Kristian Niemi, owner of Black Rooster in West Columbia’s Brookland development, has been chosen for the Lifetime Achievement Award by the SC Restaurant and Lodging Association. He was also inducted into the Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame at the annual Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame and Benefit Dinner on Nov. 21 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

Also receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards are: Star Chappell (Cabana Cafe and Catering); Ricky Mollohan (Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Cafe); and Brian and Kelly Glynn (Village Idiot Pizza.) Tyrone and Kiki Cyrus, owners of Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles, received the Rising Star Award.

Niemi is described as “A true pioneer in Columbia’s burgeoning food and beverage industry, Kristian Niemi has opened some of Columbia’s most popular restaurants, including Mr. Friendly’s, Gervais And Vine, Rosso Trattoria, Bourbon Columbia, Black Rooster, and the soon-to-be The Dragon Room, in addition to Honey River Catering.”

About his restaurants:
Black Rooster, Kristian’s French-ish concept, adheres to French classics and techniques, but adds local sensibility based on the farmers and ranchers they work with.

From happy hour to late-night, Bourbon prides itself on specializing in craft cocktails, flavors of the Louisiana Bayou, and, of course, its list of 500+ whiskeys.

The Dragon Room will be a cocktail bar and Asian izakaya, where people come to unwind with coworkers and friends.