Columbia Closings   What's not in Columbia anymore

The signage still posits this closing as temporary, but the Free Times has verified that it is, in fact, permanent.

This spot has been the home of a number of restaurants over the years, including Capitol Cafe, Cat & Cleaver, Dunkin' Donuts (almost), Fever, and Roll Call Deli.

I never ate at Persona due to the fact that I rarely go downtown at lucnch time, and would go some place with parking if I did. I will say that I would not use that name for a restaurant as the first thing I think of is Persona Non Grata..

(Hat tip to commenter Tom)

Frank's Car Wash on Clemson Road has moved across the street and about a quarter mile towards Sandhill. I think I heard this was because of the Clemson Road widening project, but I don't really see how that figures in, as the road is already four lanes at this point.

The new location, which you can see in the last two pictures, is the former location of the Putt Putt Fun Center, plans to put a hotel on that site having fallen through.

The company is still around on Huger Street, having moved there around 2011, but their old building on Garners Ferry Road has now been demolishe as these (rather dark) pictures show. I find it somewhat interesting that my February 1997 phonebook gives the address as 7230 Sumter Highway, while more recent ones use Garners Ferry Road. I guess it's a sign of the metro area moving eastward (and in fact, I remember when anything past this was the boonies).

(Hat tips to commenter Frank Mancuso for the heads up, and commenter Rick for clarifying the location).

Here are some pictures from commenter Allen J. Rivkin recalling a bit of downtown history, his father's store Marks

The first picture is from the grand opening at 1321 Main Street in October 1963:

As nearly as I can tell, 1321 Main Street would have been just after the vacant storefront next to Cantina 76, which is 1307 Main, and before the SC Education Lottery storefront, which is 1333. However there's really no way to do a true comparison due to the demolition.

The store moved from 1321 Main to 1625 Main in 1980:

There is apparently an ongoing project to repurpose 1619-1625 Main, which you can read about here.

In 2017, the store moved to 1219 Bull Street, the former location of Ritter's Furs:

(Big hat tip to ALlen J. Rivkin)

I don't believe I ever at at this Applebee's, though I was certainly aware it was there. In general, I find the chain to be a decent late night spot for a good burger though they are a bit stingy with the fries.

Judging from the sign, I guess the Two Notch, Blythewood & Devine Street stores must be under different ownership.

(Hat tip to commenter Ken)

Another day, another Rite Aid. This one was on Longreen Parkway at Clemson Road. You can see it with all the branding in place at thie LoopNet listing.

I could be wrong, but at this point I believe the only Rite Aid still in operation as such is the Forest Acres one.

(Hat tip to commenter Bobby)

Judging from their Facebook page, Holly's Famous Hot Dogs sadly had a death in the family last summer, and have not reopened.

(Hat tip to commenter Kc)

Somehow after all these years, I've never made it into a Piggie Park. Probably because I convinced myself at an early age that I didn't like barbecue (I've revised my opinion a bit), and didn't really realize they had other Southern items.

The State says the property is to become a car dealership. I would guess used cars.

The Clemson Road and Dentsville locations remain open.

(Hat tip to commenter Harry etc)

I ate here twice for lunch, and both times got sort of a weird vibe and the impression the place wanted to be a night club more than a restaurant. The second time I was there, a girl came out of the kitchen and sat at a nearby table, crying. It was very uncomfortable, and I decided that was it for me.

(Hat tip to commenter David B)

Looks like the Lizard's Thicket remodeling effort that has revamped several of their stores is continuing. This one is at the corner of Knox Abbott Drive & State Street, and was some sort of restaurant before, though not a Shoney's like the Forest Drive and Beltline locations. I've eaten there before, and don't recall any particular building issues, but I guess everything has its time.