Lizard’s Thicket Coming to Florence

Where's That Name Come From?

Update: Lizard’s Thicket is scheduled to open in mid-September. Stay tuned for additional updates.

Yep, y’all heard right. Direct from Cola, Flotown is getting it’s very own Lizard’s Thicket. It’s going to be in the former Carolina Wings & Rib House location on West Palmetto.

Frequent readers of this site will note that from Red Bowl, Vallarta, and Cook-Out, to Playa Azul and Bistro To-Go, new restaurants seem to be popping up with increasing frequency. That said, we’ve also lost some local favorites such as Foodscapes, Artie Mac’s, and (now) JP’s Seafood & Steakhouse. Chubz is temporarily closed, and we’re anxious to see it re-open. We miss them all, but know that the restaurant business is challenging even in the best of economies. We appreciate all that they did for our regional food culture and their hard work in providing great local food in ways that only they could.

So is Lizard’s Thicket going to be a good thing or a bad thing? It is a chain, right?

Well, I’d suggest that it will be a good thing. First of all, while it’s a chain it is a South Carolina, family-owned chain. It’s also familiar to many in the Pee Dee from their trips to the Capital City; up to now it’s been a Columbia-focused enterprise. Also, Lizard’s Thicket is known for down-home cooking at reasonable prices – the traditional “Meat and Three” you might say – so that focus should be a welcome addition to local restaurant scene and the local economy.

Visit Lizard's Thicket Online

You may be asking yourself, what’s in it for Lizard’s Thicket? Why the Pee Dee? Well, while I have not had the opportunity to speak with them yet, I hope to do so soon. Until then I would answer those questions this way — purely speculation, of course. First, I expect that expanding into a nearby market with a relatively well-known and well-liked brand is a smart move. Second, no doubt that the folks at Lizard’s Thicket already know that the Pee Dee is full of people who love great food, trying new things, and doing so in a relaxed atmosphere. We’re also fiercely loyal to our favorite restaurants; old or new. Finally, Florence’s proximity to the I-95 corridor would no doubt provide a reasonable opportunity to attract some of the millions of travelers heading north and south each year. It’s either Cracker Barrel or nothing … at least in some travelers’ minds. Not sure I’m accurate with any of those speculations, but those are my best guesses for now. We’ll share any additional information that we receive down the road.

Based upon observation during my drive home today, work has already started. The old signage is coming down and the awnings are completely gone. Look for things to move quickly, as I have heard that Lizard’s Thicket is excited about this move into Florence. Look for an opening in late Summer 2012.

If you’re not familiar with Lizard’s Thicket, here are links to online sample menus for Breakfast, Lunch and Supper. Not everyone uses the term “supper” but we do and we like that they do that, too. More information can be found on their official website. For now, below is an excerpt from their “History” page in case you’re curious about that funny name.

Where Does the Name “Lizard’s Thicket” Come From?

“Well, as you’d imagine we get asked that question quite often. All we know is our founders, Bob and Anna Williams, heard the phrase “Lizard’s Thicket” over 30 years ago while living in Alabama. It had such a down-home country ring to it that years later, in 1977, after moving back home to Columbia, they figured it was the perfect name for their new down-home Country-Cookin’ establishment. They were right! It sort of caught on.”

Contact Information:

Lizard’s Thicket Corporate Office
1036 Market Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Telephone: 803.799.5016
Fax: 803.799.2512
Contact Form: http://lizardsthicket.com/contact
Website: http://LizardsThicket.com

On Facebook: Facebook.com/LizardsThicket
On Twitter: Twitter.com/LizardsThicket

__
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!

I’ve said what I think about this coming addition to the local restaurant scene, now you tell me what you think. Enter your thoughts in the comments below, we’d appreciate your feedback!

Tags: featured, Florence, full-image, Lizard's Thicket, New, Pee Dee, South Carolina

Category: Announcements