Sullivan's More than Great Food

By Greg Wilson

Editor/Publisher, Anderson Observer

        They had not been opened very long, when I first took my wife Deborah to Sullivan's Metropolitan Grill for an anniversary dinner. I had not been in the Sullivan building since the days of high shelves full of tools and screws and piles of all manner of hardware treasures stacked loose in open boxes.
        But new owner Bill Nikas somehow figured out how to keep the recognizable elements of an old hardware store while creating a downright elegant dining experience in downtown Anderson. I remember the El Dorado Steakhouse being elegant for the day, but this was something a notch up. This was the kind of restaurant hometown folks were accustomed to driving to maybe Vince Perone's in Greenville for, or even someplace toney in Atlanta.
        Sullivan's was fine dining, right here at home. Amazing creations in the kitchen from appetizer to dessert. Beautiful tables, courteous staff and owner, very fancy all around but not one highfalutin person or thing in the building.
        That night we had the stuffed pork chops and finished with coconut cream pie (something that became a Sullivan's siren call for me after that). Later the the lamb became my favorite dish, and I don't think I was ever in a conversation about food in this town where debates over the best food at Sullivan's did not play a major role. (Grouper, had the most fans).
        But serving as the place for special occasions was not all there was to Sullivan's. The owner, Bill Nikas, quietly supported community causes in a number of ways over the years, providing food and a place for local charitable organizations to meet, including Newspring church as its planned its first campus, other donations and an under-the-radar approach to community service which will be difficult to replace.
        Thanks, Bill, you are a great neighbor and friend to Anderson. I look forward to seeing what you will do next. In the meantime, know that those of us in Anderson appreciate what you and your family have given us and pray for you all as you plan your next adventure.
        Finally, I hope everyone who reads this will visit Sullivan's in the next week and savor one more glorious meal. And while you are there, thank Bill and the staff for all their amazing work bringing something truly special to this town.