The owner of popular Wiz’s Eatery in Batesburg-Leesville has closed his doors after 32 years.

Former mayor Jim “Wiz” Wiszowaty said he will retire and sell the property.

Wiszowaty has been involved in bringing new businesses to the town. He said he and his wife Cheryl are grateful to everyone who supported them and ate at Wiz’s. “Everyone thought I was crazy for build

“Everyone thought I was crazy for building where he did,” he said. “Everybody blamed me that I put the Walmart across the street because I was mayor,” he joked.

Food shortages

Another popular Batesburg-Leesville restaurant, Shealy’s Bar-B-Que, reports temporary shortages in supplies and staff . They can no longer offer fried chicken livers or gizzards and carry-out hours will be shortened to 10 am - 8:30 pm. The restaurant is open 11 am - 9 pm.

New therapy clinic

Drayer Physical Therapy director Austin Dunn has opened a clinic at 5443 Platt Springs Rd. open 7 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday. He also has a clinic at 738 West Main St, in Lexington.

For an appointment call 803-774-1333 or visit drayerpt.com.

West Columbia store

Studio 221 Interiors owners Kerri and Brian Hubbard plan to open a new West Columbia store at 536 Meeting St., near Primal Gourmet and Savage Craft Ale Works.

They operate another store in Chapin.

The West Columbia store will be nearly twice the size of their Chapin store and offer coffee tables, ottomans, dining tables, mirrors, accent sofas, lamps, and rugs will be available.

They will be open Tuesday - Friday 10 am - 6 pm and Saturday 10 am - 4 pm

Who’s new

Riggs Partners, a creative marketing consultancy in West Columbia, has added new team members: Courtney Melendez and Parker Robinson.

Melendez has re-joined the company as an Account Manager. Robinson has been named an Account Coordinator after serving in the company’s apprentice program. Learn more about them at https://riggspartners.com/people/

Record recovery

Our state is making a successful recovery from new unemployment claims. Last week’s claims were less than in the same week in 2019, according to WalletHub researchers’ updated rankings.

Weekly unemployment claims fell 79.28% compared to the start of 2020, the biggest decrease in the US.

Weekly unemployment claims fell 20.25% compared to the same week in 2019. the 4th biggest US decrease.

Weekly unemployment claims fell 71.83% compared to the same week last year. This was the 15th biggest decrease in the U.S.

For the full report: https://wallethub.com/edu/states-unemploymentclaims/72730

Business news wanted

The Chronicle’s online and print editions feature small business, corporate, industry, non-profit, professional practice and other news each week on this page.

It is a good way to let our readers know about your business and what you do for our community causes.

You may email your news to our editor at JerryBellune@yahoo.com