COLUMBIA, S.C. — A sign that one area of the economy might be poised to start making a comeback amid the coronavirus pandemic -- local and national restaurant chains in the Midlands are hosting hiring events in the coming days.
Columbia-based and family-owned Lizard's Thicket is hiring front of house and back of house positions in order to reopen two locations that closed earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In-person interviews will be held at the Lizard's Thicket at 402 Beltline Blvd on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and at the 621 W Main St. in Lexington on Thursday, Sept.. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Applicants must wear a mask and should bring a picture ID and either a birth certificate, passport or Social Security card as Lizard's Thicket managers will be hiring qualified employees at the time of the interview and, if hired, applicants will need the ID to complete paperwork.
Lizard's Thicket has been serving meat-and-three meals to Midlands residents for 42 years and has 15 locations in South Carolina.
Insomnia Cookies, known for their warm, delicious, delivered sweets, is hiring at all locations around the country for a variety of positions, including car and bike delivery drivers, bakers and counter staff, shift leads and store managers.
Everyone looking to join the Insomnia Cookies team is invited to stop by the open hiring event at any store today, Tuesday, September 8, and Saturday, Sept. 12, from 2 p.m.-10 p.m. local time where applicants can be interviewed on the spot. And to make job hunting a little sweeter, everyone applying in person will be treated to a free cookie.
In Columbia, Insomnia is located in Five Points at 2013 Devine St.
OTHER RESTAURANT NEWS:
Coming Soon
Kudzu Bakery & Market Columbia is the latest location from Joey and Stacy Rabon. The Rabons began Kudzu Bakery in Georgetown and currently have locations in Litchfield and Mount Pleasant. The Columbia location -- actually Forest Acres -- will be at 4600 Forest Drive, in the former Yummy Chinese location. The bakery specializes in fresh breads, pies, cookies and breakfast items, specialty products such as jams, jellies and spreads, and has a daily schedule of baked breads.
Remodeling of the interior space began in July. You can follow the progress on Kudzu Bakery's Facebook page.
di Vino Rosso is a re-imagining of Ristorante Divino set to open next door to the now-shuttered Italian restaurant in the 800 block of Gervais Street. Refurbishment of the new space in the Dupre Building -- built around 1919 -- is underway. According to the new restaurant's Facebook page, in addition to some signature dishes, di Vino Rosso will feature an enhanced menu in an era reminiscent of the 1920's. di Vino Rosso is scheduled to open in early November.
Ratio brings a Peruvian twist to classic seasonal cuisine and will focus on creating small plates and tapas dishes. The restaurant's website states that it is hiring now for all positions. Ratio is located at 566 Spears Creek Road, Suite 104 in Elgin.
Savage Craft Ale Works is remodeling the former West Columbia Fire Department building at 430 Center St to create a new state-of-the-art brewery, taproom and entertainment venue that will be kid and dog friendly. Once completed, Savage Craft will feature a beer garden, small concert stage and rooftop bar. In addition to beer brewed on site, Savage Craft will be serving wine and cocktails. Opening later this fall.
Griffin Chop House, Bakon Southern Eatery and Modern Fresco are three dining concepts from the Happy Fork hospitality group set to open in Chapin Commons later this year. Happy Fork includes CEO Ron Pereira and Executive Chef Henry Griffin (Ristorante Divino, The Kingsman).
Griffin Chop House is the first of the three restaurants scheduled to open, specializing in -- you guessed it -- aged Angus beef steaks, burgers, brisket and barbecue.
BaKon Southern Eatery will serve charcuterie and cheese boards -- perfect for grazing -- alongside seasonal coffees, Bloody Marys and mimosas for breakfast and lunch.
Modern Fresco will feature sandwiches, salads and bowls in a more casual atmosphere.
Now Open
Enzo's Delicatessen in the former Blue Cactus location at 2002 Greene St. in Five Points serves up authentic Italian American hot and cold sandwiches. Sure, you'll find great imported Italian meats on Enzo's sub sandwich menu, but there are also vegetarian choices such as the Artichoke Caprese and The Tina, with its roasted veggies. Hot sandwiches include Chicken Parm and Chicken Vodka (cutlets, mozzarella, fresh pecorino and vodka sauce).
Republic Biergarten and Kitchen opened in the former Flying Saucer location at 931 Senate St in the Vista. Republic features over 40 beers on tap and serves elevated Southern cuisine.