For more than a decade, Kiki’s Chicken & Waffles has been serving up some of South Carolina’s most beloved soul food. Owned by Kitwanda “Kiki” and Tyrone Cyrus, Kiki’s first opened in Columbia, SC, in 2012, bringing homemade Southern comfort to the community. Their success led to a second Columbia location in 2019, where customers continued to rave about their signature dish—four perfectly seasoned crispy fried chicken wings atop a warm, fluffy Belgian waffle. Alongside classics like smothered pork chops, salmon patties, and fried green beans, Kiki’s has built a reputation as a must-visit destination for soul food lovers.
Now, Kiki’s is reaching even more customers with the opening of its third brick-and-mortar location in North Charleston in which opened in August of 2024. This milestone was made possible with support from the South Carolina Community Loan Fund (SCCLF), which provided critical funding for leasehold improvements to bring the new space to life. With SCCLF’s investment, Kiki’s was able to create a welcoming atmosphere where customers can enjoy the same warm hospitality and home-cooked meals that made the brand a household name.
Kiki’s expansion highlights the power of community-driven lending. SCCLF is committed to helping small businesses grow, create jobs, and strengthen local economies. By providing access to capital, SCCLF continues to support entrepreneurs like Kiki and Tyrone, ensuring that South Carolina’s food scene remains vibrant and diverse for years to come. Learn more about our small business lending.
