Columbia Closings   What's not in Columbia anymore

I just noticed the real-estate sign in front of this interestingly shaped Main Street building the other day, but it appears that Hampton Kitchens has been closed since around 2011.

I really like old gas stations. In this case, the building itself is nothing special, but the rising angle canopy extending over the old pump islands is a distinctive touch, and one which I suspect identified the original brand of gas the station sold.

The closing date here is just a guess, the place was a gas station long enough that a "Full Serv" sign was installed, when of course when the station opened, all service was "full service". When was the last time you had someone open your battery and add water?

I think there have been a few mentions of Chapman Dodge here over the years, but I have absolutely no memory of it, despite the fact we must have driven past the lot often. Currently all that seems to be left is the faded name painted on the back of the building abuting the lot (which I presume was the repair shop).

While this lot has been vacant for many years, it's not uncommon for temporary truck-based businesses to pull in and set up shop for a weekend.

This closing was noted last week on Have Your Say where there was some speculation that Bruster's would have done better on Two Notch than tucked away by Carabba's on Graces Way.

I'm not sure I agree as the Graces Way lot effectively fronts Sparkleberry, and sits right across from Spring Valley High School, which had to be, I think, a factor in the store's siting. Given that all the other Bruster's in Columbia have shut down, and that the only Grand Strand location has as well, I tend to think the whole "no inside seating" concept is iffy. Think about it. The fact that Baskin Robbins has seating gives it a whole season (plus rainy summer days) during which it can draw and Bruster's can't. Where are you going to take the kids' basketball team for ice cream after the game in January? Probably not to a place with outside tables only.

I took the daylight pictures on Saturday 24 January 2015, at which time a crew was actively getting the equipment out of the store. As you can see in the night pictures, the menuboards are already gone.

And just as an aside, I *do* think the Graces Way siting works against Carabba's. They have just reduced their hours, which is Sign #1.

(Hat tip to commenter Mr. Hat, making it a Hat hat tip..)

Commenter Andrew reports that this Main Street wine bar is relocating to Brevard NC. Apparently behind this non-descript door, the establishment had two levels, with a spiral staircase leading to the upstairs seating.

(Hat tip to commenter Andrew)

This little building is an outparcel of Eden's Plaza (the Piggly Wiggly strip mall) on Beltline just below Two Notch. I get a few google hits for what might have been there, but nothing definitive -- it appears to have been a professional office of some sort.

Actually I had no idea that Sumter street crossed Elmwood; I just had it in my head that it stopped there and it was interesting to actually drive this stretch of the road for the first time in my life.

This building, until recently home of Distinctive Surfaces, reminds me a good bit of the original Bob Andrews building (now demolished), Gregg Street Groceries, this store on Fairfield Road and a number of other old buildings which all had that stairstep front facade. I guess it was the style at one time.

As commenter Justin and the big sign point out, Distinctive Surfaces has now moved to Laurel Street.

(Hat tip to commenter Justin)

Hero's Super Subs was in the Addesso building at the corner of Main & Blossom in the same suite formerly occupied by Pepper's Bistro. I'm guessing that they stuck it out until the end of December 2014 and were out by 1 January 2015 which would make sense with rent, utilities etc. They were certainly gone by 10 January when someone noted the closing on Yelp.

Things seem to have been precarious as early as 1 December 2014 when this was posted to their Facebook page:

Hero's Super Subs
December 1, 2014

Good morning all Hero's fans! We truly appreciate all of the support but unfortunately its not quite enough and we could use more! Please tell your FAMILY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, EVEN STRANGERS WALKING DOWN THE STREET. Let them know if they mention this post they will get 10% off and a fried oreo. (Yum)

The fact that all the students left town shortly thereafter can't have helped.

(Hat tip to commenter Payne)

This little strip mall is on the downhill side (north) of Two Notch near Sesqui. Custom Car Stereo is listed in the February 2014 phonebook, so it either closed in 2014 or 2013 after listings closed.