Congratulations to the winners of Columbia Metropolitan Magazine’s Best of Columbia 2022! For 31 years, we have had the privilege of celebrating the very best of Columbia through our annual contest. These are peer and consumer acknowledgments of the outstanding restaurants, shops, service organizations, entertainment, and more in our community. We asked winners to reflect upon the past year, sharing their insights about highlights and challenges as well as their strategies for a successful business. Some even shared touching and heartwarming acts of kindness they witnessed through their businesses in the past year. Read each one to learn more about a beloved company and gather new ideas about how to best enjoy and support our greater Columbia Metropolitan area.
A heartfelt congratulations to all the winners!
FOOD
Best Appetizer
Di Prato’s Delicatessen
Best Barbecue
Little Pigs Barbecue
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
The greatest part of this past year was more reopening after COVID. We began to see our longtime customers come back. Many stayed home because of their age and health issues. As the COVID numbers went down, they came back, some with stories and some just glad to get out and see old friends. Many have been customers for decades and are truly our friends! It is GREAT!
Best Chicken Salad
The Gourmet Shop
Best French Fries
Chick-fil-A
Best Hamburger
Pawleys Front Porch
Best Fried Chicken
Zesto’s
Best Hot Dog
Rush’s
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
1. Maintaining strictest quality control; 2. Customer loyalty; 3. Employee hiring and retention; 4. Rush’s staff going the extra mile.
Best Sandwich
Groucho’s Deli
Best Pizza
Marco’s Pizza
Best Ribs
Hudson’s Smokehouse BBQ
Best Shrimp and Grits
Blue Marlin Columbia
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
We continue to do business as we’ve always done for more than 20 years, and that’s offering a total dining experience to our customers. The great food they have come to expect is matched with service that makes our customers feel like family.
Best Steak
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Best Biscuits
Chick-fil-A
Best Iced Tea
Groucho’s Deli
Best Wings
D’s Wings
Best Bakery
Tiffany’s Sweets, Eats, & Meeting Place
Best Cookies
Crumbl Cookies
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
In the past year, the happiest and proudest moment for my business was being recognized as a Best of Columbia winner. A lot of hard work, sweat, and tears have gone into making our business successful, and we couldn’t have done it without the people of Columbia, so a huge thank you!
Best Cupcake
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Best Dessert
Kaminsky’s
Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt
Sweet Cream Company
Best Milkshake
Grill Marks
Best Organic Food Store
Rosewood Market
Best Supermarket
Publix
RESTAURANTS
Best Restaurant in Columbia
Motor Supply Co. Bistro
What were some touching acts of kindness you saw through your business this year?
How our guests have kindly responded to the changing COVID guidelines and been so encouraging about the health of our business.
Best Restaurant in Irmo
Bistro on the Boulevard
Best Restaurant in Lexington
Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Best Restaurant in Northeast Columbia
Ratio
Best Restaurant in Forest Acres
Tazza Kitchen Trenholm Plaza
What were some touching acts of kindness you saw through your business this year?
Providing work for the homeless, celebrating milestones for staff, sponsoring luncheons to feed veterans from the VA.
Best Restaurant in West Columbia/Cayce
Cafe Strudel
Best New Restaurant
Di Vino Rosso
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
One of the strategies we implemented early on is having open communication with all of our staff. Sharing our vision of the restaurant and what we want our customer experience to be. Working as a team to provide our customers with a great atmosphere to enjoy wonderful Italian food and wine with friends. We want everyone to have a memorable experience, our customers as well as our staff.
Best Happy Hour
Tombo Grille
Best Bartender
Motor Supply Co. Bistro
Best Brewery
Steel Hands Brewing
Best Wine List
Mr. Friendly’s
Best Coffee House
Drip
Best Bang for your Buck
Lizard’s Thicket
What were some touching acts of kindness you saw through your business this year?
During this past year we saw many acts of kindness. Our customers were extremely generous and kind towards all of our employees. The customers understood the labor shortages and supply chain issues we have experienced and truly showed compassion towards our employees.
Best Business Lunch
Di Prato’s Delicatessen
Best Family Restaurant
Original House of Pancakes
What was the most challenging moment in the past year for your business?
The past year has been full of challenges, and due to supply chain issues our current challenge is obtaining the high-quality ingredients our customers expect from us. For a while, our famous bacon was unavailable, and we were devastated. This was something we had never experienced before, but our customers were understanding and patient.
Best Romantic Dinner
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Best Fine Dining
Halls Chophouse
Best Outdoor Dining
Il Giorgione Pizzeria & Wine Bar
Best Sunday Brunch
The Woody on Main
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
We started our business one month before COVID hit, and we struggled like others in the hospitality industry. In reinventing and expanding our business, we started serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday. To win the Best Sunday Brunch for the Best of Columbia, we couldn’t be happier. Thanks, Columbia!
Best Seafood
Blue Marlin
Best Healthy Restaurant
Good Life Café
Best Food Truck
Pawleys Mobile Eats
Best Wait Staff
Mr. Friendly’s
Best Atmosphere
Saluda’s
Best Wine Shop
Morganelli’s Party Store
Best Fast Food Restaurant
Rush’s
Best Chinese
Miyo’s
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
1. Consolidation (reducing store numbers, shortening hours); and 2. Consistency on production, pricing, and commitment to guest service.
Best Caribbean
Fusión Cocina Latina
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
Opening a restaurant in the middle of a pandemic sounds a little outrageous. But we did it! A new restaurant, a new food concept, a new culinary experience. Sixteen months later, seeing customers loving the food, sharing their experience on social media, coming back for more, and catering with us is the most incredible feeling of all.
Best Greek
Mediterranean Tea Room
Best Italian
Il Giorgione Pizzeria & Wine Bar
Best Japanese
Inakaya
Best Mexican
Cantina 76
Best Sushi Restaurant
SakiTumi
Best Thai
Basil Thai Cuisine
RETAIL
Best Women’s Clothing
Pink Sorbet
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
Pink Sorbet is bringing the colorful life to our customers. We offer delivery within the Columbia area and also offer curbside pickup. We would love to help you with the perfect outfit!
Best Women’s Evening Wear
Monkee’s of Columbia
Best Women’s Shoes
Soled
Best Weekend Wear
Mainstream Boutique
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
This past year was all about reconnecting with customers and meeting their evolving needs after the height of the pandemic. We constantly adjusted our inventory as ladies resumed their activities of working outside the home, attending events, and traveling. We are honored to have earned the distinction of Best Weekend Wear.
Best Accessories
Just the Thing
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
This year, Just the Thing celebrated 30 years in business (19 years in Columbia). We enjoyed an all-day celebration with customers, friends, and family. It feels wonderful to have business back to normal this year and to enjoy this milestone with those we love and who have supported us along the way!
Best Resort Wear
LaRoque
What were some touching acts of kindness you saw through your business this year?
The most touching acts of kindness we experienced this past year was the support from the local community during COVID. It was so nice to see our Devine Street community come together during such a difficult time, especially for small businesses like ours.
Best Women’s Clothing Designer
831 Minhle
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
Personal attention, joy, and passion are my keys to success. The design process is personal by nature. I enjoy the feeling of pride that comes over me when listening to my client’s desires. As concepts fill my imagination and knowing “I got this,” my confidence grows and it’s something spiritual!
Best Men’s Clothing
Granger Owings
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
Being able move quickly in the difficult times and execute swiftly with great staff!
Best Men’s Formal Wear
Brittons of Columbia
Best Men’s Shoes
BP Skinner Clothiers
Best Children’s Clothing
Duck Duck Goose
Best Children’s Shoes
Tootsies Children’s Shoes
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
The shoe fits! Tootsies Children’s Shoes is under new ownership! My family and I are delighted to continue the Tootsies tradition of finding the right shoe for every little foot! We look forward to meeting you and keeping your trust in being the “Best Children’s Shoes.” – Autumn Harper
Best Bridal Wear
Bella Bridesmaids
Best Bridal Registry
non(e)such
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
Early in the year, one of the saddest times was seeing brides and grooms having to delay their weddings due to COVID. On the flip side, as the year went by, one of the happiest moments was seeing brides and grooms coming in, knowing that their wedding would take place as planned.
Best Jewelry Store
Sylvan’s
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
Sylvan’s has been proactive in reaching out and following up not only with new clients but with our existing clients as well. Building strong relationships and letting clients know that we are thinking about them and that we sincerely appreciate their business has been a key to our success.
Best Gift Store
Gibson’s
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
The happiest moment was our expansion to the available space next door. We now have a whole other store joined by an open, arched wall for our glorious selection of stationery; 4,000 cards; personalized orders area; and all things related to writing and journaling. It was a moment of “Wow, all my dreams have come true!” when that wall became an arch.
Best Vision Wear
Columbia Eye Clinic
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
Our team of 15 American Board of Ophthalmology certified physicians offers the most advanced treatment options and uses state-of-the-art equipment and technology to help each patient achieve their best vision. With a variety of subspecialists in the practice, all of your eye care needs can be taken care of under one roof by our experienced physicians.
Best Clothing Consignment Store
Revente
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
My strategy for continued success for Revente is to continue to offer excellent customer service in a fun, inviting, and relaxed atmosphere. We consider our customers to be family. We truly appreciate them and their continued support during the past few difficult years.
Best Toy Store
Be Beep
Best Antique Store
Old Mill Antique Mall
Best Frame Shop
The Frame Shop
Best Local Art
OTM Gallery
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
Realizing that in spite of COVID, we could continue to have a successful business. Great artists and loyal customers have kept us going. As we enter 2022, we look forward to more exciting events, new customers, and beautiful art.
Best Local Art Supply Store
City Art
Best Local Pet Supply Store
Mill Creek Pet Food Center
Best Hunting/Fishing Store
Barron’s Outfitters
Best Outdoor Store
Half-Moon Outfitters
Best Running Specialty Store
Strictly Running
Best Bicycle Specialty Store
Outspokin’ Bicycles
Best Gamecock Store
Addam’s University Bookstore
Best Mattress Store
Michael’s
Best Office Furnishings
Corporate Concepts
Best Office Supply Store
Lorick Office Products
Best Shopping Venue
Devine Street
What was the most challenging moment in the past year for your business?
Despite the adversities of COVID, Devine Street merchants have risen to a new level of excellence. Each business on Devine has successfully used techniques such as curbside shopping, home delivery, and virtual services to ensure that everyone in Columbia can safely and happily continue to “Shop, Live, and Dine” Devine!
HOME
Best Residential Community
Mungo/Ascot
Best Apartment Complex
Brookland
Best Retirement Community
Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
One of our happiest moments this year was opening our Hopewell apartment building. Not only was it wonderful to welcome these new faces to campus, but it was also significant in representing hope for the future. It showed that even during challenging times, there is much joy to be found.
Best Assisted Living
Lutheran Homes of South Carolina
Best Memory Care
Watercrest Columbia
Best Home Builder
Mungo Homes
Best Home Remodeler
Palmetto Construction & Renovations
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
We have continued to focus on customer service and providing the most positive remodeling experience possible. The building industry has been particularly hard hit with all the supply chain disruptions over the past year. We work really hard on timely and consistent communication with our clients related to all aspects of their projects.
Best General Contractor
Cohn Construction Services
Best Commercial Builder
Hood Construction
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
Seeing all of our staff for our quarterly management meeting in the training room at our new office, on the day of our 35th anniversary in business, was an incredible feeling. We are proud of our team and the outstanding work they do, and it was wonderful to have everyone together in our new office home.
Best Home Furnishings
Strobler Home Furnishings
Best Outdoor Furniture Store
Casual Living
What was the most challenging moment in the past year for your business?
Our greatest challenge is trying to get product. With major supply chain disruptions, shipping congestion, unprecedented demand, and lingering COVID issues, lead times have been extended far beyond the normal four to six weeks and, in some cases, are approaching eight to 12 months. Unfortunately, suppliers do not see this situation changing in the immediate future.
Best Furniture Consignment Store
Roundabouts Consignments
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
We continue to offer our customers a pleasant shopping experience with value-based prices on thousands of items while giving our consignors a profitable way to liquidate their belongings.
Best Custom Furniture
Ethan Allen
Best Furniture Refinisher
Re-InVintage
Best Appliance Store
Jeffers McGill Appliance and Furniture
Best Glass Store
Ace Glass
Best Flooring
Carpet One Floor and Home
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
At Carpet One, our sales slogan is “Why Go Anywhere Else?” We work very hard to offer the best selection, price, service, and guarantees in the industry. All our installations are done by our experienced installers. Every day we challenge ourselves to make sure our customers are completely satisfied.
Best Roofing Company
The Red Shirt Guys Roofing
What were some touching acts of kindness you saw through your business this year?
A customer made several delicious cakes to thank us for our work and even sent one back for the office staff. This act of kindness was a bright spot in a challenging year. We meet a lot of wonderful people on the job, but this customer took the cake!
Best Wallpaper/Wall Covering Store
Wallpaper Additions
Best Home Specialty Store
Southeastern Salvage Home Emporium
What were some touching acts of kindness you saw through your business this year?
At a time when most things in this country are tearing us apart, one of the greatest things we’ve seen over the past year is more everyday people coming together. People from different backgrounds helping one another, talking to one another, and giving each other advice, united by the challenges we’ve faced.
Best Tile Store
Palmetto Tile Distributors
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
In today’s global market, obtaining building materials is difficult at best. At Palmetto Tile we pride ourselves on our vast selection of in-stock tiles. We do our best to stay ahead of the curve with importing, ensuring we have a large assortment of tiles ready to take home.
Best Kitchen Specialty Store
Capital Kitchen and Bath
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
Professional and personal development. We are elevating our awareness by learning and growing our team’s communication and leadership skills. If we want to grow then we must keep learning!
Best Bathroom Specialty Store
Gateway Supply Co.
What was the most challenging moment in the past year for your business?
The most challenging moment in the past year was getting material for our customers. With all the supply chain issues of the past year, we were able to overcome these issues and take care of our customers. Customer service is always our top priority at Gateway Supply Co.
Best Lighting Store
Ferguson
Best Gardening Store
Woodley’s Garden Center
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
At Woodley’s, it’s our passion to accommodate all our customers’ gardening needs while providing the healthiest and most beautiful selection of plants. Plus, we keep our staff trained in horticultural knowledge so that we can pass it along and offer the best advice based on experience. Successful gardening makes happy people!
Best Fence Company
Brabham Fence
Best Swimming Pool Company
The Clearwater Company
Best Solar Company
Southeast SolarPros
Best Security
ADT/Home Security Automation Consultants
RECREATION
Best Farmers Market
Soda City
Best Yoga
Palmetto Yoga and Reiki Center
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
Amid the devastation and uncertainties caused by the pandemic, one thing has stayed intact for us: our ability to bring stress release and wellness to our community. Nothing makes us happier. We are so grateful to have experienced more upsides than downsides this past year. We feel truly blessed!
Best Fitness Studio
barre3
What were some touching acts of kindness you saw through your business this year?
I am always in awe of the community of women we have within our walls. There is so much support, love, and friendship within our teams and clients. I feel so lucky every time I walk into work. — Lauren Truslow
Best Wine and Paint Studio
The Mad Platter
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
We celebrated our 24th year in business this year, and we could not be more excited to keep creating memories in the studio. There is nothing better than meeting the children of parents who painted with us as children. We love creating new memories with them.
Best Golf Course
Cobblestone Park Golf Club
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
We couldn’t answer this question without first giving thanks to our wonderful maintenance team who keeps our golf course in exemplary shape. Being recognized as the Best Golf Course is also a tribute to the remarkable customer service experiences that we strive to provide every day.
Best Marina
Lake Murray Marina
Best Hotel
Hotel Trundle
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
Marcus and I both agree that winning the fifth spot out of 10 on USA Today’s Best Historic Hotel list and having Oct. 5 proclaimed Hotel Trundle Day as the city’s recognition of such an incredible win takes the cake of great moments in 2021! –Rita Patel
SERVICE
Best Facial
Eva Skin Care
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
Our clients, friends, and family were the best things that happened to us in 2021. Their patronage gave us hope during the shutdown. They reached out, emailed, called, sent uplifting cards, purchased gift certificates, bought products, promoted us, booked services, and asked how they could continue their support. We are so grateful for their love, support, and generosity.
Best Massage
Bliss Massage Therapy LLC
What were some touching acts of kindness you saw through your business this year?
Some touching moments of kindness in our last year have been the love, gifts, and support my clients have extended while I’ve been on leave after the birth of our sweet son, Giovanni. Thank you for sticking with me and continuing to support my business even when I’m not able to be there and have a great person there covering for me. – Jen Prendamano
Best Nail Salon
The Nail barre
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
I really paused and reflected on each business’s anniversary this year. I know so many small business owners who didn’t make it through the challenges of COVID. I felt very appreciative and joyful as each business turned another year old this year. – Lauren Truslow
Best Hair Salon
Salon 561
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
My dreams were made into reality when I opened Salon 561 this year. Thirteen years after having worked at Sabre Hair Art, I’ve renovated the building and am operating my own business. Every day, I enjoy helping my clients experience a transformation that takes the ordinary to the extraordinary. – Joye Fowler
Best Spa
OCCO Luxury Spa
Best Hospice
Agape Care Group
Best Chiropractor
Chiropractic Wellness Center, Inc./Shelly Jones, D.C.
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
Our strategy for success is to serve patients and meet their needs. We strive daily to deliver our best efforts to meet the changing needs of patients and their families. Successfully serving patients will always be our goal and reward!
Best Florist
Blossom Shop
Best Bartending Service
Liquid Assets
Best Caterer
Southern Way Catering
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
In order to keep our business successful, we provide excellent customer service, we deliver a delicious and consistent product, and we stay in tune with catering and hospitality trends and traditions. After 40 years in business, Southern Way continues to grow by working hard, investing in our employees, and showing true Southern hospitality to our clients and fellow industry vendors.
Best Event Planner
F2T Productions, Your Farm to Table Event Co.
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
Throwing events that we would love to attend! Bringing together local and regional chefs with the community to form a stronger bond. Using the iconic historic venues around Columbia as a backdrop shines a light on them, while introducing them to our guests! We love every aspect of it!
Best Wedding Planner
Cricket Newman Designs
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
When you get to be a part of life’s special celebrations, there are always happy moments. This year, we have delighted in being with brides and families as their COVID-delayed weddings have come to fruition. There has been a unique joy for guests as well to share such happiness.
Best Wedding Venue
701 Whaley Historic Event Venue
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
With the challenges of the past couple of years, we are grateful to have been able to accommodate our guests and to provide them with a beautiful space. We are excited about our newest space, The Pool, with a glass floor, soaring windows, and skylights!
Best Pet Boarding
Dog Daze
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
The happiest moment we have had is reflecting on how many new clients and puppies we have met during this past year. We have seen a huge surge in people getting new pets since 2020.
Best Pet Grooming
Carolina Paws Grooming Salon
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
Since we opened for business, our primary goal was to create a friendly environment where our customers and their pets would feel comfortable and be safe. We do not want any of our customers’ pets to feel stressed in any way as we know “Loving Care Matters” above all else.
Best Vet Clinic
Four Paws Animal Clinic
Best Veterinarian
Emily Johnson/Dutch Fork Animal Hospital
Best Pet Specialty Clinic
CVETS
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
We broke ground in May on a new 17,000-square-foot expansion! Our expansion will include five operating rooms, a minimally invasive suite with fluoroscopy, 17 total exam rooms, in-building MRI, physical therapy, I-131 treatment, separate GI and respiratory isolation units, and dedicated suites for our specialty services.
Best Animal Surgery Center
Capital Animal Hospital
Best Animal Emergency Center
South Carolina Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Care
What was the most challenging moment in the past year for your business?
Despite the struggles presented to the veterinary industry during COVID, our team remained a united front to ensure quality care for the animals of our community. It was truly inspiring to see the teamwork, dedication, and compassion for our patients and their owners.
Best Dry Cleaner
Tripp’s Fine Cleaners
Best Commercial Cleaning Service
Palmetto Commercial Services
What were some touching acts of kindness you saw through your business this year?
We were very fortunate to continue offering free services to citizens in need who had little or no ability to pay.
Best Carpet Cleaner
Stanley Steemer
Best Chimney Sweep
Top Hat Sweepers/Ron Rust
What was the most challenging moment in the past year for your business?
The past year has been full of challenges for our entire planet. Top Hat Sweepers is no exception. With more people staying home during the pandemic, their desire to enjoy their fireplaces was renewed, and, thankfully, many people recognized the need for having their systems inspected, cleaned, and repaired to make them as safe as possible.
Best Heating/Air Service
Cool Care Heating & Air
What were some touching acts of kindness you saw through your business this year?
Over the past year, one of our employees lost his wife unexpectedly and another employee’s wife was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Our team has stepped up financially, emotionally, and physically to support them and their children. Life isn’t always easy, but love not only softens those hard times — love unites us.
Best Pest Control
Clark’s Termite & Pest Control
Best Mosquito Company
Palmetto Exterminators
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
Our high-quality employees continuing to provide outstanding customer service.
Best Hardscape Company
Paradime/Earthworks
Best Landscaping Company
Hay Hill Services
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
Surround yourself with good people and provide a wide variety of quality services!
Best Lawn Maintenance Company
Blue Moon Landscaping
Best Tree Service
Sox and Freeman Tree Expert Company
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
In the middle of all the chaos and turmoil in the world around us, the happiest moment for our company was this: we were able to watch our employees rally around one of our office staff as she battled and overcame breast cancer. Sox and Freeman is a family!
Best Plumbing Company
Superior Plumbing & Gas
What was the most challenging moment in the past year for your business?
Maintaining the level of customer care we give on each call. We’ve done it, but with so many people at home this past year with projects, repairs, or remodeling, it’s been difficult. Thank goodness for a great and dedicated staff!
Best Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives
Best Event Lighting
Ambient Media
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
First, we seek to understand the expectations of our clients. Second, we take a design approach to transform the event space to meet their expectations. Third, we dedicate our best team and equipment to our clients’ events.
Best Commercial Interior Designer
Katherine J. Anderson Design/Interiors
Best Residential Interior Designer
Ford Boyd Bailey, Verve Interiors
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
Customer service. You can find anything you want on the internet, but the value of our expertise and time cannot be found surfing. I have been in business for 37 years and have had Verve for 28 years. We are a team here, and we work together to bring you the best.
Best Interior Design Showroom
Strobler Home Furnishings
Best Moving Company
Two Men and a Truck
Best Car Dealership
Jim Hudson Automotive
Best Used Car Dealership
Jim Hudson Automotive
Best Car Rental Agency
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Best Auto Repair Company
Old School Automotive & Tires
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
Here at Old School, we strive for the best customer service. We go above and beyond for our customers and employees.
Best Tire Store
Midas Tires & Auto Service
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
Surround ourselves with the best teammates we can find. Focus on the core values of being a family business, and play our role to give back and take care of our local communities.
Best Boat Dealer
Mid-Carolina Marine
Best Insurance Agent
Bill Turbeville, Turbeville Insurance Agency
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
At TIA we strategically hire loyal people who do the job the right way by protecting the customers they serve. TIA has retained many of our trustworthy and driven employees for 20 to 25 years! We are incredibly thankful for the amazing employees we have!
Best Insurance Agency
Lourie Life and Health
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
We have a very personal relationship with our clients and sincerely value the trust they place in us to guide them with Medicare and health insurance decisions. As our client base has grown, so has our team, and we hire the very best candidates in the market and then continue to reinvest in them.
Best Mortgage Bank
AllSouth Federal Credit Union
What was the most challenging moment in the past year for your business?
Our greatest challenge was the need for us to quickly adjust and find ways to provide the services our members needed without delays. Since we service all of our mortgage loans, we also had to ensure we had relief options available for those financially impacted by the pandemic.
Best Residential Real Estate Agent
Jill Moylan
Best Commercial Real Estate Agent
Macon Lovelace, Trinity Partners
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
Continuing to focus on hiring not only qualified candidates but high character individuals.
Best Commercial Real Estate Agency
NAI Columbia
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
The most celebrated moment NAI Columbia experienced this year was its third anniversary as a company. Despite the uncertainty of the pandemic, NAIC has reached more than $260 million in sales and more than 700 transactions, while growing its community involvement and raising more than $56,000 for the United Way of the Midlands.
Best Residential Real Estate Agency
Home Advantage Realty, LLC
What was the most challenging moment in the past year for your business?
Successfully navigating a low inventory market and securing winning bids for our buyer clients despite multiple offers.
Best Staffing Agency
Roper Staffing
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
At Roper Staffing, we never lose sight of the significance of what we do. Whether helping someone find meaningful employment that provides for their family or helping take stress off business owners and managers struggling to hire employees, we make a difference in people’s lives every day.
Best Travel Agency
Forest Lake Travel
MEDIA &
ENTERTAINMENT
Best Art Gallery
City Art
Best Art Studio
Rob Shaw Gallery and Framing
Best Dance School
Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet
Best Dance Company
Columbia City Ballet
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
Columbia City Ballet’s happiest moment in the past year occurred when we were able to return to performing to live audiences in December 2020 after a nine-month hiatus due to the pandemic. Although restrictions were in place, including reduced audiences, we were thrilled to be able to present our art.
Best Live Theatre
Town Theatre
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
What a joy to finish our 101st season and kick off the 102nd! As we navigated the pandemic, we held strong to our promise to “finish what we started” even if it meant creative adjustments. With some minor detours, we ultimately did just that.
Best Live Performance
The Nutcracker/Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet
Best Performing Arts Company
Columbia Classical Ballet
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
One of our most joyous moments was the unexpected opportunity to perform vignettes of The Nutcracker with the Army Band of Fort Jackson that would be shared all over the world through our military bases. Our mission is one of unparalleled outreach, and against all odds, we were able to achieve it.
Best Museum
South Carolina State Museum
Best Conference Venue
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Best Radio Station
WCOS 97.5
Best Radio Personality
Jonathon Rush
Best TV Station
WIS/NBC
Best TV News Anchor
Judy Gatson
Best TV Sportscaster
Rick Henry, WIS-TV
What are your strategies for keeping your business successful?
We keep our business successful by putting our viewers first. My aim is to provide the area’s best local sports coverage. We strive to highlight the teams and individuals who are so special to all of their fans!
Best TV Weatherperson
Dominic Brown, WIS-TV
Best Live Music Venue
Township Auditorium
What was the happiest moment in the past year for your business?
Reopening our doors! We went 18 months with no shows. When you’re in the entertainment business, that’s a very long time to go without providing people the live entertainment options they want. When people poured back into our building, we were ecstatic!
Best Local Band
Root Doctors
