85 Years, One Legendary Dipper

Some menu items become so closely tied to a restaurant that ordering anything else feels like you're missing the point. At Groucho's Deli, that's the Dipper. Paired with the famous Formula '45 Sauce, it's the order generations have introduced to friends, coworkers, college roommates, and anyone else lucky enough to end up at the table. After 85 years, it has become one of those food traditions that hardly needs an explanation.

Founded in downtown Columbia in 1941, Groucho's Deli has grown from a single neighborhood deli into one of South Carolina's most recognizable restaurant brands, with roughly 31 locations across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. The growth has been steady, but the identity has stayed remarkably consistent. Sandwiches are still made to order. The signature Formula '45 Sauce is still a closely guarded recipe. The atmosphere still feels like a local deli, even as online ordering and pickup options make it easier for customers to grab lunch on a busy day.

The 2026 Best of South Carolina Award recognizes a business that has become part of the state's food story. Groucho's Deli has spent decades earning loyal customers through familiarity, consistency, and a product nobody else can replicate. While restaurant trends come and go, the appeal of a freshly made Dipper and that unmistakable sauce has remained remarkably steady. Eighty-five years after opening its doors, Groucho's continues to prove that a great recipe, a strong identity, and loyal customers can carry a business for generations.

Contact Information

Address: Groucho’s LTD, 611 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29205

Email: brand@grouchos.com

Website: grouchos.com