Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much
By Mike Cox
MWC423@bellsouth.net

Jeff Griffin and Michael Jones, owner's of BJ's, say Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much.

Jeff Griffin's booming voice welcomes customers to BJ's and asks if they are dining in or taking out.

Griffin personally handles take out orders and oversees the progress at the restaurant, located on Sunset and squeezed between Richland Memorial Hospital and Highway 277.

Michael Jones began cooking at Carolina Town House after learning under Chef Walter Stefani, a man he says was extremely tough on him. The demanding Yugoslav promised the lessons would pay off, and Jones says he learned the right way to cook, and details count.

When Jones was 19, he taught his younger brother Jeffrey the fine points of being a chef. The 13- year- old picked up quickly and settled into a career in which he cooked for anyone willing to sit and eat.

A strawberry theme runs through BJ's decor: red and white silk flowers on every table, red table cloths, red and yellow faux Tiffany shades on overhead lights and fans, menu items on neat posters behind the counter. A friendly waitress in a tux shirt and bow tie explains the day's specials.

Every detail is covered. Fresh homemade ingredients, friendly yet professional service, and an orderly flow to a place shows the two owners really care about the dining experience.

Both brothers worked at the Capital City Club under the guidance of Robert Funderburk and agree it was the best thing to happen in their professional lives. Each one considers himself fortunate to have worked with Funderburk. He was a "father figure," and his "dedication to the food industry was unbelievable. Anyone who worked for Robert Funderburk could work anywhere."

While Griffin cooked at local restaurants, honing his skills, his older brother was in Winter Haven, Florida. When Jones returned, he began working at Special Occasions catering service.

Cooking for senior centers like Life Care Center, Heartland, and the Rice Home gave the brothers the know- how, time, and desire to open their own catering business. Experience at the Summit Club, Capital City Club, and Brookland Baptist enabled them to build a reputation and clientele including governors, senators, and well- known businessmen throughout S.C.

If a customer orders the special, the food is on the table by the time the drink comes. Take out, regular menu, or special requests take a little longer. The menu includes breakfast sandwiches and wings, pasta, salads, and sandwiches for lunch. The daily specials include meat, potatoes, and a vegetable. Desserts, like everything else, are made fresh each day. Chef Stafani and Robert Funderburk would be proud.

BJ's is open weekdays, 6 am to 6 pm. The restaurant offers a Sunday brunch, 11 am to 5 pm. They also continue catering as much as possible.