State Sen. Nikki Setzler presented a Senate resolution to Al Loftis to commemorate the closing of Al’s Upstairs, the place to dine for some of the best Italian food. Al Loftis, Al’s Upstairs owner, announced last week that he is closing the popular restaurant Al’s Upstairs at 300 Meeting Street in West Columbia after 44 years of operation.

Below is a the resolution presented by Sen. Setzler:

TO RECOGNIZE AL’S UPSTAIRS UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS CLOSING, TO COMMEND
THE RESTAURANT FOR ITS FORTY-FOUR YEARS OF SERVICE, AND TO WISH THE
OWNER OF AL’S UPSTAIRS, AL LOFTIS, MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE
YEARS AHEAD.

Whereas, Al’s Upstairs Restaurant is hereby recognized upon the occasion of its closing after forty-
four years in business; and

Whereas, Al’s Upstairs was the place to dine for some of the best Italian food in Columbia, along with some of the best views of the Columbia skyline in the Midlands; and

Whereas, Al Loftis founded Al’s Upstairs, and his leadership has grown the business into the success
it has become over the years. His tireless work in the Columbia community and the greater Midlands
area is greatly appreciated; and

Whereas, Mr. Loftis credits the success of the restaurant to the dedication and combined fifty-five
years of experience of Clair Bouknight and Chef Mike Wright. Their commitment to excellence has
been instrumental in shaping the restaurant into what it is today; and

Whereas, the leadership and dedication of Al’s Upstairs’ Management Team, including Chef Mike,
Sous Chef Josh, and Assistant Managers Madison, Allison, and Tony, played a pivotal role in
maintaining the high standards for which Al’s is known; and

Whereas, the passion and dedication that the management and servers of Al’s Upstairs has shown in
serving the people and the State of South Carolina is greatly appreciated. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved:

That Al’s Upstairs be recognized upon the occasion of its closing and commended for its forty-four
years of dedicated service, and that the owner of Al’s Upstairs, Al Loftis, be wished much happiness
and fulfillment in the years ahead.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Al Loftis and the management
team of Al’s Upstairs.