ORANGEBURG, S.C. — New fast-food restaurants are making their mark in Orangeburg County, providing both a fresh dining experience and an economic boost to the area.
At Friday's ribbon-cutting ceremony, radio host Charlamagne Tha God celebrated the opening of his fast-food chain, Krystal, in the city of Orangeburg. The Berkeley County native noted his personal connection to the area, where his family has deep ties.
“Just to be doing this in Orangeburg, where my mother went to South Carolina State, graduated Claflin in ‘75, my father-in-law went to Claflin, like Orangeburg just means a lot to me,” Charlamagne said. “You know, growing up here, throwing parties with DJ Frosty dot com and running through all the clubs here in Orangeburg, like, it's just amazing. It's kind of surreal, so like I said, I just want to keep creating jobs in the state of South Carolina.”
The restaurant is expected to provide over 40 jobs for the community, and more businesses are on the way, according to the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce.
“We have Krystal today, we have Chipotle getting ready to open, we have Dunkin' Donuts coming, we have others that are on their way and, as you know, it means the economic development has started. There’s a lot more to come,” said James McQuilla of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce.
Charlamagne says he carefully selected Orangeburg as the location for his new restaurant.
“I couldn’t think of any other place when they say Orangeburg. You know, that’s perfect. I started thinking about South Carolina State, I started thinking about Claflin, and to your point, I wanted that. I wanted to be in Orangeburg, not like close to the highway where, you know, people can get off real quick. I was like, I want it to be something for the community,” Charlamagne said.
McQuilla also highlighted the county’s efforts to attract more businesses to the area, pointing to Orangeburg’s potential for growth.
“We’re promoting what Orangeburg really is and not what people think it is. Orangeburg is the second largest county in the state of South Carolina based on land mass," McQuilla said. "We have more potential for growth than any other county in the state, and we are ready for it. We have the infrastructure, we have the education, and we’re working on other parts where we know we need to develop. So if you want to start a business, come to Orangeburg.”
Orangeburg City Administrator Sidney Evering emphasized the importance of job creation in the community, saying the city is prepared to handle economic growth.
“Obviously, investment means jobs. We want our community to have jobs and get high-paying jobs, Evering said. "So, if we see economic development coming this way, we want to make sure that we are poised to take advantage of it through smart growth. We just see this as a great opportunity.”
A new Jersey Mike’s is expected to open early next year on Chestnut Street.