Columbia Restaurant Association to Honor Five Restaurants at Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame

The Greater Columbia Chapter of the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) will host its annual Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame and Benefit Dinner on Monday, November 25 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

Two exceptional individuals will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award and three restaurateurs will also be inducted into the 2024 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 long-term success in this continuously challenging and unique business.

The Midlands’ culinary culture is dynamic, and the city boasts an eclectic mix of old-school favorites, international cuisine, and innovative newcomers. 

Carmella and Joe Roche, owners of Villa Tronco, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for their 85 years of service to the Midlands community. Villa Tronco's continued success is certainly a reflection of strong family values, and the hard work ethic passed down by Sadie Tronco throughout the generations. 

This year’s Restaurant Hall of Fame inductees include:

• Steve Cook, Saluda’s Restaurant
• Larry Chandler, Firehouse Subs (TLC Enterprises, LLC)
• Mark Price, Mill Pond Steakhouse

Saluda’s is located in the heart of Columbia’s vibrant Five Points neighborhood, just steps from the University of South Carolina’s campus and less than a mile from the state capital building. Steve Cook and his team at Saluda’s have been impressing Columbia residents and visitors since they opened in 1996.

Larry Chandler, owner of TLC Enterprises, LLC, is the nation’s largest franchise owner of Firehouse Subs with more than 39 locations throughout North and South Carolina, and 15 in the Midlands area. Firehouse is known for its dedication to the com­munity, and the Public Safety Foundation is such a huge part of TLC Enterprises, raising more than $3.3 million for South Carolina’s public safety organizations.

Located just outside of Columbia in beautiful, historic Boykin, Mark Price and his team at Mill Pond Steakhouse have been offering a unique, serene dining experience unlike anything else in the state since 2006. Mill Pond offers a fine-dining experience with a well-stocked bar, exquisite cuts of dry- and wet-aged beef and enhanced versions of steakhouse sides sold à la carte.

Since 2006, the SCRLA has honored more than 50 restaurateurs for their achievements in the hospitality industry. Tickets begin at $100 and may be purchased by visiting scrla.org/event/colahof.