Poogan’s Southern Kitchen set to open in Forest Acres

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Poogan’s Southern Kitchen will open on Aug. 22 in the Cardinal Crossing Community at 4605 Forest Drive in Forest Acres.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m., followed immediately by a grand opening celebration at 10 a.m., according to a press release from Colliers South Carolina.

Poogan’s Southern Kitchen aims to bring a comfortable Southern dining experience to Forest Acres. The restaurant occupies 6,600 square feet, which includes banquette seating, a private dining room for events, full bar, state-of-the-art kitchen and a heated outdoor patio, set to be completed in September. Per Poogan’s tradition, the outdoor dining space will be pet friendly.

“Our neighbors in Forest Acres and Columbia have been tremendously supportive of our upcoming opening, and we couldn’t be more delighted to open our doors to this warm and welcoming community,” said Cameron O’Toole, marketing director for Poogan’s Hospitality Group.

Poogan’s features classic Southern dishes such as chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits. The restaurant will offer daily brunch beginning at 10 a.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends. Dinner services begins at 3 p.m. daily.

The new restaurant is located in Cardinal Crossing’s southwest corner, adjacent to Forest Drive and across the parking lot from Big Daddy’s Burger Bar.

Poogan’s Hospitality Group announced their entrance into the Columbia market back in December. The group has operated Poogan’s Porch in downtown Charleston since 1976 and also operates Charleston locations Poogan’s Smokehouse and Poogan’s Courtyard, as well as a Poogan’s Southern Kitchen in Summerville.  

The first 50 guests for the inaugural brunch at 10 a.m. Aug. 22 will receive an exclusive key tag valid for 10% off their bill for up to one year. The first 50 guests for the inaugural dinner beginning at 3 p.m. will also receive a key tag.

Ahead of the opening, the restaurant is also offering five social media followers the chance to enjoy a sneak-peek experience before the space opens to the public. Winners and their guests will be invited to a VIP reception with complimentary appetizers and beverages on Aug. 20. Information about the contest can be found on the restaurant’s Instagram page, @pooganskitchen_forest acres, or on Facebook at facebook.com/pooganskitchenforestacres.

Poogan’s Southern Kitchen is currently hiring for all positions. For employment information, visit pooganskitchen.com/careers.