Meet Ken Walker of The Twist

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Walker.

Since the age of 12, Lazarius Walker has been putting his own twist on traditional recipes. His mom taught him to “get up, get out and stay hungry”. Ever since the 32-year-old entrepreneur has been committed to doing just that — from working in local restaurants as an early teenager to being in charge of the age-old philanthropy cookout in his fraternity and running one of the most successful restaurants in South Carolina today.

Beyond the chance to express his creativity, bringing people together at the table are what drives the award-winning chef. In 2016, the ambitious seafood aficionado was invited to represent the state in a culinary competition hosted by Thomas English Muffin Company. Throwing his hat in the ring, Lazarius quickly discovered the vast extent of his impact, garnering national and even international votes and support. Knocking out each of the 50 states, Lazarius earned the title of National Food Truck Grand Champ in the semi-finals against popular dining giant New York City, putting the southern state and his name on the map. Still, a pre-mature national title didn’t extinguish his competitive drive. He is also being featured on Food Network in the next coming month.

Since opening Twist a short year ago, the family restaurant has become a sensation in Columbia— with lines out the door on any given weekend with people from all ages and backgrounds. His very Famous crab cakes have made their mark throughout the Southeast. He currently holds the Guinness Record for the worlds most expensive crab cake. He greets all with a smile, many by name and leaves everyone he meets a bit brighter. When he’s not behind the stove, Lazarius invests in the local community, consulting small businesses in the area free of charge to ensure the same growth and success he’s been blessed with — making sure to always remind them that even the underdogs can make it.

Has it been a smooth road?
When I first started off, I quit my corporate job and built a hot dog stand from scratch from a shady 24.99 dvd I got offline. I spent all of my money building the hot dog stand that I could afford the license or the commissary. I had to sell bags of boiled peanuts on the side of the road to for a couple of months in order to make money to pay both.

I remember selling weird food like Asian spring rolls and wontons on my food cart but very few people would purchase it. It got so bad that It cost me more to go out then I was bringing in. Right when I was about to quit I’m April 2016, I took a trip back home to east ATL to visit my family when my dad wanted some seafood. I stood in line for 5 hours to get two plates. That’s when I can’t up with the idea to go back to Columbia and start doing seafood. That was the first time in business I really started making a profit

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Twist – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Well at The Twist we’re known for our unique twist on different cuisines. We’re known for our seafood and award-winning crab cakes. What sets us part is that we have the Guinness World Record for the most expensive crab cake $310 Platinum Crab Cake. We also have our own specialty White Butter sauce that I care up with. Our new hot item is our Mexican Street Corn aka Elotes.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that City of Columbia is growing vastly but still remains a great blank slate to bring new innovative businesses that are thriving.

What I like least is how so many people here aren’t exposed to more opportunities needed in a capital city.

Pricing:

• $310 Platinum Crab Cake proceeds go to help supply local teachers with classroom supplies
• $24 Snow Crab Leg Plate
• $4 Mexican Flavored Street Corn

Contact Info:

• Address: 9300 Two Notch Rd, Suite L
  Columbia SC, 29223
• Website: www.thetwistsc.com
• Phone: 803.470.6717
• Email: thetwistsc@gmail.com
• Instagram: @thetwistcolumbia
• Facebook: The Twist sc

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