News Summary
RF’s Corner Grill, a cherished restaurant in Lexington, is closing after 6.25 years of serving delicious meals. Owner Arif Rizvi expressed gratitude towards the community for their support as locals share memories of their favorite dishes. The final service will be on March 2, with plans to continue some offerings at Bubba’s Biscuit.
Lexington Bids Farewell to RF’s Corner Grill After 6.25 Years of Cherished Service
In a bittersweet turn of events for the local dining scene, RF’s Corner Grill, a beloved fixture in Lexington, is set to close its doors for good after an impressive run of 6.25 years. Nestled at 712 W. Main St. within the Town Square shopping center—home to a popular Food Lion—this charming eatery has been a go-to destination for many locals seeking mouthwatering meals and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Community Reaction Hits Hard
The announcement of the impending closure, made on February 26 via a heartfelt Facebook post by owner Arif Rizvi, has struck a nerve in the community. Rizvi extended his sincerest appreciation to the Lexington family, highlighting the relationships formed and the memories made over the years. As fans of RF’s Corner Grill began sharing their reactions, the post saw over 700 reactions, 160 comments, and nearly 70 shares by Thursday morning. It’s clear the community is feeling the weight of this decision, as numerous commenters reminisced about their fond experiences at the restaurant, from savoring the famous burgers to digging into the crispy duck fat fries.
A Culinary Journey Comes to an End
The final day of service for RF’s Corner Grill will be Saturday, March 2, marking a significant milestone in Rizvi’s entrepreneurial journey. He described the closure as an “extremely hard” choice, emphasizing that it’s not just the end of a restaurant; it’s the conclusion of a “wonderful journey” filled with highs and lows. Throughout its years of operation, RF’s Corner Grill became renowned for its tantalizing menu offerings, including burgers, wings, tacos, salads, and, of course, the crowd-favorite duck fat fries. These delicious dishes have created a loyal fanbase, making it a must-visit spot in Lexington.
Future Plans amid Changing Times
While RF’s Corner Grill may be closing, Rizvi’s culinary endeavors are far from over. He also operates Bubba’s Biscuit, a popular venue located in downtown Lexington, which will remain open to serve the community. To keep the spirit of RF’s Corner Grill alive, Rizvi has plans to introduce a mini RF’s Corner Grill concept at Bubba’s Biscuit a few nights a week, enabling loyal customers to continue enjoying some of their favorite dishes.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Rizvi’s foray into the restaurant industry began in 2010 when he moved from New York to Columbia. His first venture, Rue 77, opened in 2012 but faced challenges that led to its closure. Undeterred, Rizvi launched One Taco Two Taco in Lexington, which, unfortunately, also had a brief existence, closing its doors in 2017. Despite these setbacks, Rizvi’s determination shone through when he opened RF’s Corner Grill in 2019, followed by the relocation of Bubba’s Biscuit in 2020. The restaurant landscape, especially during the tumultuous times of the pandemic, has posed significant challenges, affecting business operations and shifting customer habits.
Looking Ahead
As Lexingonians mourn the loss of RF’s Corner Grill, the community’s strong support for Rizvi underscores the impact his restaurant made in their lives. With plans to evolve and adapt, Rizvi remains steadfast in his commitment to the food industry, ready to take on new challenges and bring fresh culinary experiences to the area. While it’s hard to say goodbye to RF’s Corner Grill, the hope is that the essence of the beloved eatery lives on in Bubba’s Biscuit and beyond. Lexington will surely miss its dear Corner Grill, but the memories and flavors will linger on in the hearts of many.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Owner of Bubba’s Biscuit
- Wikipedia: Cuisine
- Post and Courier: New Pakistani Indian Restaurant
- Google Search: Lexington restaurants
- Post and Courier: Columbia Restaurants during COVID-19
- Google Scholar: Restaurant closures impact
- The State: Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
