The story of the Grant Family Store begins with the industrious spirit of James Grant, a man known to many on James Island as a “truck farmer”. Long before a physical storefront existed, James cultivated the land, selling fresh produce directly from the back of his truck to neighbors and friends. Alongside his wife, Rebecca, James saved meticulously until their shared vision took a permanent shape: a store dedicated to serving the Black community of Cutbridge, known colloquially as “Cross Cutt”.
Heritage and Harvest at Cross Cutt: The Generational Journey of the Grant Family Store
From the Back of a Truck to a Community Cornerstone
For decades, the store was more than just a place of commerce; it was a lifeline for the Cutbridge community, offering fresh produce and essential household goods.
A Family Tradition of Service
As the years passed, the stewardship of the store transitioned through the Grant lineage. It was first led by James’s son, Joseph Grant Sr., and eventually by his grandson, Joseph Grant Jr., who maintained the business until the mid-1980s. At its height, the Grant Family Store was a full-service hub, complete with a gas pump, a butcher and deli, and the convenience of delivery services—a testament to the family’s commitment to evolving with the needs of their patrons.
However, the 1980s brought significant shifts to the commercial landscape of James Island. The arrival of large brand-name retailers like IGA and the broader societal impacts of integration offered consumers more shopping options, leading to the store’s eventual closure around 1985 or 1986.
A New Chapter for Cross Cutt
Though the original doors closed, the Grant family’s connection to the land and the community remained steadfast. Following the passing of Joseph Grant Sr., the store and its surrounding properties were inherited by his children. Joseph Grant Jr. utilized his own nearby property to keep the family legacy alive, eventually establishing a new venture known simply as “The Grant” alongside his granddaughter, Rashaunda Grant, and her aunt.
Today, the spirit of the original family store is experiencing a modern revival. The site recently hosted a Carolina Cookery pop-up, demonstrating that both long-time residents with fond childhood memories and newer members of the community are eager to see the space thrive once more.
While the exact future of the space remains unwritten, the legacy of James and Rebecca Grant continues to inspire. Through a blend of historical reverence and contemporary community engagement, the Grant family remains optimistic that their ancestral grounds will continue to serve as a gathering place for generations to come.
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