West Columbia developer creates map highlighting area attractions

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West Columbia developer Joe Taylor has helped create a map of selected city restaurants and attractions in what he said is an effort to support local small businesses.

The 18-by-24 inch, full-color map shows the locations of 57 locally owned restaurants, from Al’s Upstairs to Zesto, as well as non-food attractions in West Columbia, according to a news release from Taylor’s office. Taylor selected the highlighted locations.

Five thousand copies of the maps were printed. They are available at West Columbia City Hall, Taylor’s office at 146 State St., and other locations citywide.

“This is a way to support the many mom-and-pop small businesses who are the backbone of the community,” Taylor said. “The strength of these locally owned restaurants shows what can happen when you have a business-friendly local government.”

West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles said the city appreciates the gesture from Taylor, a former S.C. Secretary of Commerce who is involved in several West Columbia development projects through his real estate holding company, State Street 1.

“Taylor has provided the city, its great restaurants, and all of our visitors with a really cool way to see all the great dining options we have in West Columbia,” Miles said. “The map makes you want to go out and eat.”

The art and design for the map were created by Charlotte industrial designer and author Mike Daikubara, who said drawing the map encouraged him to sample some of its selections.

“He (Taylor) told me about all these great restaurants, and I went to check them out,” he said. “I drove to each one and either took a picture of it or I drew it on location. Joe got me to get a taste of many of the places, too.”

A map can be obtained by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to WC Food Map, 146 State St., West Columbia, S.C., 29169.