Under the Neon Sign - Motor Supply Company Bistro

Under the Words by Michelle McCollum Photography by Jonathan Sharpe, Forrest Clonts & Sean Rayford

I

am no cook. Just ask my family, who all wait with bated breath every time I place bread in the oven. Instead, I leave the hard work to the pros and place my efforts into eating. I actually fancy myself a food critic, although I have no training. Like many Southerners, I just simply know good food. And, with my job, I’m able to travel the state and meet the amazing people behind good food. Let me introduce you to one of my favorites: Motor Supply Company Bistro in Columbia, South Carolina.

Housed in a circa-1846 brick building that once served as the original “Motor Supply Company” (a warehouse supplying – you guessed it – motor supply parts), this trendy bistro has received recent accolades from Southern Living, Food Network, The Local Palate, Food & Wine Magazine, and more. Joining art galleries, boutiques, specialty shops and other restaurants and bars, Motor Supply is located just a stone’s throw away from the State House in the sophisticated Historic Congaree Vista District of the city.

Intro Photo: Jonathan Sharpe Top & Left Photo: Forrest Clonts thesouthernedgemagazine.com

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Owner, Eddie Wales; Executive Chef, Wes Fulmer; and, Head Barman, Josh Streetman form the “dream team” that has turned this restaurant into a progressive upscale dining scene, and they have quite a following. Along with craft cocktails that keep the bar menu interesting, the lunch and dinner menus change twice per day, every day. Did you get that?

The menu changes every day. How amazing is that?

Proteins like fatty meats, fresh fish and shellfish are staples, but the preparation of the dishes is a daily surprise.

Made-from-scratch cuisine with an emphasis on farm-to-table and a Slow Food philosophy of supporting good, clean, and fair foodways are some of the things that make Motor Supply a favorite spot for the team. Chef Fulmer buys from local sustainable, organic, and near-organic farms, using classical French culinary techniques to create contemporary American, Asian, Mediterranean and vegetarian dishes; all with Southern influences, of course. And everything not locally sourced is made in-house, including stocks, sauces, dressings, infused vodkas, gins, bourbons, and tequilas.

The atmosphere is one-of-a-kind. The building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was completely refurbished. The special touch of the restored original 1930’s neon sign found in the basement by the owners brings the history of the place to life. Original brick walls, exposed wooden beams and industrial iron elements create a warm and comfortable feel. Unique features like barn wood tables by local company Bricker and Beam, patio seating with roll-up garage door windows, and a rotating display of local artwork are all distinct elements that add to the cultured charm.

2019 marks the 30 Year Anniversary of the opening of Motor Supply Company Bistro, and Eddie is pretty darn excited. “We want our anniversary celebration to be about our customers and our staff. We are one big family here and would not be celebrating our success if it were not for this amazing family.” The official celebration will be a month-long event in December bringing back old menu favorites, price-fixe specials and drink specials.

We invite you to join our team during the month of December to help celebrate 30 great years of Motor Supply Company Bistro. Come hungry. We’ll meet you under the neon sign.

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Staff Photos: Sean Rayford Collage Photos: Forrest Clonts thesouthernedgemagazine.com

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