COLUMBIA, S.C. — Make way, Columbia, there's a new restaurant planned for the Five Points area and, based on name alone, it should be a good fit for the area adjacent to University of South Carolina.
Cocky Rooster, a Richmond, Virginia-based fast-casual restaurant specializing in smoked, fried, and boneless chicken wings will be located at 2019-2021 Devine St., the former locations of Sushi Yoshi and Carolina Barber Shop.
Caslon Development Group had purchased the Devine Street properties, prompting the move of the 50-year-old barbershop and sushi restaurant next door (Caslon also owns the corner spot where Men's Warehouse is located). The combined 2019-2021 Devine St. address will be redesigned for Cocky Rooster to provide indoor dining for 24 persons, plus delivery, take-out services.
Cocky Rooster developers will collaborate with local artists and suppliers to give the restaurant a "truly unique" space, "reflecting the distinctive culture and spirit of Columbia."
“We have really enjoyed working with the Cocky Rooster team! They are committed to Columbia, and we feel strongly that their vision marries well with the direction of where Five Points is heading,” said Frank Cason, president of Cason Development Group.
Veteran Virginia restaurateur Curtis Lyons is the franchisee for the Columbia location. ”I have a daughter who attends USC and is a Gamecock through and through,” Lyons said. “After visiting Columbia for three years and attending football games, I also fell in love with the city and the university. We are so excited to be able to open a Cocky Rooster in Five Points.”
Lyons has 30 years in the restaurant business with time spent at Houston’s Restaurants, Village Tavern Restaurants and as the owner of Roger Brown’s Restaurant and Sports Bar and Cove Tavern.
When Cocky Rooster opens in late 2024, the plans are to be open Sunday-Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Thursday-Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
