Columbia Closings   What's not in Columbia anymore

I'm not sure why I never got around to this location of the bankrupt chain, but I believe the Harbison store (in Columbiana Station, the Target plaza) closed in June of 2023, and is still vacant.

Somehow.

As predicted by commenter Mall Guy, this Hooters is gone.

I had been in a number of times over the years. They were open later than many other places, the food was competent, and, of course, the view was nice.

I did get the impression the last couple of times I was there that it was going downhill a bit, and the food was somewhat sub-par compared to times past. It's probably been at least two years since my last visit, so I can't say how it was at the end.

This building started out as a Hops brewpub, so we'll see where the chain of restaurant reincarnation takes it next. I would guess that there are competing Asian buffet places too close, so perhaps a Mexican venue as the nearest ones I can think of are on the small side.

(Hat tip to commenter Mall Guy)

Carolina Barber Shop in Five Points is moving after being in this spot since 1937, making it about 87 years by my math, which is pretty extraordinary.

The Post & Courier reports that the property was sold in 2021, and now the owners want to make space for a restaurant. I don't see a definite date for the closing, and there is still nothing on the shop's Facebook or web site, but apparently they must be gone by sometime in July (depending on when the 90 day notice the story mentions started).

The owners want to move, but I have seen no information on a new location yet.

(Hat tip to commenter Larry)

Crystalized Healthy Hair Experience has moved out of this storefront in Pinebelt Plaza (the Food Lion plaza), and apparently down to Midlands Shopping Center.

I don't see any information online about this closing, but given that they have been in business since 1980, I suspect retirement is a factor here.

I like the lions!

For now, the webpage is still up.

(Hat tip to commenter george011210)

It looks like the Sub Station II on Parklane has disaffiliated from the chain and struck out on their own as Leo's Deli.

As nearly as I can tell from looking at the google reviews, this happened sometime around February 2024.

This Dairy Queen was located inside a Circle K, and apparently closed down in May of 2024. Looking at the Google reviews is amusing since they still have a bot account posting AI replies to reviews, going approximately like:

Reviewer: This place is shut down!
Bot: We're sorry we didn't delight, please give us another try!

(Hat tip to commenter Jessee)

212 Motors was never really on my radar, but looking the pictures in their Google right-sidebar information they used to be a regular used car lot.

Now they seem to be moving to a fleet operation with loads of generic white pickup trucks, and no "regular" cars. I can't see any information about the change online, but something is definitely going on.

(Hat tip to commenter Lone Wolf)

This location of American Car Center has a much less distinctive building than the one on Two Notch, but like that one was caught in the bankruptcy of the whole chain in February of 2023.

As Fortune put it:

American Car Center told employees the business was closing its doors, a day after it pulled a $222 million bond sale from the market, according to people familiar with the matter.

The used car retailer, which tends to target consumers regardless of their credit history, said in an email to employees on Friday the firm was ceasing all operations, closing its headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, and that all employees would be terminated by the end of the business day, the people said. The headquarters has about 288 people.

The closure email came a day after the company sent another message to staff saying management and advisors had been working with lenders to improve liquidity and continue operations, the people said. American Car Center, which has more than 40 dealerships across 10 states, is owned by York Capital Management LLC.

Interestingly, both Columbia locations have electronic signs that are still active. However, I can tell you that as I took these pictures, it was neither 6:52pm nor 38 degrees...