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Greater Columbia Restaurant Association Hosts Annual Hall of Fame Dinner
The Greater Columbia Chapter of the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association hosted its annual Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame and Benefit Dinner on Monday, November 20 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
Six exceptional individuals received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award and were inducted into the
2023 Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame. This accolade stands as a high honor in South Carolina’s restaurant industry-- an annual tribute reserved for the visionary restaurateurs of the Columbia area who embody longterm success in this continuously challenging and unique business.
Columbia’s culinary culture is dynamic, and the city boasts an eclectic mix of old-school favorites, international cuisine, and innovative newcomers.
"It’s always exciting to celebrate new restaurant concepts here in the Midlands, but it is a special honor to recognize the outstanding businesspeople and restaurateurs behind those longstanding favorites," said Susan Cohen, President and CEO of the SCRLA.
This year’s Restaurant Hall of Fame inductees include:
• Clark Ellefson and Andy Rogers, Art Bar
• Scott and Lauren Goodale, Pasta Fresca
• Clint Hudson and Clay Hudson, Hudson’s Classic Catering and Hudson's Smokehouse
Named after longtime restaurateur, Rudy Fleischhacker, the Rudy Award honors an individual whose exemplary service positively impacts the Columbia restaurant industry, as Rudy’s passion to the service industry was second to none. Bill Ellen, President and CEO of Experience Columbia S.C., will be presented with the Rudy Award and honored for his exemplary service and astounding support for Columbia’s hospitality industry.
The Rising Star Award recognizes the hard work, dedication and entrepreneurship of an emerging restaurant concept here in the Midlands. Scott Middleton, Sara Middleton Styles and Greg Middleton, owners of LTC Hospitality Solutions, will be honored with the 2023 award. Their portfolio boasts a wide variety of venues, such as The Grand on Main, Good Life Café, Smoked, Hanabi Hibachi & Sushi, The Player's Club, Robinson Room and The Venue.


