Steak and seafood with a local name
By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com

Staff Photo by Barry Halvorson Putting a new front on a familiar site, a crew from contractor Val Gutierrez works on the facade of what will become the Wharton Seafood and Steakhouse Restaurant when it reopens in November. Other planned changes include a new sign reflecting the new name.

A new look to go with a new name will mark the return of one of the city's restaurants in November.

Contractors are currently putting a new front appearance on what will reopen as the Wharton Seafood and Steakhouse at 1302 N. Richmond Road.

The changes include not only a new building front but also new landscaping featuring a number of palm trees along the roadway that have already been planted.

"I want the restaurant to look really good for the public," owner Leng Mak said.

A West Columbia businessman, he said he plans on spending a lot of time at the restaurant when it opens.

"I have 22 years of experience in the restaurant business and know that people like to eat in an attractive setting.

"I plan on being here frequently to make sure everything is quality."

Other improvements scheduled before the grand re-opening are new signs along the roadway and on the building as well as a renovation of the interior of the building.

Mak estimated total cost of the work at $35,000.

The contractor for the building renovation portion of the project is Val Gutierrez of Boling.

According to a sign on the door, the restaurant closed on Oct. 9.

The owner said that no specific date has been set for the re-opening but the work would take approximately a month.