Progress: Red's Place

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Open since April 17, 2013, Red’s Place is “always looking for ways to improve,” said Erin Oliver.

“We want to always provide a good, clean, fun atmosphere with top-notch food for years to come,” she said. “We have truly been overwhelmed with the following and support we have received in just our first year.”

Though open just a year, construction began at 6322 M.W. Rickenbaker Road in Summerton in November 2012. Patrick Oliver opened the establishment with the help of his dad, Tim Oliver. Red’s is definitely a family-run business

“We have always had a passion for cooking good food,” Erin Oliver said. “There was a need for a family-style restaurant with a great steak, along with other food.”

Oliver grew up in Summerton, and graduated from Laurence Manning Academy in 2003. She then went to nursing school at Francis Marion University, receiving her degree in 2008. She continues to work as a PRN while helping run the restaurant.

“I lived in Florence for about nine years and am still employed with McLeod Regional Medical Center,” she said.

Running a family business and working as a nurse leaves little time for the outside activities Oliver and her family enjoy, which include golfing, hunting and fishing. A typical day at the restaurant starts with meeting with vendors, cleaning and food preparation.

“Each evening we have a different ‘activity’ or live entertainment,” she said. “In one word, it’s stressful. Every day begins a new challenge. It definitely keeps you on your toes.”

She said the biggest challenge is “trying to be a million places at once.”

“From the front of the house, the bar, the kitchen, dining room floor, all of that,” she said. “Finding reliable help can be difficult, too.”

As for the county, she said a huge challenge is “little support for small businesses and high tax rates.”

But she loves meeting new people every day and “experiencing new bands and experimenting with new food items.”

In a year, she sees herself chugging along with new summer menu items, but she said it’s more difficult to look past that. She said Clarendon County has been a great place to run a business, as far as customers are concerned.

“It’s small (and) everyone knows you,” she said. “If they don’t know you personally, they know your parents or grandparents. This area is a prime example of Southern hospitality.”

“We tell our customers not to be shy,” she said. “We are always looking for ways to improve. We welcome critiques on our menu items and other suggestions.”

Red’s Place is open from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday; noon to 9 p.m. Thursday; 6:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.