Midlands businesses prepare for Mother’s Day, graduation weekend rush

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Businesses, hotels and restaurants across the Midlands are preparing for a rush this weekend as Mother’s Day and several area graduations converge.

Reservations are needed at many local restaurants as they gear up for the celebrations. Local businesses say these milestones boost the economy.

“It is busy, which is a good thing for all of us, so we thoroughly enjoy anytime that we get to see the families and greet them and welcome them in,” said John Robert Barth, owner of The Flying Biscuit Cafe.

Addie Altemus, store manager at Miss Cocky Chapin, said the weekend brings increased foot traffic.

“It is definitely a big weekend for us, especially with the weather changing and it’s getting warmer, as well as having you know, graduates and people in town like parents for the graduates, it really picks up,” Altemus said.

At Miss Cocky Boutique in Columbia, preparing includes stocking up on weekend fashion items.

“We focus on bringing in our spring fashion as well as our spring Gamecock wear. For the graduation students, we are decked out with the white dresses,” Altemus said.

Restaurants are taking an all-hands-on-deck approach.

“We staff up so I make sure that everyone knows exactly what’s coming down the pike, so that they’re not confused by the large crowds early in the morning,” Barth said.

The Flying Biscuit is preparing extra food for out-of-town visitors.

“Because there are a lot of people coming in from out of town, we actually prepare more other sides, so we buy more fruit, and we’ll have more seasoned potatoes, stuff like that to get whatever they need,” Barth said.

Flower shops are also seeing a rush. Matt Evans, owner of Three Oaks Florist & Interiors, said it’s almost crunch time to place orders.

“Everybody is like, ‘I forgot,’ which I understand, but that’s our biggest thing is we just want people to understand, get your orders in early,” Evans said.

Business owners are asking customers to be patient as the weekend approaches.

“Please be patient. Everyone is here to celebrate. Everyone is here to have fun. Honor the people in their party. Whether it’s mom, grandma, a graduate, whatever the case may be, so just be patient, have fun,” Barth said.

The National Retail Federation says consumer spending on Mother’s Day is expected to reach a record $38 billion this year.

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