Cayce Says Goodbye to Mai Poke as New Eatery Emerges

News Summary

Mai Poke, a popular poke bowl restaurant in Cayce, has officially closed its doors after two years of service. The restaurant’s closure was announced on January 9, 2025, prompting nostalgia among locals. However, hopes are high for a new concept, Mai Poke Bowl, set to open in mid-September 2025 at the same location, promising similar delicious offerings and exciting flavors for poke enthusiasts.

Cayce Bids Farewell to Mai Poke, New Beginnings on the Horizon

If you’re a fan of fresh, flavorful poke bowls in Cayce, we have some bittersweet news for you. Mai Poke, the vibrant eatery that brought a taste of Hawaii to the heart of the city, has closed its doors after just over two years of serving the community. Located in the bustling Parkland Plaza shopping center, Mai Poke opened its doors in the fall of 2022, offering customizable bowls that delighted taste buds with a blend of Hawaiian and Polynesian flavors.

Remember the Good Times

The closure was officially announced on January 9, 2025, with a heartfelt note left on the restaurant’s door. The sign expressed a deep appreciation for the support and loyalty shown by their customers during their short yet impactful run. Mai Poke quickly became a popular spot, drawing in locals looking for the beloved traditional Hawaiian dish of poke, pronounced “po-kay.” This delicious meal typically consists of fresh or raw fish sitting atop a base of rice or a salad mix, topped off with a selection of sauces and toppings that you could mix and match.

Not Just Poke

Besides poke bowls, Mai Poke also expanded its menu with refreshing acai bowls and smoothies, perfect for those hot Cayce days. The restaurant was owned by the same group behind the Charleston-based chain East Bay Deli, enhancing its credibility in providing tasty and quality meals.

Future Plans in Cayce

While we wave goodbye to Mai Poke, there’s good news for poke lovers! In the same plaza, a new concept titled Mai Poke Bowl is in the works, anticipated to open its doors in mid-September 2025. This will be exciting for those in the area as it promises similar mouthwatering offerings, with signature dishes like the Mahalo Bowl and Luau Bowl to walk you through different flavors.

Surrounding Benefits

What’s more, the Parkland Plaza shopping center itself is no stranger to good traffic, with around 26,000 vehicles passing through daily on State Street and Knox Abbott Drive. The area is filled with national brands like Five Below, Food Lion, and Planet Fitness, making it an excellent location for another poke joint to find its footing. With the college crowd and local businesses nearby, owners are optimistic about the future of Mai Poke Bowl in this bustling environment.

Making a Splash in Columbia

And if you’re in Columbia, good news awaits! The second Mai Poke location opened last year on Main Street, and it’s continuing to serve up delicious dishes alongside East Bay Deli. This space offers poke bowls, acai bowls, and an overall tropical vibe just a stone’s throw away from the Marriott hotel—perfect for the busy downtown crowd.

The Poke Trend Continues

Poke continues to trend across regions, and with two other locations in Charleston—one being in Mount Pleasant and the other in Goose Creek—Mai Poke demonstrates a growing enthusiasm for this Hawaiian staple. Whether you’ve been a loyal fan of Mai Poke or are just getting into the poke scene, the arrival of Mai Poke Bowl is sure to bring a wave of excitement and delightful flavors back to Cayce.

So, while we’re sad to see Mai Poke go, we can’t help but feel excitement for everything coming next. Stay tuned for updates and keep your taste buds ready for some delicious poké goodness!

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Additional Resources

• The State: Cayce Bids Farewell to Mai Poke
• Wikipedia: Poke
• The State: Local News Article 1
• Google Search: Cayce restaurants
• The State: Local News Article 2
• Google Scholar: Restaurant trends
• The State: Local News Article 3
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hawaiian cuisine
• The State: Local News Article 4
• Google News: Cayce events