Despite the turmoil of the COVID-19 outbreak, businesses are still working hard in Darlington. The Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association recognized two of them today, March 18, through the DDRA Incentive Improvement Grant.

We will continue to update our listing of open businesses during this event here.

Nick's BBQ House and Taki's Diner both were awarded $1,000 grants for renovations to their properties. Pete Nikolakakos, owner of Nick's BBQ, had the exterior painted and refreshed the siding as well as some updates to the dining area. George and Nick Nikolakakos at Taki's Diner had the exterior painted, bathrooms reconfigured, and dining areas transformed.

Mayor Curtis Boyd, County Councilman and DDRA Board member Bobby Kilgo, State Rep. Robert Q. Williams, DDRA Executive Director Lisa Rock, and several City Ambassadors thanked these businesses for their investment in Darlington during the check presentation.

Since the grant program's inception, the DDRA has awarded $10,000 in grants connected to more than $200,000 in renovation work, not counting the domino effect of neighboring property owners cleaning up and painting.

"This serves the DDRA's mission in a tangible way that people can see," Rock said. "Once the outbreak and restrictions on gatherings are lifted, we hope to raise more funds to continue to distribute incentives to Darlington businesses."

The DDRA's upcoming golf tournament has been rescheduled to May 20 at Darlington Country Club and the Taste of Darlington on April 23 has been postponed as well. Check www.BuildUpDarlington.org for updates on these and other events in Darlington County.