Victor’s Restaurant of Florence Hires Cooper Thomas as New General Manager

FLORENCE, SC – Award-winning Victor’s restaurant of Florence, S.C. has hired Cooper Thomas as its new General Manager. In his new role, Thomas will oversee operations at the award-winning restaurant and will work to put Victor’s on the map as one of South Carolina’s best.

Thomas comes to Victor’s after serving as Executive Chef at the Belvedere Club & Resort, Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, SC, Jeff Ruby’s Waterfront Restaurant and the University of Cincinnati; both in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from the College of Charleston and prestigious Johnson and Wales University with a Culinary Arts & Food Management degree. Cooper has worked under some of South Carolina’s best chefs including Bob Waggoner and Michelle Weaver at Charleston Grill.

Thomas was attracted to Victor’s in part because of the critical role the restaurant is playing in the revitalization of downtown Florence.

“I am amazed at what is happening in downtown Florence and I am thrilled to be part of it,” he says. “I see my new role at Victor’s as an opportunity to help give back to the community,” he adds. Thomas and his wife have family ties to Florence and are excited to be coming back home to the Pee Dee.

Thomas notes that his top goal is to see people enjoy their experiences at Victor’s, ensuring happy customers, one plate at a time.

“I want people to walk out and say, ‘Wow, that was so much more than I expected,’” he notes.

On a broader scale, Thomas wants Victor’s to strengthen its reputation as one of the best restaurants in the state.

“After that, we’ll tackle the nation and the world,” he adds.

“In smaller towns like Florence, you typically don’t find fine dining restaurants like Victor’s. They are often not supported. In Florence, however, Victor’s is well supported and the community is excited about having a restaurant of this caliber here. People expect to find exceptional dining in Charleston, Greenville or Columbia; but we believe that from downtown Florence, we can rival the best restaurants anywhere.”

Thomas has many ways he plans to enhance the already exceptional experience people can expect at Victor’s. One of the first changes involves the meat program. Victor’s is now getting its steaks—one of its signature items—closer to home, supporting farmers in the Southeast. All of the meats served at the restaurant are 100 percent Angus.

“Some of the best farms are in this region and, by choosing new suppliers, we are able to serve some of the best meats available and support our regional economy,” he says.

Thomas says he hopes to add to Victor’s award-winning track record. The restaurant was recognized last month with a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor.com, based on outstanding customer reviews. It also has been awarded “Best of the Pee Dee: Fine Dining” each of the past eight years and is the only restaurant in Florence to have received the 3-Diamond rating from AAA.

About Victor’s

Located in the lobby of the Hotel Florence just minutes off I-95 and I-20, Victor’s is recognized as one of the area’s most upscale and elegant restaurants. Featuring hand-cut Angus beef steaks, soups and handcrafted cocktails, Victor’s is a fine dining experience in the heart of Florence. It is open seven days a week. For more information, hours and menus, visit www.VictorsBistro.com.