It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Lexington County Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Lexington, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available.”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available. She has great contacts and helped guide us thru the process. We received wonderful service. Thanks!”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I needed to qualify people who could deal with my sister with brain cancer. My sister would throw people in and out of her house; it was crazy. She died on December 5th. Always Best Care sent incredible people. I don't know where they came from, but they had one girl who was the only person my sister never attempted to throw out of the house. I'd never hear one bad word about this woman who was actually pulling double shifts at the end because my sister liked her so much. For some reason, this woman understood my sister and brain cancer. Brain cancer is hard to deal with because people could be pretty mean and abusive and they don't know what they're doing really. My sister was also going blind at the same time. It was not easy. I just wanted to say what wonderful care we received from Always Best Care. It was amazing. They were just coming and being there. My sister was crazy, and she didn't want anybody overnight, until she finally let me have someone come in overnight. On that night, she died. She got to die in her home, which is what I'm trying to do because that too was the most important thing of all. Always Best Care was able to staff at short notice and send really good people. I was impressed, and I would highly recommend them. They would help my sister get to the bathroom. She weighed 70 pounds when she died, but she was still able to walk. She had cancers on both her femurs, and her blood pressure was 80/47. They just helped with everything, like fixing her small meals, fixing coffee, and talking to her if she wanted to talk or not talking to her if she didn't want to talk. They were just very great with their help. My sister had brain cancer and she was belligerent. Always Best Care would find people within their staff. Also, it didn't take them long, I didn't have to wait. We had letters from others saying they don't have staff right now. With Always Best Care, I did it over the phone with a woman who was a Godsend. I think the caregiver was sent almost the first day and was there every day except on the weekend when they sent someone else. That person seemed to work out OK, too, which amazed me. For some reason, these people knew how to appease someone who is really crazy. It was the cancer; it was in my sister's head. You have to be tough-skinned and just realize that this is the disease talking to you and not a person. They were able to do that, and I feel very blessed.”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing. Donna O.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Gibson Pond Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Private Property or visit Laurance Corley House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Lexington, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Lexington, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Lexington, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
A hotly anticipated new restaurant has officially joined downtown Lexington’s culinary scene.Ember, a high-end steakhouse from a group of well-known local restaurateurs, has opened its doors at 101 W. Main St., at the southwest corner of the intersection of Main and Church streets, adjacent to the popular Icehouse Amphitheater.The new restaurant had a soft opening last week, co-owner Steve Cook said, and is now open on a reservation-only basis. Diners can make reservations through the online service Resy, which is also li...
A hotly anticipated new restaurant has officially joined downtown Lexington’s culinary scene.
Ember, a high-end steakhouse from a group of well-known local restaurateurs, has opened its doors at 101 W. Main St., at the southwest corner of the intersection of Main and Church streets, adjacent to the popular Icehouse Amphitheater.
The new restaurant had a soft opening last week, co-owner Steve Cook said, and is now open on a reservation-only basis. Diners can make reservations through the online service Resy, which is also linked via emberlexington.com.
Ember is the newest offering from a handful of restaurateurs who are familiar to many in the Midlands. They include Cook, who owns Saluda’s fine dining restaurant and Arroyo Mexican restaurant in Five Points; Joe Walker III, the former Richland County Councilman who has franchised Marco’s Pizza and Scooter’s Coffee locations; and Ryan Jones, the former general manager of Hall’s Chophouse in Columbia.
As Ember launches, Cook said the early reaction from Lexington residents has been encouraging.
“We are very happy that we’ve had a great demand from the community so far,” Cook said. “It’s been great. Like any restaurant, we are working out the kinks at the very beginning. I’ve done a lot of stuff over the years, and I’ve never seen this kind of outpouring of enthusiasm for a project. It has been pretty cool to see, honestly.
“The Lexington market is exciting and we’re happy to be a part of it.”
Ember’s arrival stokes the flames of downtown Lexington, which has become a bustling hub with a host of restaurants, bars, shops and other services. Popular downtown eateries include O’Hara’s Public House, Keg Cowboy, Bodhi Thai Dining, Groucho’s Deli, Barrio, Craft Axe Throwing, Cribb’s, Bubba’s Biscuit, Libby’s, and Nicky’s Pizzeria. There are also a host of stores, such as Craig Reagin Clothiers and The Kindred Boutique, and a Voodoo Brewing location is under construction.
The menu at Ember features a host of options, including, of course, a roster of steaks, including filet mignon, a Japanese wagyu New York strip, a USDA prime ribeye and others. The eatery also features pork chops, seafood, pasta, salads, soups, an extensive wine list, a host of cocktails and more.
Cook said customers have been enjoying various parts of the menu in Ember’s early days.
“The steaks have been popular, obviously,” Cook said. “The pasta is so good. We make the pasta in house. The fresh seafood and the seafood tower have been really popular. There’s also a pickled shrimp appetizer that is so good. It’s sort of a refreshing take on the shrimp cocktail.
“And the short rib is awesome. If you go and are not in the mood for a steak, the short rib is one of those dishes that will be on the menu for 20 years.”
The State
Chris Trainor is a retail reporter for The State and has been working for newspapers in South Carolina for more than 20 years, including previous stops at the (Greenwood) Index-Journal and the (Columbia) Free Times. He is the winner of a host of South Carolina Press Association awards, including honors in column writing, government beat reporting, profile writing, food writing, business beat reporting, election coverage, social media and more.
COLUMBIA — Spring is a season for movement, and the Midlands' food scene is busy as bees with moves, events and other happenings. Here's a look at what's going on with several Columbia-area restaurants, breweries and bars:Enzo's Delicatessen moves to OlympiaEnzo's Delicatessen, an Italian sandwich shop known for quality ingredients and big helpings, is moving into the same space as the owners' grocery and wine shop, ...
COLUMBIA — Spring is a season for movement, and the Midlands' food scene is busy as bees with moves, events and other happenings. Here's a look at what's going on with several Columbia-area restaurants, breweries and bars:
Enzo's Delicatessen, an Italian sandwich shop known for quality ingredients and big helpings, is moving into the same space as the owners' grocery and wine shop, Alimentari Don Luigi's at 612 Whaley St.
"We are making this move in order to preserve & protect our awesome little Italian wine shop & grocery from future tariffs," a May 12 post to the sandwich shop's Instagram reads. "We will now be a ONE STOP SHOP for lunch, Italian groceries, wine, desserts, and everything in between."
Joe Cardinale's other restaurant, Bar Gran Sasso, remains closed on Greene Street in Five Points, where Enzo's operated during daytime hours.
The second move for Enzo's brings "the original concept back to life" with indoor and patio dining, expanded parking and New York deli-style offerings. The original location, Enzo's Sputino, opened in 2021 on Whaley Street before moving to Five Points.
The move to the Olympia neighborhood brings new hours, Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Don Luigi offers Italian wines, goods and prepared foods, in addition to special wine tastings and dinners. For more information, call 803-550-2990.
Na'Cho Margarita, a popular Mexican eatery in Prosperity, is opening a second location on Lexington's Main Street, a co-owner confirmed to Free Times May 13.
The restaurant is just waiting on final approvals for its liquor licenses, Gustavo Atehortua said. The restaurant, which spotlights its friendly service, cold drinks and lakefront views, is co-owned by Atehortua, Ignacio Velazquez, Johnny Vetancourt and George Mesa.
The new restaurant will be similar to the lakefront location, Atehortua said, but with a slightly smaller menu. He recommended new diners try their queso birria tacos. "It's a good plate," he said.
Atehortua is hoping the liquor license will be finalized within a month or so, and then the restaurant will be open.
About 30 minutes outside of Columbia, the historic city of Camden is set to get a new brewery in the form of Greener Pastures Brewing Co. According to the brewery's social media, the building is under construction with a summer 2025 opening.
Set for 826 Broad St., near the heart of Camden's downtown, Greener Pastures will be "Kershaw County's very first craft brewery," according to the brewery.
Instagram posts show a curbside patio, outdoor biergarten with a pergola and a brewhouse for on-site brewing.
To keep up with Greener Pasture's path to opening, follow along at @greenerpasturesbrewco on Instagram.
A new Mexican restaurant has set its sights on a well known shopping center in the heart of Lexington.Na’cho Margarita, which already has a popular Mexican restaurant along the shores of Lake Murray, is planning a new location at 712 W. Main St. near downtown Lexington. Public records indicate that Na’cho Margarita has applied to the SC Department of Revenue for its...
A new Mexican restaurant has set its sights on a well known shopping center in the heart of Lexington.
Na’cho Margarita, which already has a popular Mexican restaurant along the shores of Lake Murray, is planning a new location at 712 W. Main St. near downtown Lexington. Public records indicate that Na’cho Margarita has applied to the SC Department of Revenue for its licenses to sell alcohol at the address. There also was a Department of Revenue application notice for Na’cho Margarita in the window at the Main Street spot when a reporter went by Monday morning.
The restaurant space at 712 W. Main St. in Lexington formerly was home to RF’s Corner Grill, which closed in March. RF’s had been at that location for more than six years.
Na’cho Margarita opened a Mexican restaurant with a full bar at 745 Marina Way in Prosperity, at Lake Murray, in summer 2023. That lakeside location’s menu features a host of Mexican favorites, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, poblanos, sizzling fajitas and more.
The location along W. Main Street will be in the Town Square shopping center that is anchored by a Food Lion supermarket. Other businesses in the plaza include Musician Supply, Terry’s Barber Shop, Black Tiger Tae Kwan Do, and a Wingstop chicken place, among others. Lexington County’s auxiliary administration building is across the street.
It’s in a high-traffic area near downtown Lexington. About 40,000 cars per day travel down that stretch of W. Main Street, per state Department of Transportation data.
With a name like Muffen, you can bet she’s a good baker.Lexington recently got a little bit sweeter, as Muffen Minemier’s Twisted Whisk — which has been operating as a special order business for cakes, cupcakes and other treats for several years — opened a new storefront and walk-in shop at 206 W. Main St. The walk-in part of the operation officially opened on May 3.The bakery, which is owned by couple Muffen and husband Chris Minemier, is located in the heart of downtown Lexington, just west of Libby&rs...
With a name like Muffen, you can bet she’s a good baker.
Lexington recently got a little bit sweeter, as Muffen Minemier’s Twisted Whisk — which has been operating as a special order business for cakes, cupcakes and other treats for several years — opened a new storefront and walk-in shop at 206 W. Main St. The walk-in part of the operation officially opened on May 3.
The bakery, which is owned by couple Muffen and husband Chris Minemier, is located in the heart of downtown Lexington, just west of Libby’s restaurant and not far from the popular Icehouse Amphitheater. It specializes in a host of offerings that are baked in-house, including cakes, cupcakes, danishes, muffins, cinnamon rolls, tarts and more. The treats are available in various flavors, with pineapple upside down cupcakes and hulking slices of red velvet cake being among the favorites.
Muffen said buttercream frosting is perhaps her specialty and calling card.
“Everything’s buttercream,” she said. “I will put my buttercream against anyone, anywhere. And everything I do starts with buttercream. So, if it’s pink champagne cake or a lemon blueberry cake or cookies & cream cake, it’s buttercream.”
Twisted Whisk also features fresh breads from Seven Loaves Bread Co. and macarons from B.Mac Bakeshop.
Honing her baking craft was something of a family affair, Muffen said.
“I learned how to bake from my Nanny and grandmothers, and from my father,” Muffen said. She noted that her late parents, Frank and Debbie Dawkins, owned a number of Midlands restaurants years ago, including one called Bama Eileen’s in West Columbia.
Muffen worked in banking and finance for 18 years, up until 2021, but continued to bake through the years, sort of as a side interest. She started baking birthday cakes and wedding cakes for people, and after a while that side gig started to get busier and busier.
About three years ago, the Minemiers set up Twisted Whisk at 206 W. Main St., though not as a walk-in bakery. Until recently the Main Street space was simply the nerve center for the special orders business. Cakes and other goodies for weddings and special occasions were baked in the site’s small kitchen, and customers could come there for planning and to pick up their cakes.
Now the shop has thrown its doors open for walk-in business, and Muffen said there has been a big response from local residents.
“The town of Lexington [government] has been absolutely wonderful to work with,” Muffen said. “They are phenomenal and have just been very supportive. And as for the town people of Lexington, I think all of Lexington has shown up [in the shop]. My plan is to feed all of them.”
Susan Dubose came into the bakery while a reporter was there on Friday morning. She was looking for a treat after a physical therapy session.
“I had knee surgery about four weeks ago, and they finally released me to where I could drive,” Dubose said with a grin. “I drove myself to physical therapy and I said, ‘What am I going to do to reward myself?’ So I came to see Muffen.”
The baker said she hopes to continue to grow the business, and is still exploring which treats are the most popular with customers. She said she’s been thrilled with the response to the walk-in business the last few weeks.
“It’s going well beyond my imagination,” she said.
This story was originally published May 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
The State
Chris Trainor is a retail reporter for The State and has been working for newspapers in South Carolina for more than 20 years, including previous stops at the (Greenwood) Index-Journal and the (Columbia) Free Times. He is the winner of a host of South Carolina Press Association awards, including honors in column writing, government beat reporting, profile writing, food writing, business beat reporting, election coverage, social media and more.
After more than a decade as head coach of his alma mater, Robert Wells is leaving the Brookland-Cayce boys basketball program.Wells will be the next coach at Lexington High School. His hire was approved at Tuesday morning’s Lexington 1 school board meeting.Wells replaces Elliott Pope, who resigned earlier this month after six seasons and is now an assistant coach at Gray Collegiate. Lexington is coming off a 4-19 season, a year after winning the school’s first state championship in 24 years.Wells was one of f...
After more than a decade as head coach of his alma mater, Robert Wells is leaving the Brookland-Cayce boys basketball program.
Wells will be the next coach at Lexington High School. His hire was approved at Tuesday morning’s Lexington 1 school board meeting.
Wells replaces Elliott Pope, who resigned earlier this month after six seasons and is now an assistant coach at Gray Collegiate. Lexington is coming off a 4-19 season, a year after winning the school’s first state championship in 24 years.
Wells was one of five candidates to interview for the positions, sources told The State.
“Lexington High athletics have a tradition of championship programs and and I look forward to being apart of that,” Wells told The State. “It was a tough decision to leave Brookland-Cayce but my kids currently attending Lexington 1 schools and family residing in the Lexington community had a lot to do with my decision.”
Wells also went on to thank Lexington 2 and Brookland-Cayce administration for his time at the school and district.
The 2003 B-C grad has been the Bearcats’ head coach for the past 13 seasons, compiling a record of 171-142. Under Wells, B-C has made the playoffs each season and made it to the 2017 3A Lower State championship. The Bearcats also won its lone region title under Wells that season.
Brookland-Cayce went 19-9 this season and advanced to the second round of the Class 4A playoffs. The Bearcats are expected to return a strong nucleus next season that includes AJ Edwards, Carter Jackson and Isaiah Oree.
In addition to coaching, Wells founded the Cayce Roundball Classic holiday tournament five years ago. That event is expected to move with him to Lexington High School and be renamed.
In 2020, Wells also was recognized by The State newspaper in its annual “20 under 40,” which recognized some of the top young professionals in the Midlands.
Boys Basketball
School — Former Coach — New Coach
Brookland-Cayce — Robert Wells — TBA
Gray Collegiate — Carlos Powell — Dion Bethea
Lexington — Elliott Pope — Robert Wells
Girls Basketball
Chapin — Chad Boland — Terence Jones
Irmo — Trina Wagstaff — Coretta Ferguson (Will be approved Tuesday)
Northside Christian — Jordan Leath — TBA
Ridge View — Terrence Gibson — TBA
River Bluff — Candice Cobb — Jordan Leath
Spring Valley — Megan Assey — TBA
White Knoll — Coretta Ferguson — TBA
This story was originally published April 29, 2025 at 7:30 AM.
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