“It’s time,” said Renee Hajek yesterday in advance of a social media post, announcing the permanent closing of her restaurant and bar, Stay. Social, Tap + Table, in Evans across from the Lady A.
The stress of fighting for her liquor license for about three months took its toll. At issue was whether Hajek obtained more than 50 percent of her sales from food, the requirement after she received a grant and loan money from Columbia County to open Stay.
It started with a 4-1 vote by the County Commission in September to revoke her license, as reported by ABD here, restoration of it temporarily, then unsuccessful mediation ordered by Columbia County Chief Superior Court Judge Jim Blanchard, Jr., in October, followed by an unsuccessful court hearing in December.
Hajek decided not to wait until New Year’s Eve to close, instead opting for Friday, Dec. 30. Today, she will be meeting with Meybohm to negotiate the terms of her remaining lease.
Stay operated a unique pour-your-own beer and wine business from a row of taps along the wall and tapas-style food. Now, the kegs are all drained but Stay still has food available including smoked brisket kits, either half or whole briskets, along with slider platters.
“I have lots of equipment to sell and also the self-taps and cooler if anyone is interested,” said Hajek.
Marty Koger owned BP Gas stations selling alcohol in Columbia County for years and later owned Tip Top Taps in Evans. He was strict about carding customers and following the law.
“I don’t believe in exceptions,” he said. “The laws are there for a reason and enforced equally in the same consistent manner. Alcohol is alcohol and the rules are necessary. The Sheriff and county have a huge obligation to maintain regulations.
But Koger also understands the human side and hopes Hajek can recoup some money.
“I feel for her. She made a huge investment,” he said.
Koger chose to move his Tip Tap Tops growler business to downtown Augusta because of property and leasing costs and will open sometime in 2023.
So, could Hajek move Stay to Richmond County or Aiken County?
Yes, but not for five years in South Carolina and 10 years in Richmond or Columbia County.
“My alcohol license revocation prohibits me from obtaining another license until then,” she explained. “Columbia County issued me a death sentence.”
Hajek says she’ll decide her next career path after a 30-day break from her experience of owning Stay. Social, Tap + Table.
Augusta Business Daily reached out to a spokesperson for Columbia County on behalf of five sitting commissioners and we also reached incoming commissioner, Alison Couch.
All parties decided not to comment on Stay closing in Columbia County.
