44 replies to this topic

[Spartan]

JT Boy, on Mar 15 2005, 11:19 PM, said:

I don't know what Sticky Fingers is, but I can say that putting a suburban-style franchise restaurant on Main Street in Columbia is not a good way to create a unique identity for downtown.  Instead of Olive Garden, why not a Garibaldi's?  Or you could go to Villa Tronco, an historical Columbia restaurant. Or another creative local restaurant like Motor Supply?

The Vista is filled with good, locally-owned restaurants and pubs, and folks flock there.  I'm sure that office workers that like Olive Garden would frequent an Olive Garden restaurant at lunch, but to what end for the city?  There will always be people who like the predictable (and in mind horribly dull and mediocre) food that can be found at a corporate restaurant, and a franchise would be a natural addition to a thriving downtown that has a mature business district, but not helpful in building a unique destination for Columbia.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sticky Fingers is a small Mount Pleaseant, SC based chain of BBQ Restaurants. They are fairly popular. They have locations in many downtown, or town center type areas as well as in suburban areas. One of my favorite locations is in downtown Greenville.

The Vista has many chains: Longhorn, Mellow Mushroom, McDonalds, Subway, Meritage, Carolina Wings, Marble Slab, Publix... I'm sure there are more. My point is not that it should be dominated by chains, but that a single chain could be used to spur more local growth. The advantage of chains is that they usually have a pre-existing public knowledge, so you know what you are getting, which can increase traffic. Less of a mystery. The Vista has way more locally owned restaurants than chains. Main St could be the same way.

[waccamatt]

Spartan, on Mar 15 2005, 10:56 PM, said:

Sticky Fingers is a small Mount Pleaseant, SC based chain of BBQ Restaurants. They are fairly popular. They have locations in many downtown, or town center type areas as well as in suburban areas. One of my favorite locations is in downtown Greenville.

The Vista has many chains: Longhorn, Mellow Mushroom, McDonalds, Subway, Meritage, Carolina Wings, Marble Slab, Publix... I'm sure there are more. My point is not that it should be dominated by chains, but that a single chain could be used to spur more local growth. The advantage of chains is that they usually have a pre-existing public knowledge, so you know what you are getting, which can increase traffic. Less of a mystery. The Vista has way more locally owned restaurants than chains. Main St could be the same way.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good point. I do try to stay away from chains, though. I didn't know Meritage was a chain, though. I thought they just had 1 other location. Look at California Dreaming, too. It's a chain now, but the original one is in Columbia.

[Spartan]

Well, I consider restaurants with more than one location a chain, albiet a small one. Meritage's location in Charleston qualifies in my book. I realize that could be debated though.

You can add Sandy's, Beezer's, and Moe's Southwestern Grill to the list too.

I beilive it is possible to achieve a balance and still have local charm, flavor, ambiance, or whatever you like to call it.

[lastweek]

True, I think certain 'chain' restaurants that focus on unique, carefully planned urban locations would fit in quite nicely. I think that the chains that everybody seems to be weary of are the typical suburban mall establishments which are thrown up with little regard to the area around it.

Come to think of it, I think that may be my biggest beef with the 'mall style' chains. If they made an effort to meld in with the environment and perhaps even improve an existing structure to create a unique storefront, then I think I would be all for it. The Publix is a great example of this, and in turn they get my business. If, say a Cheesecake Factory came to Gervais or Main St. and took over an old building and created a neat multi-level restaurant, I'd go there. If they came in and leveled said building and put up one of their orange monstrosities, then forget it. I have seen some chains of all sizes make very interesting and unique urban locations, and that's cool by me.

[The_sandlapper]

I personally don't see anything "wrong" with Columbia. It has its problems, but then what city doesn't? It has all sorts of untapped potential considering the region it's in (state's central location, access to I-77, 26, 20, & 95, 3.5 hrs to ATL, 1.5 to Gville, 1.5 to CLT, 2hrs to Charleston, 2.5 to MB, major state university & research campus DT, two thriving entertainment districts, etc... I think that these types of perks have just been recently taken into serious consideration by the people of the region and its leaders. I haven't recognized a time in Columbia since I lived there until present where so much activity has been going on DT (ie Meridian Bldg., Firt Citizens, Carolina reaserch campus, convention center & hotel, USC "Vista" baseball stadium, Ed Venture, 3 Rivers Park, Palmetto Trail, etc...). There are several cities out there Columbia's size and larger that can't even boast that much activity. It's been recognized by several, "nobody likes the list unless there city is on it best places list" (#28 in 2004, #17 in 2003, #5 in jobs 2003 forbes magazine, #21 in 2004 expansion management magazine, 5th "most creative city" 2004, etc...) 10 years ago the city wasn't even considered for such list. Now at least according to the individuals who publish them Columbia has been recognized several times! Creating a quality takes time through trial and error, and if it's taking too long then there are always other options. I for instance don't live in Columbia, b/c I grew up there and I wanted to experience what else the world has to offer. I may never move back but I will always be proud to represent it and acknowledge what it has accomplished! People ask me where I'm from I proudly say Columbia! I still think it's funny that some insist that it is not growing or will not grow eventhough statistical evidence (census) suggest otherwise! But that's me, I'm biased I've done a good bit of traveling in my 28 years (US/Canada & Europe) and have seen that Columbia has just as much too offer as some larger cities and in some cases more! With the national trend now of moving/ living in large to mid-sized college towns (Austin, Madison, RDU, Boulder, etc...) because of there high quality of life, I would think that the city will only continue to grow? But that's just me.

[dobboard]

Interesting thread. Some good ideas and opinions.

I have to admit as someone who grew up in Columbia, went to college there, moved away for a few years, and now once again resides in our fair city, I share superjack's frustrations. However, Columbia is moving in the right direction, albeit slowly at times.

My gosh, all you have to do is look at this picture of Gervais St. in the Vista circa 1982 (when I was a kid) and the one today.

Gervais Street

[HAMMETTM]

dobboard, on Mar 23 2005, 03:53 PM, said:

Interesting thread.  Some good ideas and opinions.

I have to admit as someone who grew up in Columbia, went to college there, moved away for a few years, and now once again resides in our fair city, I share superjack's frustrations.  However, Columbia is moving in the right direction, albeit slowly at times.

My gosh, all you have to do is look at this picture of Gervais St. in the Vista circa 1982 (when I was a kid) and the one today.

Gervais Street

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wow, I've always wondered what Columbia looked like the year I was born. I still agree with Spartan about having more chain based restaurants downtown. I work right in the middle of downtown and I'm tired of going to Wendy's and McDonalds on my lunch breaks. I sometimes end up in Harbison or West Columbia to get what I really want.

Spartan, Sticky Fingers also has restaurants in Jacksonville, Chattanooga, Wilmington, Myrtle Beach (grand coastal mall), and Hilton Head. Charleston has one downtown and I can see one on Main Street in DT Columbia.

[Spartan]

HAMMETTM, on Mar 24 2005, 01:02 PM, said:

Wow, I've always wondered what Columbia looked like the year I was born. I still agree with Spartan about having more chain based restaurants downtown. I work right in the middle of downtown and I'm tired of going to Wendy's and McDonalds on my lunch breaks. I sometimes end up in Harbison or West Columbia to get what I really want.

Spartan, Sticky Fingers also has restaurants in Jacksonville, Chattanooga, Wilmington, Myrtle Beach (grand coastal mall), and Hilton Head. Charleston has one downtown and I can see one on Main Street in DT Columbia.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yep. I've been to the Sticky Fingers in Jax (Atlantic Beach). My point is that it is an SC based chain, which I like to support. Be careful about what I said though. I don't mean a Harbison style chain set up. But a few of them could strengthen the Main St corridor of DT. I want some local restaurants too

[waccamatt]

HAMMETTM, on Mar 24 2005, 12:02 PM, said:

Wow, I've always wondered what Columbia looked like the year I was born. I still agree with Spartan about having more chain based restaurants downtown. I work right in the middle of downtown and I'm tired of going to Wendy's and McDonalds on my lunch breaks. I sometimes end up in Harbison or West Columbia to get what I really want.

Spartan, Sticky Fingers also has restaurants in Jacksonville, Chattanooga, Wilmington, Myrtle Beach (grand coastal mall), and Hilton Head. Charleston has one downtown and I can see one on Main Street in DT Columbia.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why not try some locally owned establishments instead? The money you spend stays at home then. There are tons of great and inexpensive places for lunch in downtown, the Vista and Five Points.

Garden Bistro (Vista and Downtown)
Rising High
DiPratos
Palmetto Pig
Bull Market
Wild Hare
Sandy's
Alley Cafe
Gervais and Vine
Carolina Wings
Andy's
The Gourmet Shop
Grouchos
Yesterdays
Eddie's
and a bunch more

Chains

Chik-fil-a
Wendy's
Mickey D's
Hardees
Atlanta Bread
Bojangles
Lizard's Thicket
Blue Marlin
Longhorn's
Damon's

What do the 'burbs have that downtown doesn't?

[Spartan]

There aren't any types of food or local restaurants that I can think of that the suburbs have that you can't get downtown with one exception: Rush's. I love Rush's, but the nearest one is on Sunset just before 26. That isn't exactly close.

That said, Sticky Fingers and this new one next to sticky fingers called "Smokey Bones" are two good bbq joints that aren't DT. Palmetto Pig isn't open for dinner I don't think, and Maurice's doesn't cut it for dinner. BBQ downtown is one thing that is lacking IMO.

Other inexpensive restaurants DT-
Beezers (its a chain now, but it used to just be the one on Sumter)
Sammy's Deli
Immaculate Consuption
Tio's
Mio's (sp)
Stuffy's
Za's (might be semi-expensive, but its pretty good)

There are still more, but you get the idea

[emerging.me]

If we are talking "cue"... I've gotta offer up the customary diss on Maurice's... wouldn't be caught dead there. And give a big fat shout-out to Little Pigs on Alpine Rd. Check it out.

[The_sandlapper]

No sh*t, I would sooner starve than eat at sh*t hole. I still can't believe it's in business, but then again it is South Carolina?

[waccamatt]

emerging.me, on Mar 25 2005, 12:34 AM, said:

If we are talking "cue"... I've gotta offer up the customary diss on Maurice's... wouldn't be caught dead there.  And give a big fat shout-out to Little Pigs on Alpine Rd. Check it out.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

LOL, there was definitely a reason that I left them off my list. I intentionally listed every other restaurant I could think of on Elmwood. Maurice is a small minded bigot who thinks he is Colonel Sanders in his white suits. The only thing missing is his pointed hat and hood.

Edited by waccamatt, 26 March 2005 - 12:14 AM.

[Spartan]

waccamatt, on Mar 26 2005, 01:13 AM, said:

LOL, there was definitely a reason that I left them off my list. I intentionally listed every other restaurant I could think of on Elmwood. Maurice is a small minded bigot who thinks he is Colonel Sanders in his white suits. The only thing missing is his pointed hat and hood.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, in defense of Maurice, he does make a mean bbq sandwich. I enjoy it, but mustard based bbq is not my preference. If Maurice wasn't the way he is, would you guys patronize it?

Have you ever been to Melvin's in Charleston? Its the same thing except its run by Maurice's brother (I think) who has no Confederate ideals at all, and intentionally separated himself from Maurice when the flag thing (and the rest) became an issue... Its a much better joint IMO.

[vicupstate]

Spartan, on Mar 26 2005, 02:15 AM, said:

Well, in defense of Maurice, he does make a mean bbq sandwich. I enjoy it, but mustard based bbq is not my preference. If Maurice wasn't the way he is, would you guys patronize it?

Have you ever been to Melvin's in Charleston? Its the same thing except its run by Maurice's brother (I think) who has no Confederate ideals at all, and intentionally separated himself from Maurice when the flag thing (and the rest) became an issue... Its a much better joint IMO.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Indeed, Maurice does make good BBQ. It's a shame that I will never get to eat there again. I never had mustard based BBQ before moving to Cola in my 20's and eating there, but I do like it.

One of Maurice's other brothers worked as a warden when I worked at SCDC. I had some exposure to him, and he seems like a decent enough guy. If he held any racist grudge, he didn't show it. Just goes to show that no man is his brother's keeper. Maybe Maurice is the only nut in the bunch.

I have been meaning to visit Chas, were is Melvin's located? If he uses the same recipe, I'll have to give it a try.

[waccamatt]

Maurice is a long time racist. It has been many years since I've patronized his restaurants, even before the flag flap. I read many years ago that Maurice placed very racist signs in his restairants during integration. I am not a big barbeque fan, but when I do have that rare yen, I must go elsewhere. Bigots (that I know about) do not get my money.

[Spartan]

vicupstate, on Mar 26 2005, 08:31 AM, said:

I have been meaning to visit Chas, were is Melvin's located? If he uses the same recipe, I'll have to give it a try.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Melvin's is smaller. They have a location in Mt Pleasant and another on Folly Rd in Charleston. When you go in one, you can see the resemblence to Maurices. I thought there was one in Summerville too, but apparently I was wrong.

Melvin's Locations

[waccamatt]

Spartan, on Mar 28 2005, 06:01 PM, said:

Melvin's is smaller. They have a location in Mt Pleasant and another on Folly Rd in Charleston. When you go in one, you can see the resemblence to Maurices. I thought there was one in Summerville too, but apparently I was wrong.

Melvin's Locations

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

For the record, I understand that Melvin has distanced himself from Maurice's racist beliefs.

[waccamatt]

Well, in defense of Maurice, he does make a mean bbq sandwich. I enjoy it, but mustard based bbq is not my preference. If Maurice wasn't the way he is, would you guys patronize it?

I'm not a huge fan of barbeque. I ate at Maurice's a couple of times, years ago, before I found out about his beliefs. I initially found out about him in the old monthly newspaper, "The Point". It seems that back in the 60's he had an incredibly racist sign posted at his restaurant, the content of which I won't post on here. I have encouraged people to stay away from his establishment since that time.

[emerging.me]

Man... I don't even like it. I grew up in West Columbia in the 80s and my parents used to take me to Maurice's all the time. I guess it's okay... it's not really like the kind of bbq I like at all. I haven't eaten there in years and years, but I remember it being kind of chewy -- which is a big turn-off for me when it comes to meat. Bleh!

LITTLE PIGS, baby!!! Alpine Rd! Are there no other LP lovers up in here?!?