South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association

Mark Price, owner of Mill Pond Steakhouse, has been offering a unique dining experience for 18 years. Mill Pond offers a fine dining experience to visitors and a fantastic view of a vista reminiscent of the Old South. Join us on Monday for our Columbia Hall of Fame Dinner and celebrate Mark Price and the success of the Mill Pond Steakhouse!

This year, Larry Chandler will enter the 2024 Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame for his work with Firehouse Subs and TLC Enterprises. After over 20 years with Firehouse Subs, Larry is the nation’s largest franchise owner with Firehouse, with over 40 locations throughout the Carolinas. Join us for the Columbia Hall of Fame Dinner next week as we congratulate Larry Chandler, owner of TLC Enterprises LLC, on being inducted into the Hall of Fame!?

At our Columbia Hall of Fame Dinner next week, the SCRLA will be inducting Steve Cook, owner of Saluda’s, into the 2024 Hall of Fame. Saluda’s opened in 1996 after a six-year renovation, decorated with while linen, crystal glassware, and an elegant atmosphere. Join us on November 25 as we celebrate Steve Cook and the 28 years of excellence Saluda’s has had.

Great news for South Carolina’s hospitality industry! The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced the release of additional H-2B guest-worker visas, a vital resource for businesses in our state. These visas help restaurants, hotels, and resorts secure the workforce they need to fill critical seasonal roles and meet guest demands. ? In a time of ongoing labor shortages, this decision provides much-needed relief and ensures our hospitality industry can continue to thrive and contribute to South Carolina’s robust tourism economy. ? At the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, we remain committed to advocating for policies that support our members and the communities they serve.

Congrats ColorLab on being named Upstate Hospitality Supplier of the Year! The South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association named TPM as their 2024 Hospitality Supplier of the Year at the 11th Annual Upstate Hospitality Awards, celebrating the exceptional professionalism and outstanding service of top individuals in our industry. We are so proud of our entire ColorLab team! If you’d like to “see your space differently,” let’s chat! Check out their award-winning projects here: https://colorlab.space Dustin Batson Becca Donohue Katie Beth Knight Ashley Blount, MBA Brandon Canada

On November 25, we celebrate Joe and Carmella Roche, owners of Villa Tronco, as they receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greater Columbia Restaurant Association. With 85 years of service, Villa Tronco continues to thrive under the family’s leadership, serving Mama Tronco’s cherished recipes and embodying the values passed down by Sadie Tronco. Join us in applauding their enduring legacy and remarkable contributions to hospitality!?

A big win for South Carolina’s hospitality industry! ? The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas has ruled against the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2024 Overtime Rule, delivering a significant victory for restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in South Carolina and beyond. ? Had the rule gone into effect, it would have placed immense financial and administrative burdens on small and mid-sized businesses already navigating workforce and cost challenges. ? This decision allows employers to focus on what they do best: creating exceptional guest experiences and providing meaningful opportunities for their teams. ? The South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association remains committed to advocating for smart policies that support the growth and success of the hospitality industry. Visit scrla.org/news to read more.

One week from today, we will honor five outstanding individuals at the Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame. Columbia is booming with new + exciting concepts and unprecedented development, offering something unique for everyone! Stately buildings buzz with new business and centuries-old sites are homes to state-of-the-art visionaries. With dynamite food, shopping, and things to see and do year-round, Columbia truly is the real Southern hot spot. Join us on November 25 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center as we honor the owners of Villa Tronco, Saluda's, Mill Pond Steakhouse and Firehouse Subs. Purchase tickets at scrla.org/event/colahof.

Exclusive Health Care Solutions for SCRLA Members! UnitedHealthcare offers tailored plans for all business sizes, from small to large. ?Access special benefits, including: ?? Wellness programs ?? Discounts on medical benefits? ? Teladoc virtual visits? ? Optum pharmacy discounts. Visit scrla.org/mp to learn more about member discounts on services.

Start 2025 off right and boost your bottom line by participating in Restaurant Week South Carolina! Our award-winning foodie celebration from January 9 - 19 is the perfect time to find new customers and generate business by offering new menu items, fan favorites and multi-course menus. Learn more about our statewide campaign and sign up today at scrla.org/restaurantweeksc.