BROOKS AND ERIN REITZ are a creative power couple. Brooks is the founder of Jack Rudy Cocktail Co., as well as the beloved Charleston restaurants Leon’s Oyster Shop, Little Jack’s Tavern, and Melfi’s, and he writes the various Substack newsletter, A Small and Simple Thing. Erin creates a stunning line of women’s shirts via her exceptional clothing line, E.M. Reitz.
In 2023, the couple joined forces to launch their first joint venture—Teamwork—which focuses on handsome uniforms for the service industry and superbly crafted aprons for the home cook.
In our inaugural issue, Brooks and Erin offer insight into their entrepreneurial lives and creative pursuits. Here is a glimpse of the interview by contributor Beth Brown Ables, with photography by Blake Shorter.
Brooks, you’re known first for food and drink (cocktails in particular), helming Jack Rudy Cocktail Co., Leon’s Oyster Shop, Little Jack’s Tavern, and Melfi’s. First off, why does food matter this much to you?
BR: I was raised around the dinner table. We rarely went out to eat because with three boys, my parents couldn’t afford it. Instead, we got to see the importance of home-cooked food, the beauty of being together at the table, and the impact of forming traditions around food. Food nourishes us, gives us energy, and can be a powerful tool to connect with other people. It’s also a unique canvas for creativity, and it provides a nexus from which we can create the world of a restaurant and commune with friends.
I’m interested in how collaborative you two are outside of your home life, especially with the launch of Teamwork. Were you collaborating professionally before this?
BR: We’ve never officially collaborated on a project, although we have a very collaborative household. We’re both entrepreneurs, and it’s imperative to be able to bounce ideas off of one another and get feedback during challenging times. Erin had a lot of experience in larger corporate environments before we met, so she really understands the challenges of team-building and leadership in a creative environment. I’ve leaned on her over the years for raw, honest feedback—and she’s helped me hone my own leadership style and language.
ER: While we are both creative, we have very different skill sets. The biggest challenge is turning it off and trying not to talk about any of the businesses as we go to sleep.
Tell us more about Teamwork.
BR: As we launch, we are focusing on aprons. Our sense is that the aprons available to both the home cook and restaurants were missing some elegance, and there were opportunities for improvements to the construction and design. This is where Erin’s skills really came to bear—we reimagined the way an apron is designed to allow for some waist shape and a more comfortable fit.
Read the full interview on our website, vsslmag.com.
WHERE IN CHARLESTON »
A few of the Reitzes’ favorite experiences in their home city
to feel like you’re in the wilderness: LAUREL HILL COUNTY PARK
to know you’re going to have an excellent meal: CHEZ NOUS
to get the best food to cook at home: SEA ISLAND FARMERS MARKET and ABUNDANT SEAFOOD
to take the kids: COLONIAL LAKE PLAYGROUND
to get away from tourists: HAMPTON PARK
to have a great cocktail and snack: LEON'S or THE ORDINARY
to find unique home décor: ANTIQUES OF SOUTH WINDERMERE
AND WE’RE OFF! »
Earlier this month, we celebrated the official release of our print publication at A20 Market, a cosmopolitan retail shop and café in downtown Greenville. Special thanks to our collaborators, supporters, friends, and family for launching Vessel in substance and style.
END NOTE »
WE’VE ADDED NEW SECTIONS to our Substack newsletter that align with our print publication. These buckets, CURATE, DEVOUR, ESSAY, IMAGINE, and WANDER, capture the breadth of our storytelling, encompassing style and design, food and drink, essays and insights, arts and culture, and special places of the modern South.
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