SCC Brings Flavor and Creativity to Hospitality Day at the State House

Each year, the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, which represents the state’s hospitality industry, hosts a special event called Hospitality Day at the State House in Columbia. This event is an annual legislative luncheon, where members of the General Assembly get treated to something extra special — a taste of what South Carolina's restaurants and culinary programs have to offer. This fun and flavorful event, known as A Taste of South Carolina, brings together chefs, instructors, and students from across the state, from down in the Lowcountry all the way up to the Upstate.

Hospitality Day is more than just a delicious lunch for lawmakers. It is a powerful reminder of how important the hospitality industry is to South Carolina's economy. As one participant shared, it helps show lawmakers firsthand that hospitality is one of the state's biggest and most vital industries.

This year, Spartanburg Community College (SCC) was proud to be part of the celebration. Culinary Instructors Amy Loyless-Byers and Shaun Bezuidenhout packed up their supplies and headed to Columbia, where they set up on the beautiful lawn of the State House, surrounded by other hospitality representatives. The SCC team carefully prepared a fresh, homemade ricotta, beet, and arugula salad. The dish was both colorful and delicious, and it gave lawmakers a small taste of the creativity, composition, and attention to detail that SCC's culinary students practice every day.

For SCC instructors, it was about more than just showing off a great recipe — it was a chance to share the hard work, passion, and talent that go into SCC’s Culinary Arts program. Events like Hospitality Day also give students and instructors a chance to make connections, build relationships with industry leaders, and celebrate the role they play in South Carolina's growing hospitality scene.

SCC looks forward to continuing to share its passion for hospitality — both in the classroom and at events like this — for years to come.