Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Patrick.
Hi Laura, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Charleston watching my parents lead by example. My mom was a neonatologist, my dad a trial attorney, and together they poured their energy not just into their professions, but into the city itself. Through Patrick Properties Hospitality Group, they helped revitalize King Street and create spaces that celebrate Charleston’s history and hospitality. That legacy gave me big shoes to fill and also a clear sense of what purpose-driven work looks like.
After graduating from the College of Charleston, I headed to the University of San Diego School of Law, specializing in intellectual property. I’ve worked primarily as in-house counsel, helping businesses grow strategically – and I still practice today. But my heart has always been in creating experiences, so I returned home and co-founded Bay Street Biergarten, blending my legal and entrepreneurial backgrounds with my deep roots in hospitality.
I’ve stayed closely involved with my family’s company, and I put a lot of energy into giving back especially through my work with the American Lung Association, which is a cause close to my heart. I also co-host the Next Page Podcast, where we dive into stories of transition, trauma, resilience, and growth.
To me, it’s all connected: law, leadership, hospitality, and service. Whether I’m drafting contracts, managing a restaurant, or volunteering – everything I do is about building community and creating space for people to feel seen and supported.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! I don’t think there’s a version of this story – being a single mom, entrepreneur, attorney, and community leader – where the road is anything close to smooth. It’s more like controlled chaos on a good day. Balancing it all is probably the hardest part. I’m raising two kids, running a business, practicing law, hosting a podcast, staying involved in the community, and trying not to completely lose myself in the process. There are seasons where everything feels aligned and manageable… and then there are seasons where I’m just trying to survive the week.
Burnout is very real, and it’s happened to me before. I’ve had to learn the hard way that I can’t show up for my kids, my team, or my community if I’m completely depleted. So now, I’m much more intentional about boundaries and checking in with myself. That might mean saying no more often, getting off social media when it starts to feel like pressure instead of play, or just reminding myself that rest is productive.
There’s also the weight of legacy – growing up in a family that’s so deeply invested in Charleston’s future, in both the legal and hospitality worlds, it’s easy to feel like you have to constantly overperform just to keep up. But I’ve realized that showing my kids what balance and resilience actually look like is just as important as any accolade or business win. It’s not about doing it all perfectly – it’s about staying grounded in your “why,” and giving yourself some grace along the way.
We’ve been impressed with Bay Street Biergarten, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Bay Street Biergarten is a Charleston beer hall with a heartbeat. We’re known for our elevated pub food, local brews, and events that have become true city staples – our Oktoberfest and Bridge Run parties are basically holidays around here – but what really defines us is our commitment to community.
I oversee our marketing and brand direction, and I take that responsibility seriously because to me, a brand isn’t just how you look – it’s how you show up. That means we’re not just posting drink specials. We’re building experiences, hosting fundraisers, bringing people together, and giving back wherever we can. Whether it’s a themed brunch, a silent auction, or a soccer watch party that turns into a block-wide celebration, we’re always trying to make it mean something.
We’re one of the only large, open-concept indoor spaces downtown with actual parking, and that makes us a go-to spot for private events, nonprofits, and creative partnerships. But the thing I’m most proud of? The people. We employ an incredible team who make it all possible, and I don’t take lightly that we’re not just running a business – we’re helping provide stability and opportunity for real people and their families.
Giving back is a major part of our DNA. Personally, I channel most of my volunteer efforts into the American Lung Association – a cause that’s close to my heart- and I’m also one of the founding directors of Roman’s World Foundation, which provides direct aid and advocacy for families navigating life on the autism spectrum. Both organizations keep me grounded in the why behind the work.
Bay Street Biergarten isn’t trying to be the most polished spot in town – we’d rather be the one you remember. The one you feel welcome in. The one where you celebrated your engagement, met your best friend, raised money for something that mattered, or just exhaled after a long week.
At the end of the day, what sets us apart is that it’s never just been about beer. It’s about people. It’s about showing up. And it’s about making room – for joy, for meaning, for connection.
What’s next?
We’re in a season of growth. Personally and professionally. Bay Street Biergarten is actively exploring expansion, which is both exciting and slightly terrifying in the best way. We’ve learned a lot over the years, and now we’re ready to scale that vision into something even bigger – without losing the heart of what makes it special. The next location will still feel like us – community-driven, versatile, rooted in hospitality – but we’re also thinking outside the box with new concepts and offerings that reflect what today’s guests actually want.
For me personally, I’m leaning into discomfort a little more. I’ve spent years behind the scenes making things happen for other people, and now I’m stepping forward in ways that stretch me creatively and emotionally. One of the projects I’m most excited about is producing a play based on a powerful memoir called Glitter and Glass. It’s raw, human, funny, and heartbreaking all at once- so basically, right up my alley. It’s also forcing me to trust my instincts as a creative and a leader, not just a lawyer or business owner.
So yeah, big changes are in motion. And I’m trying to meet them with a little more grace, a little less fear, and a whole lot of curiosity. I don’t know exactly where it’s all going to land – but I’m finally okay with that. Growth doesn’t always have a clean script. Sometimes it’s messy, but it’s moving. And I’m here for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/laurapatrick85
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelaurapatrick/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurapatrick85
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-e-patrick-esq-9559156/
