What’s Good Here? Roly Poly in Downtown Columbia
What’s good here?
California Turkey. A sought-after creation at this “wrapped” sandwich establishment has turkey, cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, scallions, alfalfa sprouts, mango chutney and ranch dressing – all encased in a soft tortilla and served cold.
A hot choice is the Hot Honey: smoked turkey breast, melted jalapeno jack cheese, bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach and a side of spicy honey mustard. These are just a few of the dozens of variations of Roly Poly wraps.
Customers can choose from the creative menu or custom order from the Roll Your Own checklist, which includes choices of dressings, sauces, cheeses, meats, vegetables, fruits and even nuts.
You can order a Signature Salad, all of which are a combination of vegetables, meats, cheeses, dried fruits, and nuts. Spa Salad, for example, is made with mixed greens tomatoes, avocado, walnut pieces, dried cranberries, green peppers, cucumbers, carrots, mushrooms, alfalfa sprouts and a side of balsamic vinaigrette; chicken slices can be added to this salad.
There are also soups daily. Sides are chips, pasta, or potato salad. Breakfast options include “egg rolys,” as well as bagel and English muffin sandwiches. According to co-owner Dave Hilbish, a significant draw to Roly Poly is the fact that it offers such a vast array of vegetables, and that it has gluten-free choices, including gluten-free tortillas. “Food is an important part of the health wave,” says Hilbish. “We offer a niche downtown in that our food is healthier than it is at some other places.”
What else?
Besides walk-in traffic, Roly Poly provides personalized catering to many offices in what Hilbish calls the “financial district” of downtown Columbia. The restaurant is surrounding by Merrill Lynch, Bank of America and countless law offices.
Daily, many sandwich platters, salad platters, custom platters and group box lunches are delivered during lunch for conferences and meetings. Hilbish says Roly Poly is equipped to meet most catering needs. Dave’s wife, Lisa, is “extra gifted and talented” when it comes to making a catered event special.
For instance, every Christmas she oversees a special Christmas breakfast for tenants in one of the downtown buildings. “The way she goes in and decorates before the food is served is amazing; the food is the icing on the cake.” Lisa, who grew up in Germany, also makes cakes and other desserts and offers them for sale at the restaurant.
How was Roly Poly established?
Hilbish, who grew up in Sumter, says someone else opened Roly Poly three years before he and his wife purchased the business in 1997. He had been working for Sams Club and was looking to own his own business. The opportunity came about and, due to its location and already established base of customers, the Hilbishes became restaurant owners. Their six children have worked alongside them in some capacity. Currently, one daughter works there full time. Others are called in, quips Hilbish, for “emergencies” – large catered events.
What does the place look like?
When weather permits, customers can experience sidewalk-café style dining on tablecloth covered tables with fresh flowers in vases. Outside there is seating for around 45. Inside the mostly glassed-in restaurant, Inside, there is seating for 60-70. Food is ordered and paid for at the expansive counter.
Who eats here?
Politicians, including former governor Jim Hodges, dine weekly, as well as attorneys, bankers and many other white- and blue-collar workers. An increasing number of customers are USC students at one of the medical school’s facilities next door or The Hub, which is close by. Hilbish says that USC students typically would not walk from the main campus to Roly Poly, but those in close proximity who are eating there are telling their fellow students. “Many have said they never knew we were here, but are excited to have found us.”
This story was originally published October 15, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "What’s Good Here? Roly Poly in Downtown Columbia."