The Midlands in Columbia, South Carolina, is about to welcome Hickory Tavern, a neighborhood social gathering spot that is centered around a lively bar, serves great food and has a passion for sports and entertainment. The Tavern will be adding about 90 new jobs to the area.
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Hickory Tavern will open its newest South Carolina location and it 26th restaurant overall, at 4 p.m. on January 25. The new restaurant, located at the Woodhill Shopping Center (141 Pelham Drive) in Columbia, expands the brand’s footprint in The Palmetto State to seven restaurants. Hickory Tavern also has S.C. locations in the Vista (Columbia), Spartanburg, Indian Land, Rock Hill, Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach.
Since opening its first restaurant in Charlotte almost two decades ago, Hickory Tavern has become the neighborhood restaurant destination for the entire family. Perhaps best known for being named runner up in ESPN’s Best Sports Bar in North America, Hickory Tavern’s unique brand of polished casual features a lively bar atmosphere, upscale menu and approximately 65 big screen HDTVs for catching all of your favorite teams and sports.
“Our location in the Vista has exceeded all of our expectations. Based on that success, Columbia immediately moved up to the top of our list of places to put a new location,” says Hickory Tavern CMO Thom Perez. “We are also excited to be in close proximity to Fort Jackson. We’re huge supporters of the men and women who so bravely serve our country. Add all of the exciting things that are going on in the area and it just made perfect sense for us to build another location in Columbia. We feel like we’re going to be offering something that no one else does, and, at the same time, we’ll be a great compliment to all of the other bars and restaurants that are already in the area.”
The 6,000 square-foot restaurant features a separate restaurant and bar area as well as a patio featuring a custom built stone fireplace with seating available for approximately 90 guests. Hickory Tavern offers approximately 100 beers, with 32 on tap, including 16 that are local to South Carolina.
While known for its sports passion, Hickory Tavern is very different from a traditional sports bar highlighted by it extensive and diverse menu. In addition to wings, burgers and signature sandwiches, guests will find Seared Ahi Tuna, Oysters, Lobster Roll, Shrimp & Grits, Crab Legs, Steamed Shrimp and three steak options on the menu. Hickory Tavern is also noted for its kids menu with 10 entrées and 10 sides options as well as the B.Y.O. Salad, a build-your own salad by choosing the type of leaf base, vegetables, fruit, cheese, crunches and proteins.
For the first month, Hickory Tavern Columbia will open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. After the first month, the restaurant will be open from daily 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Happy Hour is available weekdays from 4 to 6:30 pm.
