In a city like Charleston, where dining is a key element of its identity, how restaurants are doing is important. 

We know that 2020 was a devastating year for local restaurants. 2021 — year two of the COVID-19 pandemic — brought its own challenges, even when diners returned. Restaurant owners have had to contend with staff shortages, supply chain difficulties, construction delays and price increases that made operating a daily struggle.

Despite those challenges, many Charleston restaurant owners say they’re optimistic about the year ahead.

This week on the podcast, you'll hear from two of them.

Maryam Ghaznavi and Raheel Gauba are owners of Ma’am Saab, which will be opening soon in downtown Charleston, and Malika in Mount Pleasant. 

The husband-and-wife entrepreneurs have grown their business from scratch during the pandemic. 

After launching Pakistani pop-up Ma’am Saab as a meal delivery service during the pandemic, they landed a stall in the now-closed food court Workshop. Last year, they announced plans to open a Ma’am Saab brick-and-mortar location in downtown Charleston. Not long after, they debuted another restaurant, Malika, in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. 

They spoke with food and dining editor Parker Milner about their experiences as restaurant owners during the pandemic, the desire and appreciation for new cuisine in Charleston and hopes for the future of the city's food scene. 

This episode originally published Jan. 20, 2022.

Related coverage:

• Charleston chefs predict dining trends, suggest industry changes for 2022
• Staff shortages persist at SC restaurants as COVID surges. Some owners see a path forward.
• Pakistani restaurant to begin revamping former Jestine’s Kitchen; furniture shop to relocate
• Malika in Mount Pleasant now open offering Pakistani-canteen style comfort food

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Check out Malika's website, Instagram and Facebook.

Details about Ma'am Saab can be found on its website, Instagram and Facebook.