I first ate at Carols Cake and Candy Kitchen when it was located on West Evans Street. It was in a rather small house and was always jam-packed with people. The atmosphere was lively, and I could always count on knowing at least ten people dining there. When they moved out towards Timmonsville, it became a Sunday lunch special for us. I remember waiting in line one Mothers Day for so long that I thought I would be a mother before it was time to eat. It never occurred to us to leave though, the food was that good.
I grew up in a Southern family that only ate “Southern cooking” on special occasions. My grandmother was health conscious and I can’t tell you how many times she said “A minute on the lips, a lifetime on the hips!” We generally reserve the big dishes for three occasions every year: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. That’s right, no stuffing, no lima beans, no ham, no turkey, no stewed tomatoes any other time of year.
Now you understand why I needed to eat at Carols?
I love Carol and Bill Hall. They are truly good, hard working people who want to make your day a little brighter. I went to them about making my wedding cake with a picture from a magazine in hand. I was determined to have this cake. I was not picky about many things, but this cake was beautiful. Carol looked the picture over and assured me it would be no problem. I didn’t need to worry– it was absolutely perfect.
I will miss seeing them as well. However, I understand that they want to retire and have a few hours to themselves.
I went to Carol’s on Friday with some friends because I knew it would be packed on Sunday. I even let myself have dessert AND a blueberry biscuit as a special treat since it would be my last meal there. (As my friend said, “You can’t eat here and NOT get a blueberry biscuit!”)
Then, Sunday morning Mr. Flossip said he wanted to go on the last day. I could not blame him and I wanted one last meal as well. We headed over as soon as they opened and just beat the crowd (sorry if you wanted our table). (I limited myself to a piece of pecan pie in deference to the calories consumed on Friday.) (I also ran a mile or two.)
There was definitely some sadness in the air, but hopefully wonderful things will come to the Halls as they start this new chapter in their lives.
I believe in the wisdom of Dr. Seuss: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”
(I am told that they will still be doing some cakes and catering.)
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Twitter Comment
Goodbye to Carols Restaurant. Read more here: [link to post] #fb
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Twitter Comment
RT: @flossip Goodbye to Carols Restaurant. Read more here: [link to post] #fb
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Oh wow, I didn’t even know it was closing? At the last job I worked at, people LOVED to go there for lunch. Everyone said it was really great but I never did get to try it (stupid 30 minute lunches I was on there). It really has great memories for a lot of Florence people though.
That is sad! It sounds a lot like our Longstreet Cafe (which we will miss more than any other place in town when we move and are eating at more than is probably healthy in the weeks before we move…they have the best biscuits).
Twitter Comment
? RT @flossip Goodbye to Carols Restaurant. Read more here: [link to post] #fb
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Thanks for the great tribute to Bill and Carol. It truly is sad to see such a wonderful restaurant close its doors. It wasn’t just the food that made us go back–it was Bill and Carol, too. We always knew we’d be greeted with a smile.
I’ll miss them!
Wow, my assistant and I went there Thursday last week for our farewell lunch. Sad, but the food was still SOOO good! We will miss Bill and Carol (especially since I had them cater my Christmas Parties for my employees for the last 2 years.) Iwish them the best!!