guidance it became more than a convenience store — it became a community home base. He wanted Bert’s to serve the island not just as a place to buy milk or beer, but as a space where surfers, retirees, locals and visitors all felt invited. The mural of Bert’s likeness on the side of the building—painted like a pirate-smiling Cap’n—speaks to that sense of character and belonging. (Folly Beach)
From early morning coffee (free, always), to late-night sandwich runs after the bars closed, the store’s rhythm matched the island’s rhythm. It’s a place where someone could roll up in flip-flops, pick up organic produce, rent fishing gear, grab a beer, find guitar strings, and say hello to a neighbor — all in one stop. (Bert’s Market) Bert’s philosophy was simple but powerful: be part of the community, serve the community, never shut the doors. The motto “We may doze but we never close” reflected that commitment. (Folly Beach)
The Fire and Reinvention
Even places anchored in community are not immune to challenge. Bert’s Market experienced its most serious setback when a fire ripped through the facility in 2004. (Folly Current) It was a moment of danger and uncertainty for Folly Beach. The store that many considered a local institution was threatened — but the community and the owners pushed forward. From that fire came reinvestment and renovation: the building was rebuilt, new layouts introduced, a larger beer cave added, fresh deli expansions, and upgrades to meet the evolving island crowd. (Folly Current) The fire became a turning point, not an end.
In the years following the fire, the store deepened its role in the island’s life. The late-night era grew, surf culture and renovations changed-up the island, rentals above the store, and a shifting visitor base all challenged the old model — but Bert’s adapted. It retained its identity in a changing world.
Passage of the Torch
In 2010, ownership passed from Bert Hastings to his daughter Julia and her husband, Omar Colon. (Charleston City Paper) The transition was smooth, grounded in the core values Bert had built. Omar has described how even now Bert still checks weather radios, gives warnings when storms approach, reminds them about batteries and water. (Charleston City Paper) The business grew, but the community-first attitude stayed.
Under the new ownership, Bert’s expanded its offerings: organic groceries, deli upgrades with hormone-free meats, a wine wall of 200+ selections, a beer cave with 100+ microbrews, and late-night grill options. (Bert’s Market) But perhaps even more importantly, the store remained open 24/7/365 — a literal reflection of the motto. So whether it was 3 a.m. after the bars closed, or early morning prepping for surf rentals, someone would walk in and find the lights on. (Charleston City Paper)
A Community Anchor
To visit Bert’s is to see Folly Beach in microcosm. Behind the counter you’ll find surfers grabbing wax and bananas, retirees picking up boiled peanuts, large families buying organic produce, tourists picking up beach gear, musicians grabbing guitar picks, fishermen buying rods. The store’s shelves tell stories of the island’s multi-faceted life. (Charleston City Paper) That diversity is part of the charm. Bert’s isn’t just “the grocery” — it’s a spot where the different tribes of Folly connect.
The store also plays a unique role in emergency or storm‐prep time. The motto again holds true: even after bars shut, even during early hours, even in the face of a storm, Bert’s remains open. It is a place people trust. And that trust stems from decades of consistency.
Why the Motto Matters
“We might doze but we never close.” This phrase does more than advertise hours. It captures an attitude: open, adaptable, part of the rhythm of the island. “Might doze” acknowledges the laid‐back, island pace — the surf breaks, the afternoon lull, the late night walk back from the beach. But “we never close” declares reliability, availability, community. That tension — between relaxed and ready — is uniquely Folly. It mirrors the island’s mix of casual and committed.
By living that phrase, Bert’s has built loyalty. A store that doesn’t lock its doors when others might is more than convenient — it becomes essential. And that has allowed Bert’s to not just survive, but thrive as Folly Beach has grown and shifted.
Looking Ahead
As Folly Beach evolves — new rentals, increased tourism, changing demographics — Bert’s Market continues to stand as a constant. New waves of visitors discover the store; long‐time locals still walk in wearing their same beach flip-flops. The store is renovating, updating, but not losing its soul. The Colon family and the team maintain the sense that this is our market — the island’s market.
In lean times or busy seasons, in calm weather or hurricanes, the store remains open. The fire of 2004 showed the resilience of the business. The passing of ownership showed continuity. And the everyday crowds show the community’s embrace. From dawn coffee to midnight subs, the island’s rhythm pulses through Bert’s aisles.
Final Thoughts
Bert’s Market is more than shelves and a register. It is a living chapter in Folly Beach’s story. Bert Hastings planted a flag in 1993, built a store that matched the island’s heart. When a fire threatened that story, the community and the owners held on and rebuilt. When time passed the torch to a new generation, the values held fast. And through it all the store has stayed open — a hub, a refuge, a meeting place.
If you ever stroll onto Ashley Avenue, look at the mural of Cap’n Bert on the side of the building. Step inside and you’ll see the mix of beach gear and artisan beers, surf wax and organic produce. Notice that the lights are on, no matter the hour. A store might doze — but it never closes. And for the island of Folly Beach, that makes all the difference.
Note: Bert’s is a Folly Beach institution which is proudly supported by