News Summary
Lizard’s Thicket, a family-owned restaurant chain in Columbia, SC, has become a local favorite for Southern comfort food since 1977. Known for its fried chicken and collard greens, the restaurant is deeply rooted in community and family traditions, with multiple generations now involved in its success. Open year-round, Lizard’s Thicket continues to serve hearty meals, solidifying its place as an essential part of local culture.
Columbia, SC: A Family Legacy of Southern Comfort Food
Lizard’s Thicket, a family-owned restaurant chain, has become a staple of Southern comfort food in Columbia, South Carolina, with 13 locations spread across the Midlands. Founded in December 1977 by Anna and Bob Williams, the restaurant originally offered a limited menu of a few meat selections and vegetable sides, but it has since evolved into a beloved dining establishment, now serving up a variety of classic Southern dishes.
Today, Lizard’s Thicket operates every day of the year except Christmas, providing a comforting experience to local residents. Major dishes served include fried chicken, collard greens, black-eyed peas, and pork chops, all of which are staples of Southern cuisine. The restaurant’s commitment to using local resources is evident; for instance, fresh collard greens are sourced from Rawls Farm in Lexington.
Significant Milestones and Community Impact
As part of its tradition, Lizard’s Thicket opens at 6 a.m. for breakfast on New Year’s Day, and lunch service commences at 11 a.m., featuring a classic plate option priced at $11.99. On one of its busiest days in 2024, the restaurant served over 5,500 pork chops, 8,500 servings of black-eyed peas, and 9,000 servings of fresh collard greens, demonstrating its popularity among the community during holiday gatherings.
The Williams family’s commitment to the restaurant has remained strong through generations. Bob Williams’ sons, Bobby, Jimmy, Mark, and John, along with 24 members of the third generation, have taken on leadership roles within the business. This familial structure not only reinforces the restaurant’s values but also encourages a tight-knit community atmosphere. Employees often establish long-term ties to Lizard’s Thicket, with some staff dedicating as many as 40 years to the restaurant.
Community and Family Tradition
Matthew Williams, the Operations Manager, reflects on the integral role the family restaurant plays in the lives of both staff and regular customers, creating a sense of belonging and community. Family gatherings and special holidays are frequently celebrated at Lizard’s Thicket, solidifying its reputation as more than just a dining option; it is a cherished part of many families’ traditions.
Sara Krisnow, the community relations manager and Matthew’s cousin, emphasizes how Lizard’s Thicket has woven itself into the fabric of local customs, becoming a place where memories are made and shared over hearty meals.
Looking Ahead
The Williams family remains optimistic about the future, hoping that the fourth generation will follow in their footsteps within the family business. Despite facing challenges in the ever-evolving restaurant industry, the family is determined to maintain Lizard’s Thicket as a beloved local institution, reinforcing its legacy of Southern comfort food.
As Lizard’s Thicket continues to thrive, the Williams family’s dedication to quality service and home-cooked meals reflects the essence of Southern hospitality. With a bright future on the horizon, the restaurant stands as a testament to the enduring power of family, food, and community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lizard’s Thicket in Lexington to Undergo Renovations
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Lizard’s Thicket Family Tradition
- Wikipedia: Southern cuisine
- WACH: Lizard’s Thicket Prepares for New Year’s Day
- Google Search: Southern comfort food
- Cola Daily: Lizard’s Thicket Rings in the New Year
- Google Scholar: Lizard’s Thicket
- The State: Local News on Lizard’s Thicket
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant History
- Post and Courier: Lizard’s Thicket Closed Permanently
- Google News: Lizard’s Thicket
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
