When you are looking for the best chimney sweep or a dress for your son’s wedding, how do you decide where to go? Longing for a different hairstyle or a new dog groomer? How about a cupcake or Thai food? Shopping locally helps everyone … the businesses, the economy, and you, but how do you choose “the best”? You can ask your friends, who may or may not have the experience you are seeking, or you can open the pages to Columbia Metropolitan Magazine’s annual Best of Columbia ratings to find the favorites of your fellow residents of the Midlands.
Businesses ranging from restaurants, service industries, shops, entertainment, and more have faced unprecedented challenges in keeping patrons and employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers and staff must not only be safe but feel safe as well. While not a task easily accomplished, businesses, organizations, and individuals have seized the challenge and, in many cases, put into place practices that they will maintain in a post-pandemic world. Even if you are staying at home, you can shop local companies at their online sites or by phone and schedule curbside pickup or home delivery.
In the 2021 edition of CMM’s Best of Columbia, we have asked winners what silver linings they have seen during the pandemic, how the global pandemic has affected their business, how they have weathered the effects, and how they have helped communities in the Midlands. Some of the answers may surprise you. Demand for some services and products has increased, from baked goods and bike shops to new or larger homes with space for home offices, schoolrooms, and outdoor living areas. A local mattress company repurposed its factory to produce face shields to donate to local hospitals and nursing homes. The common thread in these comments is the fact that we are in this together, with local residents supporting the businesses they know and love, and those businesses taking care of their customers as valued neighbors and friends.
A heartfelt congratulations to the 2021 Best of Columbia winners. Enjoy reading their responses. Browse it now, save it for later reference, or visit our website at ColumbiaMetro.com.
FOOD
Best Appetizer
Bonefish Grill
Best Barbecue
Little Pigs Barbecue
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
Jimmy’s Mart
Best Sandwich
Groucho’s Deli
Best Pizza
Marco’s Pizza
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
Thanks to a sizeable donation from Carol and Will Muschamp, we were able to create “Feed our Heroes,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meals to hospital workers on the front lines of the COVID fight. As a result, we’ve been able to provide thousands of hot meals from a variety of restaurants to those on the front lines.
Best Ribs
Midwood Smokehouse
Best Shrimp and Grits
Blue Marlin
Best Steak
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
At Ruth’s Chris, our ability to pivot quickly in response to the new pandemic realities — with streamlined online ordering, use of contactless QR code menus, and more — has precipitated innovation and afforded us new opportunities that will continue to make us an increasingly resilient business now and into the future.
Best Biscuits
Silver Spoon Bake Shop
What efforts did your business implement to weather COVID-19?
We closed our doors on March 18. I knew we needed to continue having some type of income so we decided to offer pre-orders for once a week pickups. We began with a drive-thru and have now moved the pickup to our front porch. This has been a very successful way for Silver Spoon to operate during this time.
Best Iced Tea
Groucho’s Deli
Best Wings
Carolina Wings & Rib House
Best Bakery
Tiffany’s Sweets, Eats, & Meeting Place
Best Cookies
Tiffany’s Sweets, Eats, & Meeting Place
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
Best Restaurant in Irmo
Alodia’s Cucina Italiana
Best Restaurant in Lexington
Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Best Restaurant in Northeast
Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Best Restaurant in Forest Acres
Tombo Grille
Best Restaurant in West Columbia/Cayce
Cafe Strudel
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
We are now as good as ever as a company. We were able to test the viability of a food truck and were able to purchase our own truck. It has forced us to take up projects that had been sidetracked or on the back burner to expand and enhance our business. We feel that by remaining open and operating, we provided somewhat of a sense of continuous community. We also donated meals and gift cards to first responders.
Best New Restaurant
Black Rooster
Best Happy Hour
Tazza Kitchen
Best Brewery
Steel Hands Brewing
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
We greatly appreciate the support of our local community and our distribution markets — we love seeing everyone back at the brewery! Thank you for supporting your local breweries!
Best Wine List
Mr. Friendly’s
Best Coffee House
Drip
Best Bang for Your Buck
The Original Pancake House
What efforts did your business implement to weather COVID-19?
First, we made sure our staff could stay safe while serving our customers by following CDC guidelines for temperature taking, wearing of masks and gloves, and using lots of disinfectant. Next, we took the necessary actions to obtain the Palmetto Priority Seal, which would provide some assurances of safety to our customers. We also had barriers installed between booths and have kept tables spread apart. We will keep these measures and other recommended safe practices in place as long as the virus is a threat to our staff and customers.
Best Business Lunch
Motor Supply Co. Bistro
Best Family Restaurant
Lizard’s Thicket, Inc.
What efforts did your business implement to weather COVID-19?
Once the CDC put out COVID-19 guidelines for restaurants, Lizard’s Thicket implemented them immediately! At all locations, all employees are wearing masks, we are taking employees’ temperatures before each shift, practicing social distancing in our dining rooms, and sanitizing constantly. We promise we are doing everything we can to allow for a safe dining experience!
Best Romantic Dinner
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Best Fine Dining
Halls Chophouse
Best Outdoor Dining
il Giorgione Pizzeria & Wine Bar
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
The COVID silver lining is that our hearts are full of gratitude for the hard work and dedication of our employees as well as the love and support from our community. We could not have made it through 2020 without you! Thank you!
Best Sunday Brunch
Di Prato’s Delicatessen
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 Restaurant
Best Wine Shop
Morganelli’s Party Store
Best Fast Food Restaurant
Chick-fil-A
Best Chinese
Miyo’s
Best Greek
Mediterranean Tea Room
Best Italian
il Giorgione Pizzeria & Wine Bar
Best Japanese
Camon
Best Mexican
Cantina 76
Best Sushi Restaurant
Miyo’s
Best Thai
Basil Thai Cuisine
RETAIL
Best Women’s Clothing
Monkee’s of Columbia
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
One COVID-19 silver lining is the additional time Judy and Reece are spending with customers, learning their evolving fashion needs and adjusting our inventory accordingly. As we modify our staff and remain committed to full-time hours, we’re developing even stronger relationships. We’re grateful to our wonderful customers and appreciate them voting Monkee’s for Best Women’s Clothing.
Best Women’s Evening Wear
Coplon’s Women’s Boutique
Best Women’s Shoes
Copper Penny
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
This year, and through the pandemic, we all were able to reimagine and redefine our interests and passions. It allowed for the community to come closer together in an ever-expanding world. The true importance of realizing and attaining goals became more important than ever and allowed for growth to occur. This year was a shift in perspective and happiness, and that is felt through every activity and event in the community.
Best Men’s Clothing
BP Skinner Clothiers
Best Men’s Formal Wear
Brittons of Columbia
Best Men’s Shoes
Granger Owings
Best Children’s Clothing
Duck Duck Goose
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
We know that children’s clothes are more than just a necessity — they bring joy to so many of you and become part of your memories for all your children’s milestones. Through the pandemic, we’ve continued to share our darling inventory in hopes of providing an outlet of normalcy and happiness during this trying time.
Best Children’s Shoes
Tootsies Children’s Shoes
Best Bridal Wear
Bella Bridesmaids
Best Resort Wear
Pink Sorbet
Best Bridal Registry
non(e)such
Best Weekend Wear
Mainstream Boutique
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
During the three-week closing of nonessential businesses in April, we had the time to reflect and improve upon our business processes. Serving our customers and fulfilling online orders during the pandemic restored our sense of human connection during collectively isolating times.
Best Jewelry Store
Sylvan’s
Best Accessories
Just the Thing
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
My goal throughout the COVID shutdown was to stay positive and try to bring normalcy to the community through our social media posts, videos, and emails. So many customers said it was a bright light to their day. COVID-19 has been a reminder that without our great customers, JTT couldn’t exist!
Best Gift Store
Gibson’s
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
Our lives became simpler, from one moment to the other. We saw families taking walks together in the neighborhoods; encouraging signs were posted outside homes in every neighborhood. We all cleaned closets and drawers to perfection. We experimented with new recipes. We began thinking “outside the box” as we became more creative — not only we, the shop owners, to our customers, but also teachers to the students, family members to the elderly, ministers to their congregations. We found ways to encourage others. We realized how important hugs are and how much we have missed them. We realized that it is always the little things in life that are the most important.We have learned lessons! We have become wiser, more careful, more aware of our neighbors. As Roy Bennett said, “Storms make people stronger, and they don’t last forever.”
Best Vision Wear
Columbia Eye Clinic
Best Clothing Consignment Store
Revente
What efforts did your business implement to weather COVID-19?
During the COVID-19 shutdown, we moved our sales online, which we have continued to do after reopening. We now utilize the “tap to buy” feature on Instagram and Facebook, which will direct you to our website to check out. We offer curbside drop-off for consignments and curbside pickup for online purchases as well as shipping.
Best Toy Store
Be Beep
Best Antique Store
Old Mill Antique Mall
Best Frame Shop
The Frame Shop
Best Local Art
OTM Gallery
What efforts did your business implement to weather COVID-19?
“It takes imagination.” For seven years, OTM Gallery hosted monthly events focused on viewing art, meeting artists, and enjoying comradery. These activities ceased when COVID-19 emerged in March. After some brainstorming, we decided to try weekly Contact Free Window Art Auctions.This decision worked well for us so that we could resume our regular routine.
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
Fleet Feet Sports
Best Bicycle Specialty Store
Outspokin’ Bicycles
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
We were very thankful that bike shops are considered an essential business! We experienced an unprecedented boom in sales, which continues today. People found cycling was a great way to have fun while practicing social distancing. Early on, we implemented a mask requirement, disinfected all touch surfaces twice a day, and offered curbside pickup.
Best Gamecock Store
Miss Cocky
Best Mattress Store
Best Mattress Company
How has your business helped the community during this global pandemic?
In the first 90 days after COVID hit, we repurposed 85 percent of our factory to produce face shields, which we donated to local hospitals and nursing homes. The “thank you” notes we received warmed our hearts.
Best Office Furnishings
Corporate Concepts
Best Office Supply Store
Lorick Office Products
Best Shopping Venue
Devine Street Association
What efforts did your businesses implement to weather COVID-19?
Devine Street’s 90+ stores and restaurants have shown how locally owned businesses can quickly and effectively change their business models to provide unique, safe shopping and dining experiences. From curbside meal pickups to front door deliveries of clothing and gifts, Devine Street merchants continue to exceed the expectations of their customers.
HOME
Best Residential Community
Mungo Homes/Ascot
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
During the early stages of the pandemic, we delivered meals to local hospitals. We have provided face masks and hand sanitizer to various organizations. The realization that team members can be very productive when working remotely has been a positive outcome, and we’ve continued to allow work-from-home situations. The increase in sales has definitely been a silver lining and has resulted in employing a large number of new team members.
Best Apartment Complex
42 Magnolia
How has your business helped the community during this global pandemic?
COVID-19 afforded us the opportunity to increase our commitment to local businesses. Each of our communities highlighted businesses on our social media platforms and purchased gift cards to distribute. Additionally, we encouraged residents and community neighbors to patronize the businesses. We look forward to furthering our commitment within the community.
Best Retirement Community
Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
We have seen our staff and residents come together like never before. Like a true family, these difficult times have strengthened our bond and drawn us closer together. We continue to navigate difficult situations together with a spirit of love and understanding, and we give glory to God for each other.
Best Assisted Living
Lutheran Homes of South Carolina
Best Skilled Care
Merrill Gardens Columbia
What efforts did your business implement to weather COVID-19?
Since the beginning of the pandemic, our teams have been focused on limiting the spread of the virus. We’re continuously adapting our protocols, and the team is committing to strict codes of conduct inside and outside of work. It’s a constant effort to do whatever is necessary for our residents.
Best Memory Care
The Harmony Collection at Columbia
Best Home Builder
Mungo Homes
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
As homes became offices and schoolrooms, more and more people realized the inadequacy in their current homes. This led to a surge in the demand for new homes that we would not have anticipated. Floor plans with bonus rooms, flex spaces, and designated home offices have been extremely popular. Our New Home Advisors quickly adapted to virtual appointments; and we realized that many buyers truly are comfortable purchasing a home after touring available homes via Zoom or FaceTime.
Best Home Remodeler
Palmetto Construction & Renovations
Best General Contractor
Cohn Construction Services
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
During COVID-19, the most significant transformation to our business is the way we interact internally and with customers. We have been able to reduce face-to-face interaction and remain productive by relying on communications and project management software to collaborate efficiently and maintain a high standard of project execution.
Best Home Furnishings
Strobler Home Furnishings
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
Global supply chains have been severely affected due to COVID, consequently leading to delays on custom orders and product flow. Governmental mandates on retail stores also forced us to temporarily close, leading us to develop less conventional means of sustaining our business. A greater focus on social media was integral in keeping us connected with our clientele and keeping them inspired. We also implemented curbside pickup and delivery options to allow clients to safely shop.
Best Outdoor Furniture Store
Casual Living
Best Furniture Consignment Store
Roundabouts Consignments
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
COVID-19 forced us to close during the months of April and May. Fortunately, our loyal consignors and customers have returned, and we are blessed to have a huge selection of fabulous home decor, furniture, and clothing for any occasion.
Best Custom Furniture
Ethan Allen
Best Furniture Refinisher
Alan Kinder Custom Woodwork
Best Appliance Store
Jeffers McGill Appliance and Furniture
Best Glass Store
Ace Glass
Best Flooring
Carpet One
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
In the early stages of the pandemic, our business slowed. The silver linings we have seen are our stores are much safer shopping environments. Through advertising, we urged folks to shop local businesses and restaurants.With limited travel, people are improving their homes, and our business is growing.
Best Roofing Company
The Red Shirt Guys Roofing
Best Wallpaper/Wall Covering Store
Wallpaper Additions
Best Home Specialty Store
Southeastern Salvage Home Emporium
How has your business helped the community during this global pandemic?
Thankfully we’ve remained open throughout the pandemic, allowing us to service our customers and community with essential products and keep our staff employed. We’ve made “Special Buys,” providing our customers with money-saving deals, and have also put food and health products on our shelves that we don’t ordinarily carry.
Best Tile Store
Palmetto Tile Distributors
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
We found COVID-19 to present unique challenges in doing business. We adapted by offering virtual appointments with curbside pickup of samples and orders. As restrictions were lifted, we reopened our showroom by appointment, allowing us to properly social distance. Thankfully we did not have to fully close, allowing us to continue to service the many construction professionals that depend on us daily to obtain their building materials.
Best Kitchen Specialty Store
Capital Kitchen & Bath
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
With so many uncertainties and changes, the best thing to come out of the pandemic has been the ability to slow down. For our family, it has been a “back to the basics.” We are home more, making dinner together, spending weekends at home, and genuinely enjoying our time together. It has been a wonderful time for us to reflect on what is important.
Best Bathroom Specialty Store
Gateway Supply
Best Lighting Store
The Lite House
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
In 47 years of business here in Columbia, we’ve been through many trials and tribulations … but nothing like COVID-19. Supplying the construction industry deemed us essential. It was a little scary at first, but our great staff worked hard to ensure the safety of our customers and ourselves.
Best Gardening Store
Woodley’s Garden Center
What efforts did your business implement to weather COVID-19?
We implemented online ordering, curbside pickup, and more home deliveries.
Best Fence Company
Brabham Fence
Best Swimming Pool Company
Jack Oliver’s Pool, Spa and Patio
Best Solar Company
Southeast SolarPros
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
We were fortunate to be deemed essential, and that allowed us to continue our excellent customer service. Also, folks stuck at home realized the repairs and upgrades their homes needed — and the fact that their homes were using more energy — and this resulted in an increase in business.
Best Security
ADT/Home Security Automation Consultants
RECREATION
Best Farmers Market
Soda City
Best Yoga
Palmetto Yoga & Reiki Center
How has your business helped the community during this global pandemic?
The yoga studio was barely open four months when we had to shut it down. Our mission was to keep going and offer live yoga classes online. We knew the importance of yoga and how it would help our community stay positive, healthy, and grounded. We are still here and going strong!
Best Fitness Studio
barre3
What efforts did your business implement to weather COVID-19?
Every single morning, I went to barre3 and taught live virtual classes. I also felt like I needed to bring smiles, laughter, and fun to our communities. I did virtual wine tastings, a virtual tequila tasting for Cinco de Mayo, a virtual girls’ night in with other local businesses owners. Madonna, ’80s fitness gear, and Britney Spears costumes all showed up in my livestream classes just to get a laugh or a smile on my clients’ faces. Once we were allowed to open, we have had in-studio, outdoor, and virtual classes to accommodate everyone’s comfort level. I feel like my team is the best it has ever been! We are all so thankful to be back together, and we are the most united we have ever been. I also feel more personally connected to all my members. I know every person’s name who walks in the door, and I am beyond thankful for their love and support.
Best Wine and Paint Studio
The Mad Platter
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
Seeing all of the online pictures of families and friends creating pottery together. We may not be in the studio creating with our customers, but we love being a happy memory during tough times.
Best Golf Course
Cobblestone Park Golf Club
Best Hotel
Hotel Trundle
Best Marina
Lake Murray Boat Club/Nautical
SERVICE
Best Facial
Eva Skin Care
What efforts did your business implement to weather COVID-19?
Our salon took the Resilient Columbia Pledge by demonstrating our commitment to following DHEC and CDC guidelines. In addition, all of our employees took the Barbicide COVID-19 preparedness course, and our salon became Barbicide COVID-19 Certified.
Best Massage
Bliss Massage Therapy
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
COVID-19 had several impacts on Bliss. The hardest impact was being completely shut down for almost two months. It was tough developing effective protocols to bring clients back safely. Clients were more than ready to come back and very cooperative with the strict COVID protocols at Bliss, which have resulted in zero contact tracing incidents.
Best Nail Salon
The Nail Barre
Best Hair Salon
Metropolis Salon & Dry Bar
Best Spa
OCCO Luxury Spa
Best Wellness Center
Chiropractic Wellness Center
Best Rehabilitation Center
Palmetto Health - USC Orthopedic Center
How has your business helped the community during this global pandemic?
In addition to caring for our patients and protecting our team members, Prisma Health helped other hospitals, physician practices, and nursing homes respond to the pandemic. We also provided clinical and support services to vulnerable communities and populations. We debuted the state’s first free interactive COVID-19 symptom checker chatbot and had a tremendous response.
Best Hospice
Homestead Hospice
Best Chiropractor
Shelly Jones/Chiropractic Wellness Center
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
As essential providers, our office remained open, so we were very grateful that we could continue to care for patients. We have continued to provide our patients with chiropractic care and health information to emphasize building strong immune systems and optimizing nervous system functions.
Best Florist
Blossom Shop
Best Caterer
Southern Way Catering
Best Event Planner
Cricket Newman Designs
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
As the far-reaching effects of the pandemic became clear, the need to change many wedding and rehearsal dinner plans was obvious. It has been a privilege to work with families as they adjusted with patience and grace, putting aside disappointment to focus on the significance of the day.
Best Wedding Planner
Cricket Newman Designs
Best Bridal Photographer
JH Photography/Jordan Blackwell
Best Wedding Venue
The Lace House at Arsenal Hill
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
Due to COVID-19, The Lace House at Arsenal Hill has seen a trend to smaller weddings with more intimate guest counts. During this unprecedented year, we are extremely grateful for our wonderful clients who celebrated with us and the talented industry partners who created amazing memories for our couples.
Best Pet Boarding
Dog Daze Day Care, Kennel and Training
Best Pet Grooming
Carolina Paws Grooming Salon
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
2020 — a different year, but we remained open and took the steps needed to protect our clients and keep our business open. We followed the recommended guidelines. Meeting our clients at their car has worked well. Safety first! Thanks for understanding.
Best Veterinary Clinic
Four Paws Animal Clinic
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
COVID-19 continues to affect Four Paws. Who’d have thought curbside appointments at the veterinarian’s office would ever come to fruition? We’ve completely remodeled operations to ensure the health of clients and staff. We’ve had an incredible surge of puppy and kitten patients. There has never been a better time to adopt!
Best Veterinarian
Neal Atkinson/Shandon-Wood Animal Clinic
Best Animal Emergency Center
SC Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Care
How has your business helped the community during this global pandemic?
During the pandemic, we remained open 24/7 to support pets in our community. We utilized curbside check-in service to protect both our staff and pet parents. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that every patient received top-notch medical care. It was our honor to be able to help during such a difficult time.
Best Pet Specialty Clinic
CVETS Columbia Veterinary Emergency Trauma and Specialty
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
At the onset of the COVID pandemic, the CVETS leadership team implemented concierge curbside customer service. This allowed CVETS to continue serving clients with excellence while following safety guidelines for everyone’s health. We look forward to continuing to serve our community’s pet population to the very best of our ability!
Best Animal Surgery Center
Capital Animal Hospital
What efforts did your business implement to weather COVID-19?
Columbia’s 2020 weather has been perfect for seeing clients outside. As a specialty veterinary orthopedic surgery center, we learn a lot by watching our patients walk and studying their movements. Being outside has allowed us to do this while staying safe and practicing social distancing.
Best Dry Cleaner
Tripp’s Fine Cleaners
Commercial Cleaning Service
Palmetto Commercial Services
Best Carpet Cleaner
Stanley Steemer
Best Chimney Sweep
Top Hat Sweepers
Best Heating/Air Service
Cool Care Heating & Air
Best Pest Control
Clark’s Termite & Pest Control
Best Mosquito Company
Mosquito Joe
Best Hardscape Company
Paradime Earthworks
Best Landscaping Company
Hay Hill Services
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
People are focusing on their families and their homes. What used to be a backyard is now truly an extension of the home. It might include a cooking and dining area, entertainment amenities, play spaces, and garden, water, and light features. A comfortable and usable outdoor area brings a family together and provides options for a more active lifestyle.
Best Lawn Maintenance Company
Blue Moon Landscaping
Best Tree Service
Sox & Freeman Tree Expert Company
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
While so many kinds of businesses were negatively impacted by COVID-19, the service industry and the tree care industry, more specifically, have experienced a surge in demand. Industry leaders attribute this to the fact that so many people are spending significantly more time at home and in their yards. The benefits of trees have become more apparent and their care more urgent and important.
Best Plumbing Company
Superior Plumbing & Gas
Best Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives
How has your business helped the community during this global pandemic?
With people spending more time at home, we were able to help families expand their living space outdoors to be with their loved ones. It’s nice knowing we created this safety and security for them.
Best Event Lighting
Ambient Media
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
In the spring all events everywhere were postponed or canceled, but wedding work has rebounded, and thankfully we persevered. Even though other events, shows, and parties are mostly off for now, they will return with a vengeance because people yearn to celebrate. We’re here to help, so shine on, Columbia!
Best Commercial Interior Designer
Steven Ford Interiors
Best Residential Interior Designer
Linda Burnside/LGB Interiors
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
Our interior design business has been busier than ever! With most clients working from their home, attention has turned to making their space new and functional.
Best Interior Design Showroom
Verve Interiors
Best Moving Company
Two Men and a Truck
Best Car Dealership
Jim Hudson Automotive
How has your business helped the community during this global pandemic?
Thank you for your support as this is our 40 th year anniversary together. We are proud to provide servant leadership in our community and want to thank you for putting us in a position to feed 8 million meals to the less fortunate because of this great partnership between Jim Hudson and our beloved community.
Best Used Car Dealership
Jim Hudson Automotive
Best Car Rental Agency
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Best Auto Repair Company
Midas Columbia
Best Tire Store
Midas Columbia
Best Boat Dealer
Mid-Carolina Marine
Best Insurance Agent
Drew Theodore (Theodore & Associates)
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
It affected how we do business and how our clients do business due to changed financial circumstances and projections. Most of our staff have effectively worked from home. COVID-19 caused us to communicate more with our clients and therefore strengthen our relationships.
Best Insurance Agency
Lourie Life & Health
Best Mortgage Bank
AllSouth Federal Credit Union
How has your business helped the community during this global pandemic?
Due to COVID-19, we’ve had to find other ways to give back to the community this year. Our employees have been writing letters to the seniors assisted by Senior Resources, and we donated to Harvest Hope and Senior Resources’ Meals on Wheels to help fight hunger in the Midlands.
Best Real Estate Agent
Jill Moylan
Best Commercial Real Estate Agency
Wilson Kibler
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
Representing both landlords and tenants of numerous types of business, our number one goal at Wilson Kibler has been maintaining the best interest of our clients while keeping local businesses open. We understand the importance of our role in bolstering the local economy and are working tirelessly to that end.
Best Residential Real Estate Agency
Home Advantage Realty
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
2020 has presented unique challenges, and the housing market has not escaped its effects. COVID-19 has elevated buyers’ desires for home office spaces, relaxing outdoor spaces, and flex study/Zoom spaces that can be used by the entire household. Historically low interest rates have opened opportunities as many buyers seek to move closer to family, and urban dwellers from large metro areas in the Northeastern states continue to flock to South Carolina. We need homes to sell to these buyers. Call us!
Best Staffing Agency
Roper Staffing
How has your business helped the community during this global pandemic?
Many Columbia businesses lost staff during the COVID shutdown. We were able to find them interim staff as well as ongoing talent. Recruiting during a pandemic is difficult for both the company and those looking for jobs. It requires a safe and progressive approach. Roper was able to adjust quickly our systems to comply with CDC guidelines. Since June, we have been placing applicants at a record pace, getting Columbia back to work as quickly and as safely as possible.
Best Travel Agency
Forest Lake Travel
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
Many travelers were reminded of the value of using a travel advisor to reschedule or cancel their travel plans and to help them navigate through the rules and restrictions of the airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, and travel insurance companies. A professional travel advisor offers peace of mind while working on your behalf before, during, and after every trip!
Best Modeling Agency
Millie Lewis Columbia
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
Best Art Gallery
City Art
Best Dance School
Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet Center of Dance Education
Best Dance Company
Columbia City Ballet
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
Columbia City Ballet suffered tremendous financial losses with the abrupt cancellation of our 2019-2020 performance season. Because of our iconic position in the community, we were thrilled to open our 60th Anniversary Performance Season this past December with eight glorious performances of Nutcracker at the Koger Center for the Arts.
Best Live Theatre
Koger Center for the Arts
How did COVID-19 affect your business?
The Koger Center for the Arts temporarily closed due to COVID-19, which required us to cancel or reschedule dozens of performances, some more than once. Consequently, we have implemented new cleaning protocols and designed seating charts that allow us to safely reopen. During the hiatus, we created The 1593 Project: A Call for Art from the Koger Center for the Arts. It was very successful and will return as an annual event. We are thankful for our many supportive patrons who are eager to rejoin us for live performances.
Best Live Performance
Wicked
Best Performing Arts Company
Columbia City Ballet
Best Museum
Columbia Museum of Art
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
Judi Gatson
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
My silver lining during COVID-19 has been more time with my boys. Seeing their amazement as we tackled various quarantine projects (growing a giant sunflower, planting fruit trees, making holiday window art) has filled my heart with joy and delight. I’ve also learned a lot of third and fourth grade math!
Best TV Sportscaster
Rick Henry
Best TV Weatherperson
Dominic Brown
What silver linings have you seen due to COVID-19?
If there’s a silver lining I’ve seen due to COVID-19, it’s that local television news has continued to make a difference in our community. Technology has allowed us to stay connected to our viewers and inspire students through virtual school visits about the weather. We’ve continued to make an impact.
Best Live Music Venue
Township Auditorium
Best Local Band
The Root Doctors
