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 Robert Mills House and Gardens 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia Canal and Riverfront 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 Ruth's Chris Steak House or visit Historic Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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.
COLUMBIA — Hundreds of new homes are coming to a busy stretch of Garners Ferry Road as housing developments spring up in southeast Columbia.A 295-home subdivision has been approved as the third phase of the Cameron Ridge housing development. The neighborhood is off Garners Ferry Road near Mill Creek Elementary.The ...
COLUMBIA — Hundreds of new homes are coming to a busy stretch of Garners Ferry Road as housing developments spring up in southeast Columbia.
A 295-home subdivision has been approved as the third phase of the Cameron Ridge housing development. The neighborhood is off Garners Ferry Road near Mill Creek Elementary.
The plans were approved by the city’s Planning Commission at a June 12 meeting.
The homes are the latest in a string of housing developments to spring up in southeast Columbia, outside of the Interstate 77 beltline and near Hopkins.
The area has attracted housing developments and homebuyers for its lower prices for both developable tracts of land and built homes, said Karen Yip, owner of Columbia’s Yip Premier Real Estate.
Access to interstates, downtown Columbia, Fort Jackson and retail along Garners Ferry, while also providing larger lot sizes and a more rural feel, are also draws to the developing area, Yip explained.
“I like to think of it to a certain extent like how Lexington has grown,” Yip said. “I think that that is what's going to be happening in this southeast quarter. This is the next growth corridor that is worth keeping an eye on.”
Homes in southeast Columbia are selling for an average of $239,000, compared to the Columbia-area's $268,000 average, according to data from the South Carolina Realtors Association.
Online listings from Cameron Ridge developer Ryan Homes lists houses in the neighborhood from $239,000 to just over $300,000.
Home prices in the neighborhood have held steady in the past year even as prices in the Columbia-area overall have increased.
Newly-built homes make up around 40 percent of the sold and listed homes in the area in the past year.
Southeast Columbia and lower Richland County have not received as much commercial and development attention as other rural areas surrounding the city, such as those to the north along interstates 77 and 20 towards Blythewood and Camden and those in Lexington County.
Local leaders and developers have made moves to encourage more growth in the area.
RJ May was arrested Wednesday and appeared in federal court for a detention hearing Thursday.COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Lexington County state lawmaker is being held without bond after federal authorities charged him with sharing more than 200 videos of child sex abuse material online.Rep. RJ May, R-Lexington, was arrested Wednesday at his West Columbia home. On Thu...
RJ May was arrested Wednesday and appeared in federal court for a detention hearing Thursday.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Lexington County state lawmaker is being held without bond after federal authorities charged him with sharing more than 200 videos of child sex abuse material online.
Rep. RJ May, R-Lexington, was arrested Wednesday at his West Columbia home. On Thursday, Judge Shiva Hodges ordered him to remain in federal custody, citing concerns he could be a flight risk or a danger to the community.
The nearly two-hour detention hearing at the Matthew J. Perry US Courthouse included testimony from a federal agent who investigates internet crimes against children. The agent said the case began with a tip from the messaging app Kik, which flagged an account for sharing child sexual abuse material.
According to the agent, the flagged account was registered using May’s home IP address. Investigators say more than 200 explicit videos were shared nearly 500 times in March and April of this year. In August, agents searched May’s home and seized several devices. Although May had deleted Kik and other apps on April 4, officials said his phone still saved the username and email linked to the flagged account.
May’s defense attorneys argued that no sexual content was found stored directly on his hard drives.
Interim U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling, who attended the hearing, said, “He is innocent until proven guilty in the court of law, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office only comment would be to direct you to the testimony today and the filings at the Clerk of Court’s office. Besides that, we have no comment.”
May has been suspended from the South Carolina House of Representatives while the case proceeds.
May co-founded the ultra-conservative South Carolina Freedom Caucus, but the group said in a statement Wednesday that he has not been involved since August 2024 and has now been formally expelled.
If convicted, May faces up to 20 years in prison.
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 — In 1905, Gustaf Sylvan partnered with his brother Johannes to open a second Main Street jewelry store at the corner of Hampton Street — a location that remains open today and still features a sign above the entrance similar to the one from its early years.But this fall, that chapter is expected to end, as Sylvan’s Jewelers plans to move from its 1500 Main St. spot into the former Wet Willie’s, according to a longtime employee. The bar, known for its daiquiris, margaritas and other frozen drinks, clos...
COLUMBIA — In 1905, Gustaf Sylvan partnered with his brother Johannes to open a second Main Street jewelry store at the corner of Hampton Street — a location that remains open today and still features a sign above the entrance similar to the one from its early years.
But this fall, that chapter is expected to end, as Sylvan’s Jewelers plans to move from its 1500 Main St. spot into the former Wet Willie’s, according to a longtime employee. The bar, known for its daiquiris, margaritas and other frozen drinks, closed in 2023.
With an October move-in planned, Sylvan’s will occupy part of the 800 Gervais St. building, which also once housed Jillian’s — a popular restaurant and nightspot that closed nearly a decade ago. Last week, construction workers were seen entering and exiting the site, with a forklift parked outside.
Along with selling engagement rings, wedding bands and luxury watches from brands like Rolex and Tudor, Sylvan’s offers repair services, custom designs and appraisals. Bill Knight, the sales associate who confirmed the move, told The Post and Courier the new store will offer the same services but plans to add more vendors and new styles of jewelry.
Knight called the current building, built in 1879, “beautiful” and full of “rich history.”
"But then again, we have to grow," said Knight, who has worked at Sylvan’s for nearly 20 years. "It's going to be something that's been a long time coming for Columbia."
He added that the new store will have a “modernizing" look, with employees and customers standing side by side rather than separated by a case.
"It's like putting a desk between you and your customer," Knight said of the current setup, "but instead, you're going to be right there with them and maybe be able to build a better rapport with them and trust."
COLUMBIA — When Lizard's Thicket Operations Manager Matthew Williams thinks of some of his earliest memories, he pictures sitting in the passenger seat as his dad drove to the meat-and-three restaurants across the Midlands. He remembers eating chicken legs and sitting on a milk crate while learning how to make banana pudding.Sara Kisnow, the restaurant's community relations manager and Matthew's cousin, remembers tagging along with her mother as she made schedules at Lizard Thicket's ...
COLUMBIA — When Lizard's Thicket Operations Manager Matthew Williams thinks of some of his earliest memories, he pictures sitting in the passenger seat as his dad drove to the meat-and-three restaurants across the Midlands. He remembers eating chicken legs and sitting on a milk crate while learning how to make banana pudding.
Sara Kisnow, the restaurant's community relations manager and Matthew's cousin, remembers tagging along with her mother as she made schedules at Lizard Thicket's West Columbia store. There, the servers were her babysitters, and her only goal was to grab a few pieces of candy from the bowl next to the register and be a part of the family business.
And while everyone in the Williams family started differently, from washing dishes to learning numbers by counting change, it's safe to say that all of their earliest childhood memories revolved around the family restaurant.
Now, every Father's Day, Mother's Day or any holiday (because Lizard's Thicket is open every day of the year except Christmas) is a chance to remember and celebrate the strong family legacy that makes the restaurant the iconic Columbia landmark it is today.
Anna and Bob Williams opened the first Lizard's Thicket restaurant on Broad River Road in December 1977 with a few meat selections and a handful of vegetable sides.
Over time, the restaurant evolved, adding more entrees and sides and opening new locations across the Midlands. Now, there are 13 Lizard's Thicket restaurants from Columbia to Blythewood to Red Bank, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the week.
As the number of Lizard's Thickets grew, so did the Williams family. Now, Bob Williams' sons, Bobby, Jimmy, Mark and John, play significant roles in the business. Plus, multiple members of the third generation of the Williams family, a total of 24, have stepped into leadership positions.
Matthew Williams said he and many of his family members always knew they would join the business started by his grandparents over 47 years ago.
"We just felt a great deal of respect and reverence for all the hard work that had been put before us and of the great example that they showed us and the rewards that were reaped," Matthew Williams said. "And just in the same breath, you know, how proud we were of our family and how proud of all the work that had been done to have this shining legacy."
Bobby Williams Jr., Lizard's Thicket's CEO and Robert and Matthew Williams' father, said the legacy was built through tough love and hard work.
"My father was a tough taskmaster, and hard work is what he taught all of us. We were honoring him to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our father and our mother," Bobby Williams said. "But I feel that even with the children that are in the business now, they kind of honor my father and my brothers and myself by the way they're working."
Robert Williams said his father passed on the same determination that his grandfather had and helped him understand the importance of uploading high standards. And while he didn't enjoy as much free time as his friends, Robert Williams said he was grateful for what those before him helped build.
"What always grounded me is I felt like as hard as I was working, I would never have to work as hard as my father did, and (my grandparents and uncles) did to lay the groundwork for this," Robert Williams said.
Anytime a new restaurant would open, or doubts would be cast on whether Lizard's Thicket could survive, Bob Williams' advice was simple.
"As my daddy said, you just outwork them," Mark Williams said.
As many restaurants came and went, Lizard's Thicket and the Williams' bond stayed strong.
"We found out there was more strength in the family unit together," Jimmy Williams said. "You know, that's how we got going. We were shoulder to shoulder, and working together."
Robert Williams said the Lizard's Thicket staff is close and dedicated, with many employees staying for years on end. Some staff members were hired by his grandfather and have worked at the restaurant for 40 years.
"The employees have their own family atmosphere in the restaurants, and they take pride in that," Robert Williams said. "We treat people like they're part of our extended family, and understand when they're having hard times, and help them through tough situations, and a lot of people don't have anybody to help them out in tough times or advice. And I think we do a good job of going that extra step for the people involved with us, to make sure everybody's prospering the right way, and set themselves up for success."
The Williams also know and treat customers like family, Robert Williams said.
"Our regular customers, they can be two times a day, seven days a week, and if they're not here, they tell the waitress I'm going out of town, or, God forbid, they're in the hospital or something," Robert Williams said. "That's what it takes for them not to be here, because they're always here."
Krisnow said Lizard's Thicket has become part of many families' Father's Day, Mother's Day and everyday traditions.
"Lizard's Thicket is where they come for celebration," she said. "So we know exactly what's going on with their families, because they bring them all here."
Most of the fourth Williams generation is still too young to work, but Robert Williams and Krisnow said they hope their children will want to continue working in the family business.
From gaining customer service skills by working with "hangry" people to learning how to talk to anyone who walks through the door, Krisnow hopes her kids will be able to thrive in the business as she did.
"Whatever they want to do we'll support, but I definitely want them to work in the restaurants growing up," Krisnow said. "I think those are some skills that I learned at an early age that (have) helped me be successful in life. And I think that I'd like to give the fourth generation that opportunity as well."
While the Williams family may not know what the future will look like, they do know that Lizard's Thicket isn't going anywhere.
"Lizard's Thicket is going to keep going," Krisnow said. "I can promise you that."
Sydney Dunlap is a reporter with the Free Times. Reach her [email protected]
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