By Terry Ward
West Columbia has some landmark restaurants. Those restaurants have been around for a while and have persevered through the COVID crisis.
This year the Kinetic Derby Day is back and so is the Rhythm on the River Concert series. Buds are beginning to bloom and restaurant owners are glad to see the spring coming. Business is heating up as the temperatures rise.
“We’re always busy, but it is easier to get out when the weather is warmer,” said Alex Koutrakos of Grecian Gardens on Sunset Boulevard in West Columbia. He said business picks up in the spring. Roast chicken is a favorite at Grecian Gardens and the Lagana pizza is an unforgettable treat.
Martha Cooke is the owner of Compton’s Kitchen on B Avenue. From fried chicken and sweet potato souffle to meatloaf and fried squash, Componton’s features a daily menu of country cooking.
“Business has been booming in the last week-and-a-half,” said Cooke. “Usually January and February are a little slower, but as soon as the weather gets a little warmer it starts to pick up.”
To welcome the spring Gil Brand, owner of The Original Brunches on Leaphart Road, will hold special events as his customers get out a little more.
“We had a Friday Night Fish Fry last week, Brand said. Brunches is open for breakfast and serves a menu that includes pancakes, grits, omelets, bacon, sausage and catfish.
The restaurant serves lunch, too. The lunch menu includes burgers, fried fish, broccoli casserole and fudge brownie or peach cobbler for dessert.
“We’ve been real pleased with the business we’ve had lately,” Brand said. “It’s been steady after a slower January.”
Nick’s House of Pizza on Sunset is another popular West Columbia restaurant. Nick’s menu includes homemade pizza, chicken Souvlaki, Greek salad and baklava.
“People get out more when the weather gets warmer,” said Andrew Gabriel, of Nick’s. “We’re also seeing more people coming out and dining later in the evening, but we are seeing an uptick in business.”
