Get to know the former tech exec-turned-cultural curator
At The Washington Cafe, Peter Washington offers Counter Culture brews, as well as rotating exhibits of local and collected artwork.
CM: You’re from Cainhoy, near Daniel Island. Tell us about growing up there.
PW: Yes, I moved back to Charleston in 2024 and live on land that has been in my family for five generations. Returning has been a blessing. Growing up in that community shaped my appreciation for hospitality, connection, and bringing people together—values that inspired me to create The Washington Cafe.
CM: Where were you previously?
PW: I built my life and career in information technology in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., for nearly 15 years. During that time, I fell in love with Baltimore’s vibrant art scene. I became an avid art collector, spending weekends visiting galleries, meeting local artists, and collecting works that reflected the city’s creativity and culture.
CM: Why did you open the café in Mount Pleasant?
PW: Mount Pleasant has always felt like home to me. Before it experienced tremendous growth, this area was made up of close-knit Black communities, including Cainhoy, Snowden, Buck Hall, Scanlonville, Phillips, Six Mile, and Hamlin Beach. These communities were built on faith, family, hard work, and neighbors supporting one another. I grew up surrounded by those values, and they shaped the way I think about community.
CM: How is The Washington Cafe different from other coffee shops?
PW: I created it as a third space where people can gather and feel a sense of belonging. I wanted it to feel like the modern version of the gathering places my parents knew when they were young, a welcoming space where people from every background can connect over coffee, art, culture, and conversation. To the best of my knowledge, it’s the first Black-owned specialty coffee shop in the area built around this vision. We serve quality coffee, but we also celebrate community through art exhibits, Bible studies, networking events, nonprofit partnerships, HBCU gatherings, live music, and programs that honor our Gullah Geechee culture and Lowcountry traditions.
CM: Tell us about the food you serve.
PW: We proudly serve Counter Culture Coffee, matcha made with Dona tea, chai, and beverages featuring Caribbean-inspired syrups and flavors. We also partner with Bert & T’s Desserts, whose strawberry cornmeal cakes, Charleston chewies, and breakfast sandwiches have become customer favorites. Our new grab-and-go offerings are prepared by Grits & Gabs chef Gabby Smith, bringing even more fresh, Lowcountry-inspired food to the café.
CM: How about the art on display?
PW: The café features rotating works from local artists, giving them an opportunity to showcase and sell their work. I’ve also incorporated pieces from my personal collection, including works by artists from Baltimore, New Jersey, and other places that have been part of my journey. Those pieces reflect different chapters of my life and bring influences from beyond Charleston into the space.
CM: Who’s up next?
PW: Our October exhibition will feature Kelly Wiest and Nathalie Watson, who also work at the café. I’m excited to watch them continue to grow and thrive in the art world.
