James Moore

Chef De Cuisine

Born and raised in Greenwood, South Carolina, Chef James Moore Jr. serves as Chef de Cuisine at Mercantile and Mash in Charleston. A graduate of The Art Institute of Charleston with a degree in hospitality management, James has been part of The Indigo Road family for more than four years, first joining Indaco as a line cook and later moving up to sous chef before taking on roles at Oak Steakhouse and, now, Mercantile and Mash. His passion for cooking started in his grandparents’ kitchen and continues to be shaped by close relationships with local farmers and fishermen—he believes the best menus are rooted in what’s fresh and nearby. Outside the kitchen, James enjoys playing golf, exploring farmers markets with his fiancée, and experimenting at home with fermenting and hot sauce making. His goal is simple: to bring people together over food that feels like a Sunday meal at your grandparents’ table.