2 weeks Ago
COLUMBIA — After facing the demolition of their cozy downtown building, popular Columbia brunch restaurant The Toasty Hot Spot has officially relocated and opened its doors in Five Points. For three-and-a-half years, The Toasty Hot Spot has gained notoriety in Columbia for its rotating roster of brunch creations and soul food specials — from savory oxtail birria tacos oozing with cheese to loaded Gullah grits bowls with kitchen sink toppings. When Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union began to strategize a new 100,000-square-foot headquarters on the borders of Lady, Marion, Sumter and Washington streets, owner Sai Williams and her team moved out of their previous location on 1305 Lady St.
to a new location on 2002 Greene St. The lot was previously home to quick-service restaurant Pita Pit . "Sadly, it wasn't our intention to relocate .
.. but the owner, I'm assuming, didn't want my business there," she said.
"I pretty much drove around, looking for a new location, when I found this one." Columbia's top officials supported the move at a Nov. 4 ribbon cutting for the new Five Points location.
A sampling of some of The Toasty Hot Spot's offerings in their new Five Points location. "They gave her three months' notice to find a new location, and she did all this," said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "This is amazing and this is what Columbia is about.
" At the ceremony, Williams was joined by the restaurant's team, the City of Columbia and members of her family. "She's one of the first in our family to become an entrepreneur with her own business," said Dolores Capers, Williams' aunt. "We're so excited about that.
" The new Toasty Hot Spot, which spans 1,400 square feet, will allow Williams to offer indoor dining, mimosas and an updated menu. "We're going to offer everything that we already offer," Williams said. "We can just give way more quality service.
" For those looking to visit the brunch spot in its new home, read this guide to some of Williams's favorite menu items — from old favorites to new staples. The Bayou Shrimp and Creamy Grits from The Toasty Hot Spot in Five Points. In South Carolina, there's no shortage of shrimp and grits to go around, but The Toasty Hot Spot's recipe offers something different — a Cajun twist.
In this comforting bowl, the well-seasoned and slightly charred gulf shrimp are just as important as the smooth and mild grits. Bacon, onions, peppers and a splash of truffle cream sauce make for a satisfying and savory bite. The French Toast Club Stack sandwich from the Toasty Hot Spot in Five Points.
If you can't choose between sweet and savory breakfasts, the French Toast Club Stack checks both boxes. The restaurant's semi-namesake, French toast, tastes almost candied, with sweet vanilla and maple flavors taking center stage. Stuffed with your choice of meat and eggs, it's a challenge to get your mouth around — but if you're a fan of flavor contrasts, it just might be worth it.
The breakfast potatoes from The Toasty Hot Spot in Five Points. Most of The Toasty Hot Spot's brunch dishes come with a side of breakfast potatoes, so it's important they hold up. Crispy outsides, fluffy insides and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning make these morsels taste like a hybrid of home fries and French fries.
The strawberry lemonade from The Toasty Hot Spot in Five Points. The Toasty Hot Spot has long been famous for its signature lemonade concoctions, and the restaurant's strawberry-flavored sip is no exception. Think equal parts sweet and tart — almost like a fruit punch's older, calmer sister.
While the drink is spirit-free, many of its flavors are available on The Toasty Hot Spot's new cocktail menu..
