Shop Around: Political hot spot eatery opens at new location

A favorite dining spot of local and even national politicians, Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles opened at its new location at 7001 Parklane Road on Feb. 17 – just in time for the state’s hottest political season.

Owned by Kitwanda “Kiki” Smith – a former University of South Carolina women’s basketball student manager under head coach Dawn Staley – and Tyrone Cyrus, Kiki’s opened in 2012 at 110 Columbia Northeast Drive. The restaurant quickly became a local favorite. It also become known as a hangout for powerful Democrats – including Vice President Joe Biden and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, both of whom stopped to dine at the eatery’s original location last year.

The Parklane Road location offers a larger space in which Kiki’s can serve its signature dish: a plate of seasoned, crispy-fried chicken wings served atop a warm Belgian waffle.

This story was originally published February 25, 2016 at 10:45 AM.