The evolving restaurant scene in Columbia highlights both nostalgia and new beginnings.
The Midlands, particularly Columbia, is undergoing significant shifts in its restaurant and retail landscape as beloved establishments close their doors in 2024. Iconic locations like Rockaway Athletic Club and Verde have ceased operations, leaving residents experiencing nostalgia. While closures impact the community, fresh dining options like Bibimbox are on the horizon. Local services such as banking have also been affected, presenting challenges for convenience. Despite a wave of farewells, the Midlands remains vibrant with opportunities for new ventures.
The Midlands, particularly Columbia, has seen a significant shuffle in its restaurant and retail landscape, with various beloved eateries and services closing their doors in 2024. This evolution may leave some residents feeling nostalgic, but it also opens the door for fresh flavors and experiences.
Starting off the year, the Rockaway Athletic Club in Columbia closed in January after a cherished run since 1982. This local gem was famed for its mouthwatering pimento cheeseburgers, making it a challenge for many to say goodbye.
As we waved goodbye to the Rockaway, Verde, a salad and wraps restaurant located in Trenholm Plaza, closed its doors late in the year, just missing the holiday rush on December 15, 2024. This salad haven will certainly be missed by those looking for a healthy bite.
After nearly three decades of serving the downtown community, Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Ale House announced its plans to close on December 28, 2024. While this location bids adieu, the Hunter-Gatherer Hangar remains open, ensuring that some brews will continue to flow in the area.
Barrio Tacos + Tequila made a quick exit from its spot on Devine Street, having only opened in February of the same year. While the Columbia location has closed, taco lovers can still indulge at the Lexington site. Meanwhile, Uberrito, another fast-casual Mexican restaurant, shut down its Harbison location in November after just three years.
There’s some light at the end of the tunnel, though, as Bibimbox, a new Asian restaurant, is slated to fill the Uberrito space in 2025. It looks like fresh dining options are just around the corner!
In addition to restaurants, several beloved locations closed their doors. Bart’s Crazy Good Coffee in Irmo has bid a temporary goodbye at its Broad River Road location, while its Dutch Fork spot carries on. The Good Life Cafe, a haven for plant-based eaters, closed its doors on Main Street in October, leaving many in search of new vegan options.
Even local banking services were part of this shakeup. The Wells Fargo branch at 1441 Main Street in downtown Columbia closed in October, directing customers to another nearby branch. It seems convenience is becoming a bit trickier to come by.
Angell Bros. 1801 Grille, catering to students and locals near the University of South Carolina, closed in September. Its spot now houses The Golden Spur. Red Lobster at 1270 Knox Abbott Drive in Cayce also shut down, although another location remains open on Two Notch Road to satisfy seafood cravings.
It’s been a year of change, as noted with the closure of Zesto on Forest Drive and JC’s Lexington Bowl, both longtime staples in the community. Hooters on Two Notch Road and Poogan’s Southern Kitchen in Forest Acres are also no longer part of the scene.
Compton’s Kitchen, which has been serving up Southern comforts for nearly 50 years, closed in early 2024. Longstanding florists, DeLoache Flowers and Branham Florist Supply, both operational for about 80 years, also closed as the owners embarked on retirement adventures.
Despite the wave of closures, the Midlands remains a vibrant community with plenty of potential for new ventures to blossom. As we step into the future, we can anticipate fresh flavors, exciting experiences, and maybe even a few surprises in our beloved neighborhoods.
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