The 9th Annual West Columbia Beautification Foundation Taste on the River was an unforgettable evening celebrating the Midlands’ vibrant culinary scene while supporting ongoing beautification efforts in the City of West Columbia. Held on Tuesday, June 10, at Stone River, the event welcomed hundreds of guests from across the region and raised an impressive $37,610, which will support the continued enhancement of public spaces throughout the city.

“The 9th Annual Taste on the River was a tremendous success, and I am so grateful to everyone who contributed, participated, and helped make it happen,” said Kathy Whetzel, Chairperson of the West Columbia Beautification Foundation. “From our incredible local restaurants and sponsors to the guests who showed up in support of our mission, the community truly came together. The proceeds from this event will directly support beautification projects that enhance the quality of life in West Columbia, and we couldn’t do it without this kind of amazing support.”

A special thank you goes out to the talented chefs and generous sponsors who made this event possible:

Participating Restaurants:

• Black Rooster – Elevated Italian flavors with a twist
• Blue Marlin – Iconic Lowcountry seafood and specialties
• The Dragon Room – Bold and creative Asian fusion
• Di Vino Rosso – Authentic Italian with a modern touch
• The Hollow – Artisanal small plates and craft cocktails
• Hite’s BBQ – A Midlands institution for smoky, slow-cooked perfection
• Café Strudel – Locally loved for innovative brunch and comfort foods
• The Cake House – Casa de Pastel – Decadent cakes and pastries
• Brickhouse Gourmet Coffee & Tea – Handcrafted brews and specialty drinks
• Nick’s House of Pizza – Classic Greek and Italian flavors
• Always Original Bakery – Freshly baked, one-of-a-kind sweet treats
• Brookland Banquet & Conference Center – Elegant catering with Southern charm
• Signature Catering – Custom creations for every palate
• Fresh Poke – Delicious, customizable Hawaiian-inspired poke bowls

Platinum Sponsors:

• By Design
• Something Borrowed
• Carolina Tap & Bore

Gold Sponsors:

• Irmo Arbor Day
• House of Raeford
• Whetzel’s Automotive
• Mooneyhan’s Automotive
• Stone River
• O.B. One Communications
• Midlands Media Group
• Brookland Commons
• Safety for Sarah Foundation
• WeCo Rooter
• Beckett Financial Group
• West Point Coins
• Cable & Connections
• The Rast McFadden Group
• BuWa Digital

For more information about the West Columbia Beautification Foundation or to get involved, visit www.beautifywestcolumbia.org or contact Justin Wise at [email protected].