Midlands Businesses Face Challenging Year

News Summary

The Midlands area is experiencing significant disruptions in 2024, with numerous beloved local restaurants and retailers closing. Economic pressures and changing consumer habits have contributed to these closures, leaving the community in mourning. Iconic establishments like the Rockaway Athletic Club and Verde have shut their doors, while the Hunter-Gatherer Brewery and Barrio Tacos have also bid farewell. Moreover, several retailing and banking institutions have followed suit. However, with potential expansions from Michelin, there’s hope on the horizon as the community comes together to support remaining businesses.

Midlands Businesses Face Challenging Year

Columbia, SC – The bustling streets of Columbia and the greater Midlands area have been hit hard in 2024, with a wave of local restaurants and retailers shuttering their doors. As the community bids farewell to some beloved establishments, many are pondering what could be the reason behind these sudden closures. A mix of changing consumer habits, economic pressures, and perhaps just plain bad luck seems to be in play.

The Farewell of an Icon: Rockaway Athletic Club

Just this January, Columbia lost a culinary gem as the Rockaway Athletic Club on Rosewood Drive closed its doors for good after 42 years of serving up its famous pimento cheeseburgers. Long a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike, this sports club was more than just a place to grab a bite; it was a gathering spot that many fondly recall with a hint of nostalgia. The loss has left a palpable void in the community.

Salads and Wraps No More: Verde Closes

Just before the holidays, Verde, a trendy spot for salads and wraps located in Trenholm Plaza, wrapped up its final service on December 15. Its fresh and healthy offerings were a go-to for health-conscious diners, and the news of its closure was met with disappointment from loyal patrons who frequented the location.

Downtown Columbia’s Brewery Shuts Down

The Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Ale House, a downtown Columbia institution for nearly three decades, has announced it will close its doors on December 28. Fans of this beloved brewery can still enjoy their offerings at the Hunter-Gatherer Hangar location, but it certainly doesn’t make the news any easier for those who cherished the downtown vibe.

So Long, Taco Paradise

On Devine Street, Barrio Tacos + Tequila has also closed its doors this December. While the Lexington location remains open for taco lovers, it’s hard to say goodbye to the flavors that the Devine Street spot served up.

More Closures: A Look Around

In Harbison, Uberrito shut down its operations in November after just three years of serving burritos, paving the path for an Asian restaurant, Bibimbox, expected to open in 2025. Meanwhile, Bart’s Crazy Good Coffee has ceased operations at its 7949 Broad River Road location in Irmo, though coffee lovers can still visit the Ballentine shop.

Notably, Good Life Cafe, known for its vegan dishes, closed down in October after moving from Main Street to Taylor Street. This only adds to a long list of closures stretching back to early this year. Among them are Red Lobster, which closed its Cayce spot in August, and Social Grill in Irmo, which bowed out after serving the community for a decade.

Retail and Banking Changes

As if the loss of restaurants wasn’t devastating enough, retail and banking institutions are not immune either. The Wells Fargo branch on Main Street closed in October, directing customers to a different branch on Assembly St. And speaking of changes, the location of Angell Bros. 1801 Grille has been taken over by The Golden Spur, which opened in December after Angell Bros. closed near the University of South Carolina in September.

Hope on the Horizon? Michelin’s Potential Expansion

In the midst of these closures, there is a glimmer of hope for the Midlands. Michelin North America Inc. is contemplating a substantial $159 million expansion at its Lexington plant. Local officials are enthusiastically discussing tax incentives for this potential investment, which is a promising sign for the job market and economy in the region. The Lexington plant has been in operation since 1981 and currently boasts over 3,000 employees.

Support for Local Businesses

In response to these challenging times, the U.S. Small Business Administration has opened Business Recovery Centers in the wake of Hurricane Helene, aiming to assist businesses that have struggled due to recent adversities. With locations in Lexington and Greenville, these centers are a valuable resource for those trying to navigate the rocky terrain of maintaining a successful business.

A Community Coming Together

As the Midlands community grapples with the recent ups and downs, it remains to be seen how these closures will shape the local culture moving forward. Locals are encouraged to support remaining establishments and explore new openings. After all, every ending is a new beginning.