Jim Fair
Jason Clark, who owns and operates BIN112 and The Strip Club 104 in downtown Greer, was selected as Restaurateur of the Year in the Upstate by the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association.
Julie McCombs
See Jason Clark's holiday video showing how to carve a turkey.
The prestigious award is part of the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) recognizing the top members in its association. Peers, suppliers and associates nominate candidates.
“It’s an honor for me and Greer,” Clark said. “When somebody honors me it says it is an honor for me and the staff. It feels good we are recognized for what we do and that we do it well.”
BIN112 has been a magnet for fine dining in Greer luring Greer residents and national and international businesses visiting greater Greer for investment opportunities.
“Having a restaurant like BIN112 and Jason is a huge opportunity for Greer,” said Reno Deaton, Executive Director of Greer Development Corporation. “Jason does a great job innovating while remaining true to his core restaurants.”
Clark also owns The Strip Club 104 A Steak House in downtown that complements BIN112.
An associate of the state association said, “Jason has two of the cleanest restaurants around that I have ever seen.”
Clark is a proponent of downtown business and the growth of Greer. He is the first restaurant to require his staff to take CPR training for both his restaurants. Clark ages his own meats, barrels bourbon, and does some of the cooking. He puts customer service as priority one.
“We’re very happy for Jason,” said Douglas O’Flaherty, Director of Operations of the SCRLA. “Being named best entrepreneur means a little bit of everything. It’s the ability to run a successful business and restaurant that is well respected in a community.”
Stan Coster, Vice President of Ballentine Equipment, saw his company honored last year as Supplier of the Year. “The quality of food and passion Jason has to run a first class establishment is why he is honored.”
“A great hospitality association recognized what we do here,” Clark said. “It makes a difference to Greer and I’m glad. It means Greer can be as good as anybody else.”
The selection automatically forwards Clark and the upstate winners to the SCRLA annual awards.
The awards will be presented on Monday, Nov. 10 at the Greenville Marriott Ballroom at 1 Parkway East. Lunch is noon and the awards ceremony is 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 each or $500 for a table of eight. Call 803-765-9000 or visit scrla.org. Proceeds benefit the scholarship program.
Upstate Hospitality Award Winners
Hotel Front of the House Employee
Ruby White, Courtyard by Marriott
Hotel Heart of the House Employee
Mary Franklin, Holiday Inn Express
Hotel Manager of the Year
Kim Tolbert, Candlewood Suites
Hotelier of the Year
Euan McGlashan, Crowne Plaza Hotel
Bartender of the Year
Ashley Wright, Soby’s New South Café
Restaurant Front of the House Employee
Elizabeth Barton, Rick’s Deli and Market
Restaurant Heart of the House Employee
Kerri Higgins, Giatu Restaurant at the Marriott Greenville
Restaurant Manager of the Year
Karen Hall, California Dreaming
Restaurateur of the Year
Jason Clark, BIN112
Hospitality Supplier of the Year
Chandler Griffith, BB&T Insurance
Community Service Award (Company)
JHM Hotels
Community Service Award (Individual)
John Nolan, Greenville History Tours