Have Your Say Archive 1 Jan 2016 to 31 December 2016 464 comments
I always enjoy hearing from you (though I may not always respond, or implement your suggestion).
Ted
Have Your Say archive pages are here:
Have Your Say Archive 9 November 2008 through 3 September 2010
Have Your Say Archive 4 September 2010 through 31 December 2011
464 Responses to 'Have Your Say Archive 1 Jan 2016 to 31 December 2016'
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Andrew
1 Jan 16 at 12:59 am
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Does anyone else here remember Sports Classics?? Across from the Dorn VA hospital- sold sports cards etc. and comic books. Loves that little store!!! Used to ride my bike there all the time. They were near an old-fashioned drug store with a lunch counter.
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The drug store was probably Cedar Terrace Pharmacy, of which unfortunately I have no picture because it was torn down to build the Eckerds/Rite Aid
ted
8 Jan 16 at 2:26 am
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@Steve I grew up off of Old Woodlands Rd and spent so much money at Sports Classics. My brother and I would go up there and spend our entire allowance on baseball cards. Also remember the lunch counter at Cedar Terrace Pharmacy. They had the best chocolate malts.
David
8 Jan 16 at 9:01 am
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@steve Yup used to go there a lot. Still have about 25,000 baseball and football cards in my closet. There was another sports card place over on #1 that i frequented, though i cant recall the name. And Dad's Dugout over across from the Allied plant in Irmo. Oh and another one further up St Andrews in that little strip between Irmo HS and Crossroads MS where Subway is.
As a starving freshman at USC, i once had to beg the lady at the shop on US1 to buy a Dan Marino rookie card from me for 5 dollars so i could buy gas to get home to Irmo.
IrmoJeff
9 Jan 16 at 2:14 pm
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The Hot Box over next to Copper Finch in NE Columbia just closed recently. I loved their pineapple burgers and their fried Kool Ade was friggin awesome.
MizTerry
9 Jan 16 at 8:37 pm
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I always meant to try Hot Box but I always forgot they were there until after I'd already gone somewhere else. Which I suppose is why they're closed - out of sight, out of mind and all that.
Jason
10 Jan 16 at 11:10 am
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I still can't believe those two bone heads on the Bengals cost them the season.
Joe Shlabotnik
11 Jan 16 at 9:15 am
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I'm not sure of the opening year, either 2016 or 2017, but they have already started on the Sam's Club in Sandhills. I don't think it's actually going to be affiliated with Villiage of Sandhills, but it is going in right between Miyo's and The Plex.
Sidney
11 Jan 16 at 5:31 pm
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I have not been to Greenville in many years. Spent the last four days near I-385 and I-85. Traveled around the city a good amount. Greenville is sooo much nicer than Columbia.
Rick
11 Jan 16 at 8:21 pm
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I haven't been to Greenville in, shoot, probably 20 years and the downtown revitalization even back then was better than Columbia.
Just for the heck of it, I rode down Main St. Sunday afternoon. It is nicely landscaped and I am glad that they are finally removing some of the gaudy 50's and 60's facades from the old buildings to reclaim their original looks.
There were quite a few people mingling around but I suspect that most were either residents or people visiting restaurants, Mast General Store or Nickelodeon. There were also quite a few people at the skating rink at the art museum.
Downtown Columbia has potential if there was just some leadership that would make it a priority.
I'm still waiting to see what this whole Bull St. deal turns out to be.
Homer
13 Jan 16 at 1:04 am
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Plus, I think it's pretty piss poor that the capital of this state only has a 'metropolitan' airport. Greenville/Spartanburg, Charleston and even Myrtle Beach have airports designated as 'international'. No wonder we can't attract more conventions and such when you have to go around your elbow to get to your a-hole with connections just to get to CAE.
Homer
13 Jan 16 at 1:11 am
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Whoa, now. . . Columbia has an airport other than Owens Field?
badger60
13 Jan 16 at 8:21 am
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Recently The state profiled CAE's multi-year passenger count increase. This is a result of the work of airport executive director Dan Mann making the cost of airlines operating out of CAE much more effective. If this continues, hopefully aircraft capacity will be upgraded perhaps a few new nonstop destinations can be started...I'm personally hoping for AA to add a Miami flight out of here and maybe if we're lucky we'll land Southwest or jetBlue.
CAE has been used for airline operations since shortly after WWII ended in 1945.
Andrew
13 Jan 16 at 5:39 pm
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And here's the article on CAE's website pertaining to all of this...
Andrew
13 Jan 16 at 5:40 pm
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I fly into Atlanta, Louisville and St. Louis on a regular basis and CAE resembles a ghost town by comparison.
Joe Shlabotnik
13 Jan 16 at 7:29 pm
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One really big difference I noticed about Greenville compared to Columbia but, I will not mention it here. It would be politically incorrect to do so.
Rick
14 Jan 16 at 11:08 am
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Yeee haaa! After being in Greenville and Charlotte for the past couple of weeks I'm finally back home. Charlotte sycks. Getting ready to get back in n6 own bed, own pillow, have tomorrow off. Gonna sleep late, life is good.
Rick
14 Jan 16 at 9:21 pm
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Rick, Welcome back. I believe I know exactly what you are talking about when you mention a really big difference between Greenville and Columbia. And yes, Greenville is better partly because of this difference.
Cam
15 Jan 16 at 11:37 am
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There is an article on CNN that concerns Walmart. They have announced the closings of hundreds of stores in the US and Latin America. This is in response to slumping operations within its operations. The stores are mostly Express Walmarts. 12 Supercenters and 4 Sam's Clubs will be closed. Two smaller stores and a Supercenter will be closed in SC.
joelc
15 Jan 16 at 12:54 pm
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My WIS app beeped in with word of the Walmart closings joelc spoke of and I was wondering which of our Walmarts is on the chopping block but I looked and found this article indicating that the Supercenter in Winnsboro will be the one closing. Gray Court and Palcolet are the other two in SC...
Be that as it may, the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Broad River & Beatty Road is scheduled for a January 27 opening...
Andrew
15 Jan 16 at 3:18 pm
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Cam, Thanks - You know exactly what I'm talking about.
Rick
15 Jan 16 at 6:16 pm
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@Rick and Cam - that's why the 'reddest' counties (except Lexington) are in the upstate.....
Homer
16 Jan 16 at 2:51 am
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@Homer - It appears you also have a finger on the pulse of the problem with Columbia and surrounding area.
What irritates me is that unless locals travel to another city or are not "Worldly" if you will, consider the CRAP we deal with in Columbia as normal. It also pisses me off that most people in Columbia have come to accept the abnormal as being normal.
What we deal with here is not normal. I do not like to say it but I wish all the red people would move away and leave the blue people to continue to trash the city and live in hell.
Rick
16 Jan 16 at 4:33 pm
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I think Walmart is way overbuilt on the Grand Strand in the Murrells Inlet/Garden City/Surfside area. There's one at US-17 bypass & US-501, one at 17 bypass & SC-544, one at 17 Business & Garden City Connector and they're building one at 17 Bypass across from Inlet Square (in the old Suck, Bang Blow second location.
And just a gentle reminder, folks, that this is a blog for everyone.
ted
16 Jan 16 at 5:14 pm
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Personally, I long for the days of the past when it was more 'purple' and parties from both sides of the table worked together to resolve issues. Until it gets back to that point things are just going to get worse....
Homer
17 Jan 16 at 1:29 am
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@All - Sorry, got a little carried away. Homer said it best about red and blue.
Rick
17 Jan 16 at 8:36 am
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Some fathers are Democrats, some are Republicans. Mine was an Oldsmobile man.
Joe Shlabotnik
17 Jan 16 at 11:39 am
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I am in independent but believe that there are enough political discussion forums, talk shows, etc. without bringing them into this blog...I do agree with Homer on the whole 'being purple' mentality and I remember one year Michelle Obama wore a purple dress at the State of the Union to try to bring that about but it hasn't done much...I think some of the 'junior' members of congress are trying but they face a big obstacle.
I wonder if Walmart is reaching the point of being overbuilt in Columbia...already we have 10 Supercenters and 3 neighborhood markets under construction (one of which is scheduled to open later this month). I've worry about us reaching that point the way Ted feels like the Grand Strand area has. Personally I wish they'd build something like a neighborhood Market on the site where the old Sam's has sat vacant for almost 20 years now on River Drive.
Andrew
17 Jan 16 at 2:31 pm
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@Joe - mine was a Dodge man....
Homer
18 Jan 16 at 4:22 am
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If anyone is feeling nostalgic, I ran across a site that has old car brochures. I looked up some of my old cars as well as the ones my folks had when was a kid. And the ones I wished I had!! Take a look at it.....
Homer
18 Jan 16 at 4:35 am
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I agree with walmart way overbuilding around surfside. Do not understand the strategy... last year they opened a walmart "neighborhood market" one mile from the 544/17 bypass regular walmart, and now they are building another neighborhood market at the back gate on farrow parkway. (also one mile from the 544/17 one). Makes the news that they are closing stores just silly... they are building many more than they are closing. The neighborhood market stores are also strange in themselves... no natural lighting and actually kind of expensive. Things to avoid imho.
cheryl
20 Jan 16 at 8:36 am
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It looks like the Walmart Neighborhood Store is about ready to open on Broad River Rd. I drove by there a couple of days ago and they were finishing the paving of the parking lot.
Also the land clearing for Costco looks to be almost complete. Damn, that's a large tract of land. Like I said before, traffic is going to be hell!!
Homer
21 Jan 16 at 2:12 am
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ted
21 Jan 16 at 11:28 am
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Many times when new development comes along people have anxiety about increased traffic and it seems like it's rarely much more of an issue than it already was. I saw something on a forum stating that stuff like this is designed to support the traffic that is already there and it made sense...
One thing though that I think people underestimate the traffic impact of is school construction. I remember when River Bluff HS was getting ready to open a few years back that said school would likely increase the VPD count on Corley Mill by 2,000.
Andrew
21 Jan 16 at 9:10 pm
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Thanks Ted. Now I've got to pull out my old Monty Python movies!!
Homer
22 Jan 16 at 1:10 am
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Folks, The State ran an article on the plans to close Winnsboro's Walmart...
Andrew
24 Jan 16 at 10:02 pm
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The jewelry store across from Eggs Up Grill/Za's Pizza on Devine St has apparently moved. The building is being remodeled for something new.
I saw a note on the door a while back when walking to Cantina 76 that said some thing like "We've moved. Our new phone # is 803-555-1234". There wasn't any more info than that. I read it as we've decided we've made a nice chunk of change on this building and we don't really need to stay in business and we may or may not reopen.Matt
25 Jan 16 at 12:13 am
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Has anyone mentioned the Certus Bank on Main Street? Seems like the bank has been liquidated too.
JohnBom
25 Jan 16 at 2:33 pm
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Jillian's Vista location abruptly shutdown according to a local paper. Does anyone have any insight on why it closed and what may replace it?
joelc
25 Jan 16 at 11:57 pm
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According to The State it was related to the October floods. Read the article here:
http://www.thestate.com/news/business/article56533503.html
No great loss to me. They fell out of grace with me years ago...,
Homer
26 Jan 16 at 1:04 am
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Re: Jillian's closing - I'd be surprised if the flood was the only thing that lead to the sinking of the business. It may well have been *one* contributing element, but I'd bet a not insignificant sum of money that it wasn't the root of their demise, if they're honest.
Lone Wolf
26 Jan 16 at 9:04 am
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I stopped going to Jillian's years ago after being dinged for a cover charge just to order dinner. The food was not that good to begin with. The Thursday night shag night in the back bar, Groove Shack I think it was, was the only real reason to go there. As Lone Wolf suggested, there is surely more to this closing than just flooding losses.
joelc
26 Jan 16 at 11:35 am
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Shoney's on Garner's Ferry is "temporarily" closed. (Ted has taught us well to be skeptical of the temporary part)
Kenneth
26 Jan 16 at 9:18 pm
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I had a falling out with Jillian's once when I went with some friends and they refused to split the bill. Half of the people I was with had no cash and had to scramble to get money out of the ATM and pool it together so one person could pay the bill. I know we got screwed over that night.
I used to go for the arcade and the pool tables but it's not worth it. The drinks were always over priced and the food was mediocre at best.
Homer
26 Jan 16 at 11:55 pm
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Especially when a Shoney's says 'temporary'. That means it's gone.
How many, if any, Shoney's are left in Columbia??
Homer
26 Jan 16 at 11:56 pm
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@joelc - I knew a guy that got hit with a cover charge just because there was a band in the Groove Shack that he had no intention of seeing. He just went to drink a few beers and shoot some pool. That's the last time he set foot in the place.
And yes, there is more to the closing story than they are letting onto. I'll have to check the Free Times tomorrow to see what they have to say.
Homer
27 Jan 16 at 12:00 am
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The only other Shoney's in Columbia is the one on SC 302 near the airport...
Andrew
27 Jan 16 at 12:18 am
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The thing about Shoney's is that they do have a CEO in David Davoudpour that has taken over and brought on a new menu, updated restaurant, etc. but it's already too little, too late for 1100 now closed Shoney's restuarants (as has been discussed here before) * Columbia has had several Shoney's restaurants close and if you pull up the Alphabetical Closings list (linked at the top) you can pull the pages up * and while I wish him all the best, he definitely has his work cut out for him to try to revive Shoney's but sometimes despite best attempts at saving something, it's sometimes too far down for it to revive (that's what happened with the Schlotsky's Deli in Lexington btw) and perhaps some of the remaining Shoney's are liable to fall into the same category...
Andrew
27 Jan 16 at 12:55 pm
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The Jeff Price Tennis and Ski building on Devine near 5 Points has been torn down. That was a cool 2 story interior layout.
Joe Shlabotnik
27 Jan 16 at 4:04 pm
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Shoney's had the best breakfast buffet open to the public in Columbia ever. At least the one on Two Notch did back in the day. The best Sunday Buffet not open to the public was/is Forest Lake Club.
palmettoconnection
28 Jan 16 at 12:58 pm
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I checked tonight and it stated that Shoney's (7335 Garners Ferry Road) is closed for remodeling...reading what I have about CEO David Davoudpour's plans to overhaul the Shoney's brand it does seem plausible to me that this restaurant will get a new look as part of plans he's sought to bring to Shoney's in general but I think it's best to see it as a 'wait and see' situation to determine if any work actually gets done or not...
Andrew
28 Jan 16 at 10:25 pm
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The Shoney's on Bush River Rd. used to have an excellent breakfast buffet as well. And their Friday night seafood buffet couldn't be beat either. Toward the end of days everything started tasting like it was cooked together. One thing that never changed was the strawberry pie.
Homer
29 Jan 16 at 1:02 am
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I ate at the Shoneys breakfast buffet a few times in the past few months, and found it very bland but very filling. Now that its gone, temporarily or not, are there any other weekday breakfast buffets in the area?
Kenneth
29 Jan 16 at 7:29 pm
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@ted - It looks like the Salsarita's in the Vista has closed.
Justin
30 Jan 16 at 9:05 am
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I know where the original Belk, Macy's, and Sears stores were downtown but does anyone know where the original JC Penney store was located at?
Dustin
1 Feb 16 at 10:47 am
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@Dustin - The JC Penney was at 1429 Main Street, per ads in The State from the late 70s and early 80s.
Midnight Rambler
1 Feb 16 at 3:57 pm
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I get the (possibly wrong) impression that the Columbia Museum of Art once housed either Belk or JC Penney and Dustin's comment has me wondering which of those it was...
Andrew
1 Feb 16 at 8:26 pm
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Thanks! Andrew it was Belk and Macy's that were there at the Columbia Museum of Art. I'd have to believe the original JC Penney building was razed down for the Wells Fargo tower.
Dustin
1 Feb 16 at 10:09 pm
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Dustin, I think it's one or the outher but I'm not sure which...
Andrew
1 Feb 16 at 10:27 pm
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My Mom said that Penny's was on the same block as Tapp's on the same side of the street.
Homer
1 Feb 16 at 11:23 pm
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No, my memory is that Penny's was on the west side of Main across Hampton Street from Belks. There were entrances on both Hampton and Main streets. We would always park in the Belks garage which I think was the corner of Hampton & Assembly and hit both Belks & Pennys while parked there.
The last time I remember going was in the early 80s while I was at USC. I walked down from campus intending to pick up a radio I had scoped out at the Columbia Mall store for a Christmas present (the reason I hadn't been able to just pick it up there being the recipient was driving..). Man, the place was in sad shape. Upstairs basically empty and everything clustered around the escalator downstairs. It was clear it wasn't long for this world, and needless to say, they didn't have the radio.
ted
2 Feb 16 at 12:13 am
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@ted - sounds sort of like Sears at Columbia Mall
Homer
2 Feb 16 at 1:02 am
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Last couple of times I've been in Richland Mall's Belk I noticed that about half the upstairs of that store is curtained off much like Columbia Place Mall's Sears is...
Andrew
2 Feb 16 at 7:51 pm
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I was in the Columbia Mall Sears this week and didn't notice sections closed off. Perhaps I didn't see the entire store but it looked normal. The south side of the mall is pathetic looking with most of the stores gone. These mall holding companies do a terrible job of turning malls around and seem content to let malls die, to collect the tax writeoffs that they provide.
joelc
3 Feb 16 at 3:54 am
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My friends and I lived at Columbia Mall on the weekends when we were kids during the winter months. The arcade, Aladdin's Castle (over where the food court is now) would have early bird specials on Saturday mornings before the other stores opened. It was like $5 for unlimited play for 3, or 4 hours.
Saw Santa Claus there several years in a row. My mom always parked at Rich's, so I always parked there as well.
We would also go to the movies there and then walk over to the mall afterwards. Chik-fil-a was on the lower level over close to Sears on the movie theater side. It was next to Morrison's Cafeteria.
I got my first Walkman from an electronics store on the lower level by the Sears side.
Read all of the Truly Tasteless Joke Books from Walden Books.
Todd & Moore was down that same corridor closer to Sears. First time I ever tried Gatorade Gum. Do y'all remember Gatorade Gum? Nice and sour, but the taste was gone within the first minute of chewing.
Buger King was around the corner.
Footlocker, Champs, Athletic Attic, Radio Shack,
Record Bar was upstairs next to JCPenney and down from the Hofbrau House, German restaurant. I think there is a Richland School District 2 admin office there now.
As we got older (7th & 8th grade), Columbia Mall was the place to meet up with girls that you liked.
Ahhh....the rug and furniture department at Rich's had the most privacy. That's were we dared to kiss the girls.
Footlocker, Champs, Athletic Attic,
I worked at the first Del Taco in Columbia in high school. Shiano's Pizza was originally upstairs across from Del Taco in the wing just before JCPenney. Duck-in was down that same wing.
I remember all of the change that was in the water fountains on the lower levels at each end of the mall, and even the fountain that was at Center court.
I used to get tough skins and Garanimal clothes from Sears when I was real little. Sears also had a baseball card shop in the middle of the lower level.palmettoconnection
3 Feb 16 at 1:11 pm
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Columbia Mall: Spencer's. Discuss.
Midnight Rambler
3 Feb 16 at 3:29 pm
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@MR: "Holy-moley, they can sell *that*!?"
ted
3 Feb 16 at 11:42 pm
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Spencer's is still open at Columbiana. I remember having a few classmates when I was in 7th grade that liked it but for some reason it isn't my style...
Andrew
3 Feb 16 at 11:58 pm
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Spencer's Gifts! We used to go there in middle school to look at the posters of the girls in wet t-shirts, half boob shirts, bikinis, lingerie, rock star posters, and black light posters. They also had some funny gag gifts, beer adorned items, and silly t-shirts. I am pretty sure I still have my official unofficial laminated "License to Fart" in a box somewhere. That kind of silly stuff that was hilarious to middle school boys in the '80s was what Spencer's was all about.
palmettoconnection
4 Feb 16 at 9:29 am
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Yeah, they sold all kinds of wicked stuff like rolls of Bill Clinton toilet paper. What was the name of that obese naked woman on their calendars?
Joe Shlabotnik
4 Feb 16 at 4:15 pm
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Saw Ovations Brands (parent company of Ryan's) has closed 74 stores nationwide. I couldn't find if any of the 3 Columbia area stores (Two Notch, Irmo, and Lexington), but I have posted in the past how the Lexington and Irmo locations had gone downhill. Any one know if these three locations were affected? Apparently the other locations (not all were Ryan's) closed without notice to their employees.
Ovation Brands was bought out in August 2015 by Food Management Partners and the closings seem to be part of the buyout. New owners closing under producing locations.
James R
4 Feb 16 at 10:19 pm
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Come on Andrew, what's not to like about Spencer's? In addition to what palmettoconnection an Joe mentioned, what about the drinking and questionable board games. They also had greeting cards you would never find anywhere else, may of which I still have in a shoe box somewhere. I remember the rock star figurines (Kiss, Ozzy, etc.) the crazy light fixtures and the Gothic toys and figures.
Sitting on my desk at work are my remote controlled talking Beavis and Butthead and South Park kids.
I also have a birthday present in my desk at work given to me by one of my closest friends years ago. It is a masturbation kit that consists of a rubber glove, a target and a moist towelette. It's never been opened in case there are any bidders....
And, last but not least, where else but Spencer's would you find an inflatable sheep to give to a soon to be husband for those nights when the wife has a 'headache'.
Fun stuff!! I'm going to have to drop by there soon to see what it's like today!!
Homer
4 Feb 16 at 11:55 pm
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@James R - I have not enjoyed Ryan's since they strayed away from their old family steak house format. When they were located on St. Andrews Road I would go there at least once a month just for a good, cheap steak, potato and salad. I have tried them a couple of times since their move to Bower and I was not impressed at all. I would rather go to Golden Corral but they aren't much better and the closest one of those is in Lexington.
Homer
5 Feb 16 at 12:05 am
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Western Sizzlin' off I-95 in Pooler GA has that oldtime steakhouse vibe, and I recall driving across Florida a few years ago and coming across a little town that time forgot with a Western Steer that was out of the 70s, including the attentive and friendly service of the old days. It kind of restored my faith in human nature for a bit.
ted
5 Feb 16 at 1:19 am
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Homer, the closest Golden Corral is actually at 5300 Forest Drive (it's the only one in the Columbia MSA). I ate at one a number of years ago in North Carolina (can't remember which part) that seemed like a step above Ryan's (which to me is borderline insipid) but I haven't been to hte Forest Drive one (after that, the next two Golden Corral locations are in Sumter & Aiken)...
Andrew
5 Feb 16 at 1:31 am
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@Andrew - there used to be one in Lexington. What happened to it?
Homer
5 Feb 16 at 1:42 am
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@ted - that is totally cool. Leave it to GA and FL to have old fashioned places like that. The steaks may not have been 'fork-tender' like Ruth's Chris, but they were tasty and affordable. I haven't been to FL in quite a while but when I would go, I'd always find a gem somewhere in the state.
BTW - I've mentioned my love of Fernandina Beach in the past and how I was disheartened by the commercialism that had taken over the last time I was there (just like Folly Beach). Is it even worse now??
Homer
5 Feb 16 at 1:56 am
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Homer,
Actually I'm sitting in a hotel on Second Street by the marina now. Fernandina is definitely not the poor but proud little town I started visiting in the 1960s, spending weeks at my Aunt's house on 7th St. and wandering the town with no more instructions than to be home for supper, but yet I don't think it has lost its way.
ted
5 Feb 16 at 11:22 am
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The Ryan's in Lexington was part of the 74 stores that someone mentioned above. Apparently they closed without notice to their employees or patrons. This can't be a surprise to anyone that that has eaten there in the last few years. They weren't going downhill, they had already hit the bottom. I think the Golden Coral, in Lexington, was where Kitty's Hallmark is now and if I remember correctly, they closed after Ryan's opened.
ED
5 Feb 16 at 12:45 pm
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My wife just sent me the link from the South West Lexington Ledger that Ryan's in Lexington closed without notice, but it looks like Ed beat me to the punch on announcing it. As Ed stated, it is not surprising.
I was in Irmo earlier today and the parking lot at that Ryan's was about half full around 3 pm.
James R
5 Feb 16 at 6:26 pm
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If Lexington had a Golden Corral it has been gone for a good 10-15 years as I have no memory of Lexington ever having one...if Ryan's continues to close up shop I could see Golden Corral opening a few other locations up but idk where...
Andrew
5 Feb 16 at 8:47 pm
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@ted - pray tell how do you get to take so many fun vacations and trips every year. Are you secretly rich or something?
Homer
5 Feb 16 at 11:46 pm
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Secretly unmarried and childless :-)
ted
6 Feb 16 at 1:11 am
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@ted - yeah, right :-). I'm single and childless as well and I can't get away from spending all of my time off working around the house or taking care of other sundry BS that keeps coming my way. You have to have a secret......
Homer
6 Feb 16 at 3:29 am
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@Homer- This comment is for you. Thanks for checking in.
Rick
6 Feb 16 at 2:26 pm
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@Rick - no problem. We have lost so many regular contributors that it would be a shame to lose another.
Homer
8 Feb 16 at 12:14 am
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@ted - check this out: someone has started to take down some old facades on Taylor Street between Main and Sumter (the block adjacent to Mast General) and now two old storefront signs are visible: a Rose Talbert and Western Auto, cool stuff. The Western Auto sign looks pristine. It would be cool to do a closings on each of these storefronts.
Justin
8 Feb 16 at 7:45 pm
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Interesting, I'll try to get down there if I can. They did the same thing to the old Taylor Street Pharmacy facade a few years ago.
ted
9 Feb 16 at 1:06 am
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@Homer, lost as in passed away or lost as in, they just don't come here anymore?
Sidney
9 Feb 16 at 1:36 pm
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The Raceway gas station on Bush River Rd, in front of Wal-Mart is closed again.
Tom
9 Feb 16 at 6:01 pm
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The Ryan's on Two Notch did close their doors. Someone found out Saturday and has it posted on FB.
Sidney
9 Feb 16 at 7:28 pm
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Does appear to be true. Their website shows only the Harbison location in the Columbia area now. The next closest ones is Orangeburg.
badger
9 Feb 16 at 8:23 pm
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Ok folks it appears to me as Corner Pocket at 489 Piney Grove Rd. has closed up shop...the Corner Pocket signage is off the building and there are two of those portable storage unit containers in front of the building...
I passed by this plenty of times as I grew up not too far from it but never set foot inside so I never knew what type of place it was...
Andrew
9 Feb 16 at 8:45 pm
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@Sidney - didn't mean to give you a start there. Of course I mean that don't, or rarely visit any longer. Maybe they do drop by, but just lurk in the background or are going by another name now. Regular posters like tonkatoy, CayceKid (or his other aliases), MizTerry, TahoeChic, etc.
Homer
10 Feb 16 at 12:26 am
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@Andrew - I haven't gone to the Corner Pocket in years. It used to be your typical pool hall/bar. they would have live music once in a while. Back in the 80's - mid 90's, if you wanted to shoot pool (in St. Andrew's/Irmo) somewhere that had decent tables and atmosphere your best choices were Hemmingway's, The Corner Pocket and Opening Break (although OB was more expensive than the others).
Homer
10 Feb 16 at 12:31 am
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@Andrew - oops, I forgot to mention the fact that Jillian's had decent pool tables. About the only thing that abomination of a club had going for it.
Homer
10 Feb 16 at 12:35 am
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Hello Ted. Back in 2015, I admonished you about providing links in some of your post to thestate.com, because it was my experience that those of us who didn't have a paid subscription couldn't view the pages you wanted us to see because of the 'sign in' pop-up. Unless I am misremembering, you told me how to view the pages and avoid being blocked. I didn't do it then, and can't remember what you said. Is there any way to let me in on that info again?
Thanks in advance.JBL
12 Feb 16 at 10:37 pm
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I thought the steakhouse on Bower Parkway had turned into a Fire Mountain buffet or something like that.
JBL
12 Feb 16 at 10:44 pm
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@JBL It was Fire Mountain for awhile, but for some reason they changed it back to a Ryans a few years ago.
IrmoJeff
13 Feb 16 at 9:40 am
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Fire Mountain and Ryan's are under the same parent company. Ryan's used to have a restaurant in the 500 block of St. Andrews that they closed when Fire Mountain opened on Bower Parkway. Fire Mountain continued for a few years but was ultimately rebranded Ryan's. It's been several years since I've set foot in one but the last few times I've been the service was good but the food was tasteless...
Fire Mountain also had a restaurant at 7550 Garners Ferry Road that went through the same thing but I don't remember it getting rebranded Ryan's...
BTW I also have run into the same issue on The State's website about the 'sign in' popup that JBL speaks to and have found that sometimes if you press the browser's 'stop' button fast enough it'll preclude it from showing up...
Andrew
13 Feb 16 at 12:51 pm
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I know The State keeps changing things around, but I think what works is if you go into your browser settings and tell it not to accept any cookies from thestate.com.
ted
13 Feb 16 at 11:13 pm
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Thank you.
JBL
14 Feb 16 at 2:44 am
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It will work if you have incognito browsing capability.
kholler
14 Feb 16 at 7:17 pm
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Ryans Family Buffet in Lexington is Shut
Kc
16 Feb 16 at 4:44 pm
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The Doctor's Care in downtown Lexington, on Columbia Ave, has closed and I am assuming is moving in to their new location down 378 closer to Target.
ED
18 Feb 16 at 6:35 pm
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BJ's Cafe, down by Richland Heart Hospital.. I drove by it today and it was closed up with paper in the windows.
Brian
19 Feb 16 at 1:26 pm
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I'm curious if anyone knows what is being constructed at the northwest corner of Old Cherokee & N. Lake Drive. It appears to be a smaller version of the 'Welcome to Lexington' sign/marquee/fountain that sits near the intersection of Sunset Blvd. & Corley Mill Road. That boondoggle cost over $600K to build and probably costs 5 figures per year to maintain.
John R
22 Feb 16 at 3:43 pm
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This isn't a closing but what are they building behind Cici's Pizza over in Sandhills?
Beautiful Life
22 Feb 16 at 3:49 pm
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@Beautiful Life -- It's going to be a Sam's Club.
Sidney
22 Feb 16 at 7:26 pm
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Anyone know happened to Wet Wille's in the Vista? Everything points to it being opened online still but it's defintely been looking closed, especially with Jillian's closing too.
Dustin
22 Feb 16 at 9:20 pm
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@ED - more than likely, just to give my rich cousin more rental income..... Nah, I'm not bitter....lol
Homer
23 Feb 16 at 1:41 am
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@Dustin - I'll have to check into this. I haven't heard or seen anything in the Free Times or anywhere else. That would be a shame since it was the best "dive" bars in the Vista....
Homer
23 Feb 16 at 1:44 am
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Yeah @Homer it looks like there maybe a notice on the door of some sort. The one in Charleston closed at the end of this past December due an "sudden extreme drop of business" according to the franchise owner to the Charleston City Paper who operated it for 22 years. Didn't know if the they also owned the Columbia as well.
Dustin
23 Feb 16 at 2:00 am
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Why do you guys put an @ symbol in front of other people's names?
@JoeJoe Shlabotnik
23 Feb 16 at 5:24 pm
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@Joe - when we are directing a comment to a certain person we stick and @ sign in from of the name. Otherwise, it's just a general comment....
Homer
23 Feb 16 at 6:20 pm
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@Dustin - I did a Yahoo search using 'is wet willies closed'. From the results it looks like a bunch of them have closed.
Homer
23 Feb 16 at 6:25 pm
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Joe Shlabotnick, I'm with you. Isn't the same thing accomplished by adding a comma after the name, like we've done for many, many, many years? Must be a hipster thing. Makes you wonder if people are, in the midst of an in person conversation involving a group of people, directing a comment to a specific person by actually saying, "At Ted, tell us...."
JBL
24 Feb 16 at 3:02 am
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@Joe. I always thought it was a short internet shorthand. Since it's known as an "At" sign, you're really saying "At Joe" as in your speaking at Joe. Saves 2 characters.
Of course that sounds a bit rude to speak at someone rather than to someone. Perhaps it should be 2Jow... nah that just looks funny.
MrBO
24 Feb 16 at 6:05 am
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@Homer
@JBL
@MRBOThank you
#just wondering
Joe Shlabotnik
24 Feb 16 at 7:28 am
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It's one of the internet shortcut things.
Homer
24 Feb 16 at 12:04 pm
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OK, Joe. You did the so-called hash tag '#' thing. As you and I know it's a pound sign! Are you sure you don't already know what this is all about? As much as I hate Twitter, Facebook and all of the other 'social media' stuff; you see the '@'s and '#'s all over the place when watching TV to get people to interact online about the show being aired. I can't understand how people can watch a TV show and comprehend what is going on if the are constantly 'tweeting' about every little thing that happens on the show.
Before the days of Twitter, when 'LOST' was on the air (remember that show?) I had two other friends that watched it religiously, as I did, every week. I always had to re-watch the show the next night to see what I had missed while we were texting each other about what we had just seen.
Just another sign of the times, I guess....
Homer
25 Feb 16 at 2:17 am
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Overheard between Bach and Mozart: Tis better to B# than B flat. I think I will write a cantata in C.
#the many uses of #
@Homer.....#I get it #Just having fun #I'm outta here
#What has happened to @Rick?
Joe Shlabotnik
25 Feb 16 at 3:54 am
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I've always known # as a number sign but the advent of Twitter means it's now a hashtag...
@ I always associated with email addresses to precede the domain name but again the advent of Twitter has meant that said symbol now means in response to and people use it here as well...
Andrew
25 Feb 16 at 12:57 pm
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Octothorpe
Rick
25 Feb 16 at 7:12 pm
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Huh???
Homer
26 Feb 16 at 12:28 am
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MrBO, your comment that using the @ sign "saves two characters" is flawed, because technically you must press the 'shift' key to type the @ sign, so you've pressed two keys to type "at" and also to type "@".
But if you type the person's name followed by a comma, then proceed to type the comment or question you wish to direct toward that person, you have indeed saved a keystroke, or character, because you only needed one.
But my point was, why can't we leave the @s and #s to facebook and twitter, and just use the methods that have served us well for centuries in this forum. Do we began a statement in actual verbal conversation with "@ Ted" to indicate who we are speaking to in a group, or do we say their name followed by a pause(a verbal comma), then speak? Do we begin a handwritten (or typed on paper) letter with " @ Ted", or "Dear Ted,"?
I say to you, are we all hipster dufuses, or are we enlightened, educated people?!? If we cut the standards of grammar and punctuation, do they not bleed?!?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBBnInfFBH4&list=RDTBBnInfFBH4#t=12JBL
26 Feb 16 at 3:04 am
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Good link. Hipster doofuses. Like it.
Joe Shlabotnik
26 Feb 16 at 2:20 pm
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A few happenings in Lexington.
The Kangaroo Express next to Lowe's is no more. It has officially changed over to a Circle K. For those that don't know, Circle K bought out Kangaroo Express last year and will be converting all of the Kangaroos to Circle Ks.
Eggs Up Grill is supposed to open in the strip mall behind Rush's at 205-M Columbia Avenue. I do not know what was in this location previously, but the Eggs Up Grill is supposed to open the first of second week of March.
Rumor has it a furniture store is going into the old Dollar General location in the Lexington Town Center strip mall on West Main Street. That Dollar General moved about a year to a stand alone building further out on Hwy 378. Hopefully, the new store won't be a mattress store. I swear the Columbia area has more mattress stores per capita than anywhere else in the U.S. How can this city possibly support so mattress stores?
Petco is building a new store attached to the Kohl's in Lexington.
James R
26 Feb 16 at 5:50 pm
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I've noticed several other Kangaroo Expresses becoming Circle Ks and felt something like this was going on...Kangaroo Express is a convenience store brand I had a soft spot in my heart for so I hate to see them go but I'm (generally speaking) a fan of Circle K as well and enjoy their car washes as well...
I wondered what was going next to the Lexington Place Kohl's...Equity one for years had space next to the Kohl's listed as an 'expansion area' on their Sparkleberry Square siteplan making me wonder if something like that was happening with the Lexington Place Kohl's and if so, would Sparkelberry Square's follow...but apparently it's Petco.
The topic of Columbia having so many mattress stores has been discussed here recently. Harbison Blvd. has 3 MatressFirm locations between St. Andrews and I-26 which to me seems like oversaturation and several others have had other examples...
Andrew
26 Feb 16 at 11:18 pm
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Andrew, what man, woman or child in America doesn't enjoy a good car wash?!?
JBL
27 Feb 16 at 2:18 am
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The free ride's over.....
Over the years our family would go to the Outer Banks for our ocean retreat. Later to Hatteras Island. Then the crash of 2008 happened and the family went their own way.
My sister and her husband bought a place in Topsail Island, NC that I've been able to enjoy over the past few years, but they just sold the place. It doesn't seem likely we'll be getting together again for a beach trip as they only like to do their walks on the beach. Me, I'm content to sit, listen to the ocean, read, and occasionally jump in the water when things get hot. Casting some bait in the water on a day or two might come up.
It occurs to me that there are quite a few folks here that like spots on the SC coast. Here's the challenge.
I'm looking for Ocean Front for one person. A beach with a trough and a sand bar. (This excludes Myrtle, and Folley beach as they just go straight out. (You have to go about 300 ft out to get chest deep) Wi-Fi is a must. Nearby restaurants a plus. I usually do the cooking for the family, but since it's just me, I'll just need a coffee pot and a fridge.
Anyone know of any good deals out there? Looked at Pawley's Island. It's about $1,300/week for the 4th of July weekend. Any better deals out there? A place that doesn't mind a Cigar smoker outside on the porch or beach.
MrBO
28 Feb 16 at 8:28 am
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I've got a questions that I just want to throw out to everybody. Does anyone know of a restaurant in Irmo/St. Andrews or the Northeast side of town that has all you can eat crab leg specials? I've heard that Vella's and D's in Cayce/W. Cola. have them but I'd prefer to find a place on the two sides of town that I spend most of my time.l
Homer
1 Mar 16 at 1:07 am
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Saw on Facebook tonight that Edna's Drive-In's last day will be March 31, 2016, Edna's is at 3609 River Drive, Columbia, SC 29201
Johnny Strait
2 Mar 16 at 12:01 am
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Wow!
ted
2 Mar 16 at 12:19 am
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JBL
2 Mar 16 at 6:40 am
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We tried to go to Pancho's in Lexington tonight and they have closed. The handwritten sign said they would be closed "until further notice", but I am not holding my breath for them to reopen. Auto Chlor had already come by and marked their territory. This was originally Casa Linda and is somehow connected with San Jose. I am guessing the owner is doing what he can to cut costs since he has a murder trial to pay for. From what I understand the San Jose restaurants around Lexington are still in businesses and seem busy. Hate that this location closed, it was our go to Mexican restaurant.
ED
2 Mar 16 at 8:46 pm
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One more thing, I mentioned a couple of weeks ago about Doctors's Care in Lexington closing and moving down the street. They are indeed closed but have yet to open in their new location.
ED
2 Mar 16 at 8:48 pm
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@ED - I was wondering about the fate of the San Jose restaurants as well. The Sparkleberry Lane and Broad River Rd. sites are still open too.
Homer
3 Mar 16 at 1:30 am
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I didn't see anything on the Facebook page about Edna's closing. I just ate there last week and saw no signs of this happening. If this comes to pass it will be the end of an institution in Columbia and, I for one, will be there on the last day. Just as I was when Ed's closed in West Columbia.
Homer
3 Mar 16 at 1:38 am
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It's all over Facebook that it's closing, that really sux, love Edna's.
Justin
5 Mar 16 at 9:23 pm
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Oops - there's more than one Facebook page for Edna's and I was looking at the wrong one. Everyone I have mentioned this to has been shocked and saddened when hearing that it's closing.
Homer
5 Mar 16 at 10:15 pm
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@ted - I just sent you an email wit some Edna's pics that you may use when you write the 'obit' for it.....
Homer
6 Mar 16 at 3:10 am
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A couple of weeks ago we were talking about the uses of the @ symbol. I just read today that Raymond Tomlinson, creator of the @ based email address in 1971, passed away this week. A search provides some pretty good reading about this man. If you are a tech geek.
Joe Shlabotnik
6 Mar 16 at 7:22 pm
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And the alternative, in retrospect, was awful. Originally when I started using email, we used UUCP addressing and the user name was all the way on the right, and you had to name each computer on the way to yours in what was called a bang path. What this boiled down to was you picked a well known machine somewhere and gave a path from it to your machine. Maybe bad but not terrible when there were dozens of machines out there, but obviously not scalable to millions. Of course '@' addressing brougt "sendmail" and that was a program with its own can of worms.
ted
7 Mar 16 at 12:27 am
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Ted ... it appears you are going to be very busy with the massive shutdown of Ovation Brands based in Greer, SC. Reports are they secretly have shutdown 193 locations in the past month to include 90 in the past few days.
Ovation Brands has over 17,000 employees across 35 states. Its brands include Fire Mountain, Old Country Buffet, HomeTown Buffet, Ryan's, Ryan's Family Steakhouse, Granny's, Tahoe Joe's, Tahoe Joe's Famous Steakhouse, Soup 'N Salad Unlimited, Roadhouse Grill, J.J. North's Grand Buffet and Ovation Brands.
Jimmy
7 Mar 16 at 9:47 pm
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Isn't there an Old Country Buffet on St Andrews RD? How many Ryan's left in Columbia, did they all shut down? I read the Ryan's in Orangeburg shut down this morning. All locations in Myrtle Beach and conway closed over the weekend.
Jimmy
7 Mar 16 at 9:51 pm
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Jimmy
7 Mar 16 at 9:55 pm
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Looking at the map on Ryan's website... it shows only 6 locations left in SC after another round of closings this weekend and today.
Jimmy
7 Mar 16 at 10:24 pm
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@Jimmy - there was a Ryan's Steakhouse on St. Andrews Rd. years ago. It was roughly across the street from the IGA shopping center. I don not remember an Old country Buffet. The only other Ryan's that I know of is the one on Bower Pkwy.
Homer
7 Mar 16 at 10:24 pm
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I remember there being a restaurant in St. Andrews Shopping Center (736 St. Andrews Road) back in the 90s but don't remember what it was called. The spot it once occupied went on to house Ladies' Choice Fitness. For years I wondered what it was called but finally asked when Ladies' Choice closed several years ago and someone said it that it was called Old Country Buffet. I subsequently encountered GSN Commercials for Ryan's, Old Country Buffet and a third restaurant the name kept escaping me (I think (baserd on Jimmy's list) that it was HomeTown Buffet) that told me they were under the same corporate umbrella.
Ryan's for years had a restaurant across from Richardson Plaza at 534 St. Andrews Road. It closed abruptly then a Fire Mountain opened up on Bower Parkway...turns out that Fire Mountain was under the same corporate umbrella as Ryan's and Fire Mountain finally got rebranded Ryan's. With the recent round of Ryan's, last I knew, the Bower Parkway location Ryan's is the only one still standing (Ryan's also had locations on Two Notch (has already featured here) and on in Lexington that has yet to feature here that didn't make the cut)...last few times I've been (and it's been several years since then) the food quality has bordered on insipid.
Andrew
7 Mar 16 at 10:36 pm
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Now that Andrew mentions it I do remember there being an Old Country Buffet in the location he specifies. I never pay any attention to that shopping center.
Homer
7 Mar 16 at 10:47 pm
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All the Ryan's in the Myrtle Beach area ( 1 in Myrtle Beach, 1 in Conway and 1 in Surfside) have closed and have been removed from the Ryan's restaurant locator. The only open Ryan's is the one in North Myrtle beach and I'm not sure if it will be closing at some point as well, but we'll see.
Casey G
7 Mar 16 at 11:11 pm
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I should point out that Old Country Buffet's former St. Andrews location that subsequently had Ladies Choice fitness now houses a thrift store for God Cares Charities...
Andrew
7 Mar 16 at 11:18 pm
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The Ryan's on St. Andrews Road is here. Not a very good picture I'm afraid.
ted
8 Mar 16 at 1:12 am
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Locations in Columbia, Orangeburg, Greer, Spartanburg, Anderson, Conway, Myrtle Beach, Charleston etc closed over the weekend. Back In Jan, numerous closed to include Lexington location. More closed in Feb.
This leaves 6 locations remaining in South Carolina, none in the Columbia area.
Jimmy
8 Mar 16 at 6:05 am
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From their website .Ovation Brands ... around 120 locations across the country remain open. They had 646 locations in 2008
Jimmy
8 Mar 16 at 6:10 am
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More about Ryan's as more of their locations have been shuttered as of this morning here in SC and in Columbia. Seems like every Ryan's in the company is closing up shop ahead of the bankruptcy:
Dustin
8 Mar 16 at 10:02 am
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Folks The State reports that Dairy Queen has plans to open a bunch of eateries throughout SC.
Look for possibly around 15 around SC as part of a plan to open 75 throughout SC...
Andrew
8 Mar 16 at 5:05 pm
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Honestly, how can a reporter and editor let pass a line like:
Dairy Queen, the quarter-century-old fast food restaurant known mostly for its desserts,
More like "75-year-old fast food restaurant".
ted
8 Mar 16 at 5:21 pm
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About ten years ago, out of curiosity, I inquired about franchise info for a Dairy Queen in Columbia.
It takes a fair amount of capital to open even one restaurant approximately 3 to 4 million.
I read the article Andrew was referring to and the way it was worded describes it all, it said... Dairy Queen has begun recruiting franchisors to open 75 stand alone restaurants in the palmetto state.
What that means is they are looking for people with enough cash to open a franchise.Rick
8 Mar 16 at 8:03 pm
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Not only is Ryan's on Bower Parkway closed but also the Tobacco Merchant is moving into the space on Piney Grove Road that Corner Pocket recently left...
Andrew
8 Mar 16 at 10:56 pm
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Calypso on Hardscrabble next to Food Lion has closed up.
Sidney
15 Mar 16 at 4:28 pm
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This isn't a closing but an opening instead. I went by the Sam's Club Hiring Center in Sandhills just now to find out when Sam's Club will be opening. It will be open in August. The gas station will probably be open before August. All they have to do is put the pumps in place.
I'm excited because I have to go to Sam's Club EVERY week. Now instead of going from The Summit to Forest Dr, which is about 15 miles, in August it will be just 3 miles from the house. And if Sandhills doesn't have something I need, I can go 15 miles to Forest Dr instead of about 30 miles to Harbison.
Sidney
24 Mar 16 at 2:24 pm
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Olive Grill at 1211 Taylor Street is now closed, a new place called Sandwich Depot is open there.
Justin
25 Mar 16 at 10:54 am
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I am not a bride but I had heard and also read the Carolina Couture Bridal Salon in the Vista had closed.
Ellen
25 Mar 16 at 6:12 pm
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Right around the time Columbia's third Sam's opens up at Village at Sandhill, Columbia's first Costco will open up on Piney Grove Road. It looks like sections of Piney Woods Road and Fernadina Road are getting overhauled to better accommodate traffic in/out of Costco...not only that, the traffic signal at Piney Grove & Fernadina Road is getting an overhaul (frankly I wish the signal at Piney Grove where Jamil Road becomes Bower Parkway would get a simliar overhaul) and I wonder what type of impact Costco will have on the Harbison Sam's Club...
Andrew
25 Mar 16 at 11:39 pm
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Ted, do your old address books show a listing for Olde Discount Brokers on Lady St. In the '80s?
Joe Shlabotnik
28 Mar 16 at 10:06 am
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I'm not ted, but here are some references on this blog to Olde: http://columbiaclosings.com/wordpress/?p=3778&cpage=1
badger
28 Mar 16 at 1:25 pm
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Per Charlotte Costco the Columbia Costco will open June 1st.
JB
28 Mar 16 at 5:47 pm
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I could be wrong but I think they'd need to be further along in the construction process than they currently are to open June 1...unless they have teams that can work at an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition pace...
Andrew
28 Mar 16 at 9:15 pm
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Since Ted hasn't posted anything new for a while, I wonder where he went for Easter vacation. I'd love to take as many as he does every year!!
Homer
31 Mar 16 at 2:03 am
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@Andrew - I agree with you about Costco. I haven't been by the site in a couple of weeks but it was still nothing but dirt last time I was by......
Homer
31 Mar 16 at 2:05 am
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I took a friend of mine to lunch today at the Ruby Tuesday's off of Jackson Blvd. It was the first time I have been on that side of town since the October floods.
I was surprised by all of the businesses that have sprung up since I used to frequent that area around 5 years ago when one of my friends used to live in Hampton Hills.
There is still some carnage visible from the flood (the old title loan office, leveled trees and such) but it really looks like the area has made a comeback on the positive side.
Homer
2 Apr 16 at 3:50 am
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The State is reporting that Cromer's P-nuts and Cogdill Carpets will be relocating from their Huger Street location.
Tom
5 Apr 16 at 10:18 am
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Can you solve a mystery? I was telling a coworker about an ice cream parlor that used to be downtown, If I remember correctly, on Assembly where Wendy's is now. Does anyone remember that place, what it was called (something with an S, I think?), and when it closed?
Gina
5 Apr 16 at 3:16 pm
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Gina, you are probably thinking about Swensen's, which was located on Main Street near to where you are thinking. Read more here: http://columbiaclosings.com/wordpress/?p=1822.
59 Ford Wheelman
5 Apr 16 at 5:29 pm
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Haven't been on here a while. Too busy writing my doctoral dissertation in hopes of graduating this summer. Noticed today that FootAction USA in Harbison has moved. They were in a very large underutilized space near Kirkland's and Michael's. They have apparently moved across the street into the Total Wine & Spirits plaza.
James R
6 Apr 16 at 3:48 pm
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From what I gathered, Footaction USA downsized and moved into the former Family Christian Stores at 275 Harbison Blvd (Harbison Center)...this is a prime opportunity for someone I'd imagine...the space they're vacating is 17,800 square feet which could pave the way for something new (the new space is about a third the size at 6,720 square feet)...perhaps World Market. I've even imagined the land undergoing an overhaul for Red Lobster. That or it could be subdivided...Something else I've thought of is that the Pier 1 facade on their current building is a little dated compared to the other two so perhaps this will be the chance they need to upgrade...I've also imagined Red Lobster coming onto the scene as a result of all of this...
Footaction USA started as Just for Feet (I remember it opening in early-mid 1999). Per their wiki page, the company went defunct in 2004 and wound up becoming Footaction USA.
Andrew
6 Apr 16 at 4:46 pm
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@Ted - It looks like Cali's Cafe at 1124 Taylor Street (across from the Mast General) is closed. The sign was off the front when I went by recently.
Justin
9 Apr 16 at 7:52 pm
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Drove past the new Costo site again today. June 1st looks like a stretch of the imagination since they are laying out the parking lot and the store site is nothing but a concrete slab.
Homer
11 Apr 16 at 12:49 am
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Hi Ted,
Are you on vacation, or is there nothing else currently closing in Columbia?
palmettoconnection
11 Apr 16 at 2:02 pm
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@palmetto. It's just since Rick stopped commenting it has become boring.
Jd
11 Apr 16 at 6:35 pm
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Sorry guys. A relative who has access to my cell phone made the last comment. CC is not boring.
Rick
11 Apr 16 at 7:28 pm
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@pc -- Yep, I've been out of town with not a lot of pictures uploaded.
ted
11 Apr 16 at 11:29 pm
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@Ted - the Army Navy store on Main is now closed.
Justin
12 Apr 16 at 7:26 am
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The State has a video speaking to plans for a 6 lane bowling alley across the street...
Andrew
13 Apr 16 at 11:25 pm
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I know it has been a few months and I am not sure of the exact date or month but Salsa Cabana (a nightclub) has closed down. It was a little club in the corner where The Original Pancake House and Carolina Wings (now J Peter's Grill and bar) used to be on Beltline next to Richland Mall.
Sidney
17 Apr 16 at 12:27 am
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Ok I don't think Beltline ever had a Carolina Wings but I do the J Peter's was for years a D's Wings...I still haven't been to J Peter's and have debated about trying it but it hasn't worked out just yet...
Andrew
17 Apr 16 at 4:31 pm
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J. Peters has some of the best cheese fries around. They have other good stuff, too, but I have my priorities. :D
badger
18 Apr 16 at 7:19 am
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Does anyone remember the restaurant that is on Leesburg Road across from the cemetary? The man that owned it always wore overalls, with longish white hair and a white beard. I believe he had Green in his last name.
That place was pretty good. The building is still there but it's not a restaurant now.
I believe it evolved from a supper club to a seafood restaurant. After he died and it was sold, they closed it down.
Jane
20 Apr 16 at 3:23 pm
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Dick's Flamingo Club. I think his name was Greenwood.
badger
20 Apr 16 at 4:39 pm
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I know that Parklane Seafood was there for a number of years but I think they've bitten the dust...
Andrew
20 Apr 16 at 4:46 pm
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The closing for Dick's Flamingo Club is here.
And yes, the building was also Parklane Seafood.
ted
20 Apr 16 at 6:02 pm
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Andrew, My bad, you are correct, D's Wings.
Sidney
20 Apr 16 at 11:08 pm
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Any idea what happened to the Cici's Pizza at the Woodhill area in Garner's Ferry? I looked back through your posts on here, but couldn't find anything about that location. I was out there today and noticed the sign was no longer on the building. Another victim of the flood?
Susan Gainey
21 Apr 16 at 2:10 pm
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I did a little checking and found that Trevin heard that Cici's would be closing on April 17 and posted as such.
I don't know what did it in but I enjoyed eating there several times and even my last lunch with my grandmother before she died was there (she'd only go if I was with her)...I hate to see it go but we still have two others to enjoy on St. Andrews & in the Village at Sandhill....
What it sounds like to me is that said rumor panned out to be true (but I haven't been out that way to confirm for myself)...
Andrew
21 Apr 16 at 5:50 pm
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Ok folks, Camden will be losing their Kmart this summer...
I've shopped it a few times and enjoyed it the times I made it but didn't make it to Camden very often...
Andrew
22 Apr 16 at 12:45 am
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The CiCi's in Woodhill Plaza has closed up shop!
John Barrs
22 Apr 16 at 6:48 am
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@ted - I recall a coversation on here in the past about an old seafood restaurant tha floated in a pond. It might have been around the Garners Ferry Rd area. Do you recall the name of it?
Homer
22 Apr 16 at 3:00 pm
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Homer, you must be thinking about The Bounty restaurant. http://columbiaclosings.com/wordpress/?p=438
They had a boat that you could ride on around the pond. The restaurant itself sat right beside the pond and was shaped like a boat.Cam
22 Apr 16 at 3:45 pm
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@Cam - thank you, that was it!! A friend of mine at work and I were beating our heads against the wall trying to remember the name,
Homer
22 Apr 16 at 8:31 pm
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Noticed the Goodnight Sleepstore at 5166C Sunset Blvd. in Lexington has closed (between Zoe's Kitchen and Red Bowl Asian Fusion). It appears Ted did a post on the Two Notch store closing. sounds like maybe the whole company might be in trouble? Or at least closing regionally because they can't compete with the over saturation of the market. This location already has a building permit in displayed in the window, so something new will be moving in soon.
James R.
24 Apr 16 at 5:02 pm
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I also noticed the gas station in front of Wal-mart on Bush River Road has closed. I think this might have been a Race Way or Race Trac branded station, but I don't remember. I have seen some Wal-marts with a Murphy Express / Murphy USA gas station attached to them. Makes me wonder if this location won't be converted to a Murphy.
James R.
24 Apr 16 at 5:04 pm
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Just learned that Southern Belly BBQ will be opening a third location at 1410 Colonial Life Blvd. Not sure what was in that location previously, but I am excited to see one a little closer to home. It is expected to open in a couple of weeks according to their Facebook page. Now I won't have to drive all the way downtown to eat there. Hopefully the parking will also be better. I love the Rosewood location, but the parking at Rosewood is horrible.
They apparently opened a 2nd location on Harden Street near Harper's around St. Patrick's Day.
James R.
24 Apr 16 at 5:12 pm
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Walmart #4379 (1326 Bush River Road) already has a Murphy USA gas station in one of the outparcels
The biggest issue I think the Raceway gas station that closed in that area dealt with is the lack of interior facilities/too small as well as the competition was perhaps oversaturated...that station has already featured here, it reopened and then wound up closing again...
Yes, the Two Notch Goodnight sleepstore featured here (it's a former Blockbuster btw)...on that post, people were wondering how Columbia can support the number of mattress stores we have and MattressFirm has opened quite a few close together making my mom and I wondering when the bottom will fall out and they close...Harbison Blvd. between I-26 and St. Andrews Road is approximately 1.5 miles long and over that stretch there are 4 MattressFirm locations. Then go to the intersection where Garners Ferry Road becomes Devine Street and there's one there then head up just beyond Shoppes at Woodhill and the next traffic Signal (Old Woodlands) there's another...Lexington has 2 along 378 between the Lexington Pavilion and Old Cherokee (that stretch isn't more than about 2 miles long) plus there's another mattress store along there with a different name.
Southern Belly BBQ is likely going to be somewhere in Colonial Village (a shopping center between Haverty's and the building for Colonial Life Insurance) but will need to stay tuned for the exact spot as construction progresses...
Andrew
24 Apr 16 at 8:13 pm
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I must have missed seeing the Murphy USA when I passed by.
James R.
24 Apr 16 at 8:47 pm
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There are 7 mattress stores and 4 furniture stores that also sell mattresses on 378 in Lexington between I-20 to Main Street (a stretch of 6.2 miles).
Mattress Stores:
Michaelis - 350 Columbia Avenue
Councils Mattress - 453 Columbia Avenue
Mattress Pro - 5449 A Sunset
Mattress Firm - 5416 Sunset
Mattress Firm - 5225 Sunset
Goodnight Sleepstore - 5166 C Sunset (now closed)
Mattress Man - 5140 Sunset
Absolute Discount Mattress - 4884 SunsetFurniture Stores:
Beds and Such - 4501 Sunset
Marty Rae's - 5108 Sunset
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries - 5342 Sunset
Scott's Furniture - 705 N. Lake Drive (US 378 and SC 6)There is a rumor that another furniture store will open in the old Dollar General location on West Main Street in Lexington. I am sure it will sell mattresses as well.
James R.
24 Apr 16 at 9:26 pm
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Four Bi-Lo stores in Lexington and Richland counties are speculated for or are in the process of closure:
Bi-Lo #5064, Widewater Square, 3315-B Broad River Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29210-5424
Bi-Lo #5558, 249 West Columbia Avenue, Batesburg, South Carolina 29006-2117
Bi-Lo #5757, Lake Murray Shopping Center, 760 Highway 378 West, Lexington, South Carolina 29072-7481
Bi-Lo #5759, 4711 Forest Dr, #1, Columbia, South Carolina 29206-3108Knight
25 Apr 16 at 12:46 am
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Doesn't surprise me about the Widewater Square location. Even though it has been remodeled in the past few years it's still in a bad location. I can imagine that loss of merchandise may have something to do with the closure. 25 years ago when I lived in the area it wasn't the safest place to do you grocery shopping.
Homer
25 Apr 16 at 2:36 am
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The aforementioned stores are in direct competition with Publix, Walmart Neighborhood Market, and Walmart Supercenter. Bi-Lo stores 5757 and 5759 were among the 22 Piggly Wiggly Carolina Company stores acquired in 2013. Store 5759 was originally Harris Teeter.
There is speculation Bi-Lo is exiting the Charlotte region, North Carolina, and northeast South Carolina. Four stores in Florence, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach have begun store closing procedures (closing of service departments, reduction in hours of operation, etc.).
Knight
25 Apr 16 at 8:55 am
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I got the vibe that Widewater Square's Bi-Lo #5064 had a clientele that left a lot to be desired the last couple of times I've been in it (btw this was before the Walmart neighborhood market was built)...if it closes it either will get filled within 3-6 months or it'll sit vacant for many years (hopefully not the latter)...
If Walmart neighborhood markets do have the power to negatively impact Bi-Lo stores then I'd be careful about the Bi-Lo at Sandy Ridge Square (2930 Emmanuel Church Road) as that is caddy corner to a Walmart neighborhood market under construction. It has been remodeled sometime in the last 3-5 years though...
Not gonna lie, #5759 (Forest Park) had me fantasizing about it combing back full circle and becoming a Harris Teeter as I understand that Harris Teeter is looking to open in Columbia and that was their only profitable store when they were here the last round...if it were to become a Harris Teeter I'd likely be there the day it opens. Then again the closed space with the Cardinal Newman property being available could produce something else...
Bi-Lo #5757 (Lake Murray Shopping Center) is in an area I don't make it out to very often but I did go in it once about a year ago and it felt like they haven't done much to upgrade the interior to make it more like Bi-Lo vs. Piggly Wiggly. Plus Publix-anchored Hendrix Crossing is caddy corner to this one which is also likely having an impact...
I can't speak to Batesburg/Leesville because it has been several years since the last time I made it out there and frankly I find that area tricky to navigate the times I've been (though their KFC is much nicer than any of the ones we have here)...
Andrew
25 Apr 16 at 4:23 pm
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Bi-Lo #5580 (2916 Emanuel Church Road, West Columbia, South Carolina 29170-3010) underwent an update several years ago. It did not add a pharmacy department. It did receive new decor and possibly new fixtures.
The new Walmart Neighborhood Market on Emanuel Church Road will give Bi-Lo #5580 competition.
Knight
26 Apr 16 at 9:35 am
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Harris Teeter returning to Columbia would be interesting.
Harris Teeter and its parent, Kroger, coexist in five regions:
Durham, North Carolina (Kroger Mid-Atlantic Division, Harris Teeter)
Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina (Kroger Mid-Atlantic Division, Harris Teeter)
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, South Carolina (Kroger Atlanta Division, Harris Teeter)
Charlottesville, Virginia (Kroger Mid-Atlantic Division, Harris Teeter)
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, Virginia-North Carolina (Kroger Mid-Atlantic Division, Harris Teeter)I think Kroger is in the process of opening four Kroger Marketplace hypermarket stores in Richland and Lexington counties. Killian's Crossing is the first. Other stores mentioned are Capital City Stadium, Lexington, and Red Bank.
Harris Teeter can infill in areas where Kroger Marketplace stores are unable to go in.
It remains to be seen if Kroger may open Kroger Marketplace stores across the upstate, or acquire an existing participant to coexist with Harris Teeter. Harris Teeter has announced two stores in its return to Greenville.
Knight
26 Apr 16 at 9:42 am
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I k now you have been doing a lot lately but just didn't want you to forget about Salsa Cabana on Beltline in the same building where D's Wings used to be.
Sidney
27 Apr 16 at 11:11 pm
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An out of area closing in North Charleston:
Sports Authority has announced that creditors are not willing to work with them on a bankruptcy reorganization plan and have indicated their intentions to throw in the towel. They will be closing all stores (about 465 total) nationwide. Their only store in South Carolina appears to be located at 7800 North Rivers Market, North Charleston. No word on the exact closing date, but should be sometime in the next couple of months.
James R
28 Apr 16 at 3:51 pm
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Sports Authority in North Charleston closed last year. It was formerly Hechenger's in the late 80's, Sports Town in the early 90's, Sports Authority from 1995-2015, and now Hobby Lobby
Tommy W
2 May 16 at 12:38 am
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Does anyone remember a hotel in Columbia, near Ft. Jackson, that was called "The Plantation" or something similar? Is what still a branded hotel, I believe a Ramada, but I could be wrong. I stayed there in either 2001 or 2002 before going through MEPS at Ft. Jackson. I can't find any info on it anywhere else on the web, I just remember it had a large, and dated lobby that had a sign calling it the plantation as you entered. It had frescoes and decorations that would evoke a Gone With The Wind type ambience. I believe it, at the time, also had an attached seafood restaurant
Mark Mc
3 May 16 at 6:59 am
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Tony's Italian Eatery on the first floor of the Washington St parking garage has closed. There is a sign in front of the door saying thanks for the business. I can't believe that they were there since 1981.
Matt
4 May 16 at 12:56 pm
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Aeropostale filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and will close 113 stores in the United States. The Columbia, SC store at the Village of Sandhills is slated to close. According to USA Today, U.S. store closings will begin this weekend, May 7 - 8.
James R
4 May 16 at 4:38 pm
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Oh wow, sad to hear about Tony's. That place always looked like it would be a cool spot to try for lunch, the tiled hallway leading down and all.
Justin
5 May 16 at 3:04 pm
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FYI - Costco website now has August listed for new Columbia location.
JB
5 May 16 at 6:58 pm
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I knew Costco could not get the store open as soon as they first stated. August may be more reasonable. I'll have to make a note to run by there this weekend to see what the site looks like.
Homer
6 May 16 at 2:34 am
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Really surprised you don't have Cogburn's Grill (downtown), then Cogburn's Restaurant, on Sunset Blvd. in West Columbia on your list of closings. It opened in the forties on Sumter Street, then moved when Ike Cogburn took it over in the 70's to Sunset. Many senators, congressmen, judges, lawyers, USC teams, coaches, and really, just about everyone else, ate at Cogburns, in one of the restaurants, or even both if they had been eating there that long. Amazing steaks, family owned, was dying the death of not having a liquor license, or I have always thought that was a big reason the dinner business fell off so bad in the 90's. It did a huge business for breakfast and lunch, and I actually worked there a couple of years at lunch hostessing, when my MIL didn't think I had enough to do with 2 children at home and starting school, so I was made to work there. I got paid a ridiculous wage as I worked 9 hours per week and made $150 per week to do it. I finally left and divorced Steve (the son) in 1997. Cogburn's was a huge part of our lives from the beginning of our marriage until they closed in 1999 or 2000. I can't remember now. My son is the last Cogburn to carry on the name, or he was. He now has a son as well. My children would have worked there if it had stayed open I feel sure. My daughter is finishing USC and works at Liberty Taproom as a bartender. She is getting married in June and they will be moving to Asheville, as they want to live somewhere more exciting. Anyway, a carpet store bought Cogburns building from Ike Cogburn, and it is still in the location on Sunset in W. Cola. I believe it is 1061 Sunset Blvd. Love your site.
Debbie Wooten
6 May 16 at 4:59 am
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Noticed a couple of closings on Sunset Blvd. today. The first is the Quick Stop at 1202 Sunset Blvd. This was the followup business to Doza Rizen Cafe. The business right next store, Golden Wireless, has also closed.
The other closure is the China Dragon next to Frank's Discount Tire and Republic Finance. I noticed two other China Dragon's in the alphabetical listings. Not sure exactly when this location closed, but a new restaurant has already reopened called Saffron. Saffron is billed as an authentic Indian cuisine with Mexican and Chinese dishes on the menu.
James R.
6 May 16 at 6:02 pm
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I took a few pictures of the Ryan's (formerly Fire Mountain) on Bower Parkway in the Harbison area today. I believe it closed in March based on this article:
http://www.wistv.com/story/31410378/ryans-locations-in-south-carolina-closed-due-to-bankruptcyHere's a link to the photos. https://goo.gl/photos/QfVwCcE2svRsYE3X9
Heath
7 May 16 at 5:03 pm
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I was in Harrison over the weekend and saw a sign twirler with a sign stating Hancock Fabrics was closing.
James R
9 May 16 at 12:39 pm
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The Hancock Fabrics in front of Columbia Place Mall already featured here and everything and someone posted on that page that Hancock Fabrics is liquidating companywide as a result of a bankruptcy filing...the Harbison Court one James R speaks to is something (ditto for the Bower Parkway Ryan's btw) that I anticipate featuring here soon enough...
Andrew
9 May 16 at 3:22 pm
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I pulled off the Interstate last weekend outside Greenville to gas up and hit the McDonald's drive thru across the street for a Quarter Pounder with cheese. I didn't realize how long it had been since my last one but when the guy through the speaker said "That will be $4.20" I was shocked. I thought they were $1.69.
Joe Shlabotnik
10 May 16 at 4:32 am
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Macaroni Grill on Harbinson has closed. They wanted to close the doors 2 weeks ago but decided to hang around for Mother's Day.
Past due if you ask me. The food and the service had been going downhill for a while.
Steve
10 May 16 at 8:05 pm
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I noticed something was up at Macaroni Grill but couldn't figure out what the deal was...there was a Uhaul truck parked and it looked like a significant portion of the furniture was being removed...
I went several times with my folks and enjoyed it each time but it had been a while since I've been...
Andrew
10 May 16 at 9:32 pm
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@ted - Dolo's, the follow on restaurant to Varsity / D'Jasz / JS Reneee, is now closed as well. It didn't last too long.
Justin
11 May 16 at 1:43 pm
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Is Finay Park's fountains still shut off like they have been since October? Perhaps instead of this blog focusing of outside national corporate interests shutting down in Columbia(when you close in Cola, you're also closing elsewhere to hello Kmart/Sears!) to actual local things that matter ie a local business closing as opposed to a chain closing since it seems to be the norm something national will close now before something local just saything. And it's closing has nothing to do with the with Columbia economy either.
Dustin
17 May 16 at 12:47 am
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My wife informed me that Stephano's Italian Restaurant at 420 Columbia Avenue (US 378) in Lexington has closed. Apparently, the building is already slated for something else to open.
James R.
17 May 16 at 6:32 pm
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Dustin, maybe you should start another blog. Maybe we will read yours, too. I believe Ted is doing just fine, though.
JBL
17 May 16 at 11:15 pm
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I agree Ted is doing an excellent job. I was born and raised in Columbia, SC and now live in Atlanta, GA. I love this website I can visit home through Ted. Keep up the good work.
Mike Mann
18 May 16 at 5:07 pm
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I was in Walgreens in Lexington today and overheard one of the employees say the Rite Aid across the street would be closing as a result of Walgreen's buying out Rite Aid. I had not heard about this "merger" previously and all of the news stories say it is not a done deal yet. Regulatory approval is likely only with the selling off / closing of stores. Might be several Rite Aids featured here in the coming year as a result?
James R
19 May 16 at 5:10 pm
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I found an article that some folks were doubting that the merger between Walgreens and Rite Aid might not go through after all and found out that the merger between Staples and Office Depot was blocked which I'm happy about...part of me wishes that these type of mergers got blocked more than they do...
Sysco had planned to merge with US Foods but it was ruled that the combined company would control 75% of the market so that one wound up being terminated as a result and I wish such had happened before the airlines merged...another one I think I wish hadn't happened is AT&T and BellSouth...
Andrew
19 May 16 at 9:29 pm
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@ Andrew
The article you referred to was one of the ones that I had read about this merger not being a done deal. The employee in Walgreens, however, spoke very confidently about it saying that Walgreen's already owned the Rite-Aid name and website. Maybe he had some inside information, maybe he was trying to come off as knowing something that he actually did not know, or maybe he was just talking out of his arse. I really don't know the context of his knowledge, just that he spoke very confidently about it.
James R.
20 May 16 at 12:46 am
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The par 3 golf course at the Caddy Shak in Lexington is no more. The Caddy Shak still exists as a practice facility (driving range, putting greens and chipping range) and snack bar.
I noticed a few weeks ago that they had bulldozed some trees and i thought they were just remodeling the course. Today, I saw a sign for a new housing development where the golf course was.
Caddy Shak's website, http://www.mycaddyshak.com, acknowledges the closure of the par 3 golf course. They are located at 381 Pilgrim Church Road in Lexington.
James R
22 May 16 at 6:08 pm
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East Coast Pizzeria in Sandhills has closed down.
Sidney
22 May 16 at 6:53 pm
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Ted!!! I just saw you taking a picture of Top Dawg in Sandhills!!!
Sidney
22 May 16 at 7:29 pm
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Yep, wish I had noticed the pizza place was closed..
ted
23 May 16 at 1:05 am
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I figured you read my post and must have been in the area and came to get the pictures you needed. I was just sitting there in Top Dawg Tavern with my 6 year old eating, turned to look out the window and saw a man in a tan Camry snapping a picture. I knew it had to be you. lol
Sidney
23 May 16 at 11:00 am
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The Coplon's building, which was hit pretty hard in the flood, has a 'for lease' sign in front of it. Doesn't look like all the repairs have been completed, so I suspect that that job will be up to the new lessee.
On the back side of Coplon's, The Picture Place and Sakura also don't appear to be coming back.
badger
23 May 16 at 8:52 pm
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@badger -- wow, that surprises me! They did a lot of work there, and I thnk I saw a story in The State sometime in the last few months of the "We're making good progress and will be back soon" type for Coplon's.
The Picture Place has already re-located to Forest Park.
ted
24 May 16 at 1:02 am
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The Marketplace on Meeting (550 Meeting Street) has apparently relocated. This was a stand alone antiques shop, but according to the sign on the door in google.maps they have moved into Three Rivers Antiques at 615 Meeting Street. The google maps image of the door was taken this month, so it might be a very recent relocation.
James R.
24 May 16 at 9:41 pm
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WIS ran an article announcing that LiDL has plans for 3 midlands locations and having them open sometime in the next 2 years...
The main two are on 378 near Hope Ferry in Lexington and Hard Scrabble and Summit Parkway...
Andrew
24 May 16 at 10:57 pm
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Reading all the Shoney's posts I had to add that the Shoney's on Garner's Ferry has reopened and they are selling beer and wine! Not as much of a crowded parking lot on week nights maybe due to the selling of beer and wine have lured families away! But crowded on Saturday mornings as they still have the breakfast buffet!
And noticed Asian Barbeque where the old BoJo's on Forest Drive near the Providence Hospital has closed and all signs gone! I never saw more than 2-3 cars in the parking lot at any given time!
I used to date a restaurant manager and he would joke about if there were less than 10 cars in a restaurant 's parking lot they were having an employee meeting! lol!
Patricia Lewis
26 May 16 at 11:15 am
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@ted - I can't find the post, but I noticed today that the dry cleaner on St. Andrews Rd. below the shopping center where Fred's was has become a seafood market. Interesting reuse for that building.....
Homer
27 May 16 at 10:20 pm
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I think that the idea of Shoney's selling beer and wine is ludicrous.
As Patricia said, this goes in the face of what Shoney's has always been, a family restaurant. Also, I can't picture the pairing of beer, much less wine, with ANYTHING on Shoney's menu.
I can picture the waiter/waitress now, "Pardon me madam, but what kind of wine would you like with your liver & onions?'" "And, sir, may I suggest a fine Cabernet Sauvignon to go with your meat loaf?".
Homer
29 May 16 at 11:25 am
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Ted,
Any idea what happened to the Synergy Weight Loss Center on Two Notch?Benjamin Higgins
3 Jun 16 at 5:13 pm
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@Benjamin Higgins, I was gonna mention that today myself. They demolished that building. Nothing but rubble now.
Sidney
3 Jun 16 at 10:40 pm
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@Homer, you know I have always said, if Lizard's Thicket sold liquor, I would go there more often. I would probably go 2 or 3 times a week instead of once a month if they had Crown Royal. But they would also have to stay open longer than 9:00pm.
Sidney
3 Jun 16 at 10:43 pm
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Seeking confirmation that the Publick House on Devine Street is closed due to alcohol licensing issues.
Midnight Rambler
10 Jun 16 at 10:25 am
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A downtown neighborhood Facebook page has posted about the Publick house - a few people there suggested it is because of not paying taxes.
Colagirl
10 Jun 16 at 11:31 am
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I drove by Publick House today around lunchtime and found that they had an easel indicating they were open...a simple web search also yielded their Facebook page a post that (as of the moment I'm keying this) that was posted 4 hours ago inviting people to try their lunch specials...
Andrew
10 Jun 16 at 4:38 pm
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Yes, I drove by about 2:45 and was surprised to see the umbrellas up and the easels out.
I think we may be in a Mark Twain situation.
ted
10 Jun 16 at 4:41 pm
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I've heard from a close source that Pro Bowl Motors will be closing soon.
Sidney
11 Jun 16 at 11:14 pm
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Coconuts at 1710 Main Street has closed. This was the follow on operation to many businesses that have been unsuccessful in this spot.
Justin
13 Jun 16 at 10:41 am
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Doctor's Care at 247 Columbia Avenue in Lexington has closed. Technically they may have moved because they recently built two new Doctor's Care locations in Lexington, though I don't know which location they may have moved to. One is by the Walgreen's at Hope Ferry and the other is further out 378 at Hendrix Crossing.
James R.
21 Jun 16 at 5:40 pm
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I feel like most Doctor's Care locations have moved in recent months...the one at 3240 Sunset Blvd. has moved but I'm not sure where that office has wound up...
Andrew
21 Jun 16 at 9:39 pm
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Should have noted that the aformetioned office is in West Columbia...
Andrew
21 Jun 16 at 9:40 pm
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Just an FYI, but not a closing. Sam's in Sandhills will open July 21st and the new Kroger on Killian Rd will open July 20th.
Sidney
30 Jun 16 at 8:56 am
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Saw on Facebook today that former USC QB Steve Tanneyhill has bought Group Therapy.
Tom
30 Jun 16 at 5:40 pm
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@Tom - SAY WHAT!!!!!
Homer
30 Jun 16 at 11:42 pm
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My WIS app just beeped in to inform me of Costco's plan to open on August 10...
Andrew
5 Jul 16 at 10:54 am
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Anybody remember when the Pope came to town? Classic footage here:
Eddie In Irmo
6 Jul 16 at 6:41 pm
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What has happened to Rick and Dennis and Cayce Kid and Michael Taylor? They always had great memories of the old stores.
Joe Shlabotnik
7 Jul 16 at 6:00 pm
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Hi Joe, I haven't talked to Rick in a while but he was going through a lot of things at that time. Cayce Kid has come and gone under many handles over the years. Who knows, he my be lurking in the background somewhere. I have been popping in a couple of times a week, but recently there hasn't been anything that I felt the need to comment on in depth.
I, too, miss the people you mentioned as well as Tahoe, Tonkatoy and all the folks that were on here a couple of years ago. It's not quite the same without them....
Homer
9 Jul 16 at 12:08 am
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Has anyone heard anything else about the Crab Shack that was supposed to be looking at Dutch Square as a new location???
Homer
9 Jul 16 at 12:10 am
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Last time I walked through Dutch Square a few weeks back they had a tarp indicating plans to set up and it does show on the Phillips Edison site plan but idk when they are going to actually open...I have further thoughts on the Stuft Stuff page about this all (scroll down to the latest comment)...they do have their work cut out for them
Andrew
9 Jul 16 at 12:33 am
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Another video, this one much shorter, showing a report on WIS-TV (David Stanton). Columbia was pretty much "closed" on that day - feel sorry for that guy with all the pope t-shirts. Wonder if they would be worth anything today?
Eddie In Irmo
9 Jul 16 at 1:18 pm
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@Homer and Joe - My friends and family don't know about this site. So If I die tomorrow, there will be nobody to let you all know that I am gone. And maybe both of you and maybe others will wonder "Why doesn't Sidney post anymore." I have thought of this so many times when I don't see the regulars posting.
We should have a Meet and Greet night somewhere. I get off work at 6:00, so I can be anywhere by 6:30. How about it?
Sidney
10 Jul 16 at 1:03 am
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@Sidney - Rick and I talked about putting together a meet & greet a couple of years ago but it never came to fruition. I would be up for meeting you guys. I work on the NE side of town and get off work at 4:00. I'm sure we could probably work something out. I'll email Rick in a day or two and see if he is still interested.
Homer
10 Jul 16 at 11:49 pm
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JT's Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Fiat in Lexington has moved. THey used to be at 5215 Sunset Blvd. (corner of Hope Ferry Road and Hwy 378). They built a new building (looks just like the old one) across from Enterprise Rent-A-Car. It looks like the just opened at the new location yesterday and may have used Sunday to move all the vehicles while they were closed. The new address is in the 4800 block of Sunset Blvd.
James R.
12 Jul 16 at 4:58 pm
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I live in the NE (The Summit) but work on Bush River Rd. I can be back on my side at 6:30. Top Dawg Tavern in Sandhills has .50 cent wings on Tuesdays. Maybe we can meet there on a Tuesday evening. Or if you have a suggestion, post it up.We'll see what the everyone (who wants to come) says.
Sidney
12 Jul 16 at 8:13 pm
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There are several restaurants over that way I'd like to try out...Buffalo Wild Wings is one that sticks out that I've never been in but never have been...I had hoped to make it there when Zorba's was there but alas it didn't work out...I also know Homer misses O'Charley's so perhaps that would be a good spot as they have one over that way at Sparkleberry Square...
I had yet to hear of Top Dawg Tavern but I definitely see that as a possibility after reading about it the way I have..
Here are a few other Northeast richland possibilities I've considered:
- Carraba's (Sparkleberry Square and Graces Way)
- Applebee's on Killian Road
- Beef O'Brady's (4561 Hard Scrabble Road)I also know Sparkleberry Crossing has several spots we could explore but the only one I can think of off the top of my head is Travania's)
I usually can find something to eat at most places that so I'm open to what others have in mind...
Andrew
12 Jul 16 at 10:31 pm
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I do NOT like Carrabba's. Been twice, both times the food was bland and it was like food that I could throw together at home. Been to Beef O'Brady's and had a bad time there BUT that was with the old owners about 5 years ago. Haven't been back since the new owners have taken over so I'm willing to try that one. I am a regular in Buffalo Wild Wings. It's like Cheer's, everybody knows my name. But that's true at Wild Wing Cafe in Sandhills and Top Dawg as well. I've only been to Travinia's to drink. Never had their food.
Y'all just let me know where you want to meet and when.
Sidney
13 Jul 16 at 9:37 am
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Beef O'Bradys is a lot better under the new owners, for what that's worth. The menu overall is a very generic mashup of pub food and bar-n-grill food so it's nothing special, but somehow the old owners found a way to get it wrong their last couple of years.
Jason
13 Jul 16 at 12:37 pm
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Kenneth reported this on the Elie's closing page but I wanted to call it out again; the Pig on Beltline is closing down. My wife just let me know about it. They have, what she reports at least, a really good lunch place inside the Pig that she's very sad to see go.
Justin
13 Jul 16 at 3:22 pm
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@Sidney - Top Dawg is a possibility. I tried it for the first time last week and thought the food was pretty danged good. We had the fried green beans, potato skins and burgers and enjoyed them all. If anyone else is interested in getting together let me know.....
Homer
13 Jul 16 at 11:17 pm
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I'd be interested in going but it'd be best for me to wait until sometime in mid-August (at the earliest) to have it...
Andrew
13 Jul 16 at 11:23 pm
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Mid-August sounds good. Gives us a month to get some others to go too.
Sidney
14 Jul 16 at 3:22 pm
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I'm at Top Dawg almost every Tuesday evening from 6:45 - 8:00 sitting at the bar eating my wings and drinking either Dos Equis beer, Crown and a splash of water or a Long Island Ice Tea. And then getting a to go order for my kids. So if anyone wants to meet on a Tuesday before mid-August, I will most likely be there.
Sidney
14 Jul 16 at 3:25 pm
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There's an interesting article on The State about remodel work going on in the Powell bldg on Sumter that talks about the history of that and the ajoining bldgs on Taylor.
Justin
17 Jul 16 at 6:46 pm
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As a follow up to my comment above, here's a similar article on Free Times about the same set of buildings.
http://www.free-times.com/news/with-new-projects-downtown-columbia-grows-sideways-072016
Justin
20 Jul 16 at 4:37 pm
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Congaree State Bank at 2023 Sunset Blvd. is no more and I get the impression that the location at 1201 Knox Abbott is also gone. It appears CresCom Bank has taken over Congaree State Bank.
James R.
21 Jul 16 at 10:03 pm
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The Tic Toc Candy Shop at 5175 Sunset Blvd. Suite 10 (Hope Ferry Crossing) has closed. According to their Facebook page, it looks like June 30th was their last day. The two candy ladies who owned the shop have retired.
Their slogan was "It's always candy time!," but clearly that's not the case anymore.
James R.
29 Jul 16 at 1:35 am
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It looks like the big Celebrations showroom on 378 in West Columbia has closed (in front of shooters choice.) It has a lease sign out front and no cars around. But there is still a lot of stuff inside.
MB
29 Jul 16 at 1:39 pm
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The Shell Circle K (as opposed to the BP Circle K on the opposite corner) at the corner of Hard Scrabble and Clemson is thoroughly closed, in what looks like the first casualty of the Hard Scrabble widening. I guess it's really happening, ten years late.
Jason
3 Aug 16 at 9:28 pm
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@Jason, why would you say its because of the widening? They haven't started the widening yet? I can't see that spot closing down. Maybe its just going through some renovations. That place is always slammed pack.
Sidney
4 Aug 16 at 8:38 am
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I've talked to one of the Deacons at the Lutheran church across from that shell station, and the proposed widening goes right over where the gas tanks of that shell station, and won't leave any room for it there. The Church is going to lose a good chunk of property as well as they are taking from that side of the road on that part of the project.
kenderthane
4 Aug 16 at 8:57 am
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Looks like Paraiso del Inca on Beltline has closed after opening with great fanfare
KC
4 Aug 16 at 1:37 pm
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The thing of it is the intersection of Clemson & Hard Scrabble (where we are referencing) is going to require extensive upgrades to the point that there will likeley be at least one quadrant of the intersection where there will be 2 left turn lanes (idk what the intersection will look like but it wouldn't surprise me if Clemson onto Hard Scrabble turning left (towards The Summit & Lake Carolina) winds up having two left turn lanes and perhaps some of the others will require it as well. The amount of land needed for the extra lanes will likely add up quickly and is likely to result in the gas station as well as Living Springs Lutheran losing some frontage property but only time will tell how it all pans out.
I remember as plans were in the works to widen Platt Springs Road about 12-15 years ago WIS spoke with some people that lived on Platt Springs indicating that they'd lose about 10 feet of frontage but the plans had been in the works so I would wager that a comparable amount will be necessary for much of the Hard Scrabble proposal...I also like the idea (that I've seen before as a proposal) of upgrading Hard Scrabble to where it has an interstate interchange where the bridge already runs over I-77...
I have yet to see what the plans are or when construction is to begin but I've sensed the need for Hard Scrabble widening for years as I'm sure plenty of Northeast Richland residents have as well...
Andrew
4 Aug 16 at 1:42 pm
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Let me clarify as it was too early in the morning when I wrote my first post and I didn't have any caffeine yet. The Shell station is closing for good as there won't be any room for it. Living Springs is set to lose a good bit of land, but they are resisting it at the moment with no resolution in sight. At the Clemson/Hard Scrabble interchange itself, all the land for the widening looks to be coming from the East side of Hard Scrabble.
kenderthane
4 Aug 16 at 2:30 pm
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Whats the deal with Scooties Cafe and Grill in Blythewood.?
Its in my radar. The sign on the door Thursday said Closed till further notice.
They are always packed with cars.
This time last month they closed suddenly for about a day?....
Anyone know whats up?Donita Bailey
6 Aug 16 at 6:21 pm
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@Donita, the Scottie's closing is very sudden. I work in the area and it has always been busy, so much so that they expanded a while back. I know Scottie (the owner) got really sick a couple of years ago. Hope it's not illness again.
Cam
6 Aug 16 at 9:14 pm
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I eat there once a week. Scottie has been there and seems fine.
This doesnt sit well and I hope they will get the place back open soon.
The sign on the door now says closed for kichen repairs and remodel.
Will reopen this week.Donita Bailey
7 Aug 16 at 2:27 pm
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Costco opens on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 8:00 AM.
James R.
7 Aug 16 at 6:40 pm
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Scotty's personal facebook page says that he will be closed for about 10 days do fix some issues because of some new DHEC rules.
badger
9 Aug 16 at 3:01 pm
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Radio Shack in Lexington has "Everything Must Go" signs up. I thought maybe they had survived the string of Radio Shack closings, but apparently not. Signs must have just gone up. Only at 20 - 40% off and the store is still well stocked. Nothing that actually says "Store Closing" though.
James R
9 Aug 16 at 5:42 pm
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I hope Scottie's will reopen. I've only been there once as it is a bit out of the way for me at lunch but the burgers are awesome!!!!!
Homer
9 Aug 16 at 11:49 pm
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In case anyone missed it, both Macy's and Ruby Tuesday announced that each chain will be shuttering about 100 locations. No announcement was made as to which ones will close, but I would not be surprise to see the Columbia Mall Macy and Dutch Square RT on the lists.
Tom
13 Aug 16 at 9:39 am
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Currently in the Columbia MSA Ruby Tuesday has the following locations (it's listed as Ruby Tuesday of ___):
1) Columbiana (120 Columbiana Circle)
2) Sumter Hwy (7490 Garners Ferry Road)
3) Devine Street (4600 Devine Street)
4) Dutch Square (511 Bush River Road)
5) Lexington (5464 Sunset Blvd)
6) West Columbia (2504 Augusta Road)An article I found indicated that a total of 95 restaurants nationwide will be closing but no word yet as to which...it remains to be seen if any of ours will be impacted but if you read the comments of the article I linked different people have different ideas as to what lead to this...I personally have enjoyed each of them on different occasions...I had been looking for Northeast Richland to get a Ruby Tuesday eventually but now I wouldn't hold my breath for it...
As for Macy's the way the community reputation of Columbia Place Mall is anymore it very well could be on the list...Someone mentioned here that there were folks that were trying to work out a deal for them to move to Richland Mall (former Blacklion/Dillard's space) but now such a move seems less likely...
Andrew
13 Aug 16 at 5:50 pm
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People here have wondered about the reason for the abundance of mattress stores Columbia has and today The State shed some light on the factors involved...
Andrew
14 Aug 16 at 2:08 pm
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For reasons beyond my comprehension, Wet Willie's in the Vista appears to be open again.
Lone Wolf
16 Aug 16 at 10:23 am
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@Lone Wolf, I think Wet Willies closed for renovations and is not complete and open again.
Sidney
16 Aug 16 at 11:03 am
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@Lone Wolf, that was supposed to be NOW COMPLETE and not NOT COMPLETE
Sidney
16 Aug 16 at 11:04 am
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My wife said she noticed Compton's Kitchen at 5343 Sunset Blvd. in Lexington is up for sale. Compton's website doesn't say anything about the closing, but I noticed a couple of reviews that said the wait times at the Lexington location were horrible and the food quality at the West Columbia location had gone downhill since the opening of the Lexington location. Not sure if either of these played into the closing of Compton's second location, but it seems like a possibility.
James R
26 Aug 16 at 11:28 pm
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Noticed yesterday that the Adi on St. Andrews Rd. was closed for what appears to be a major renovation. Also noticed a for sale sign on the Driggers Photography place on St. Andrews.
Tom
27 Aug 16 at 6:48 am
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Thermo King on Shop Road is relocating. It's not a thermos bottle manufacturer, though, but a refrigerated trucking franchisee.
badger
29 Aug 16 at 9:38 am
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My mom is a fan of the Aldi Tom referenced...Aldi #39 has been there for 15 years and they decided it was best to upgrade it...it is due to reopen on September 23...my guess is that they're going to upgrade it to be more in line with some of the younger ones around...
Andrew
29 Aug 16 at 2:13 pm
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Article today on the westmetronews.com said that Bogart's restaurant in West Columbia, will be shutting down in October. It will be torn down for a (another) parking lot for Zesto's. The article said it's not clear right not where or if the owner would be able to open in another location.
ED
29 Aug 16 at 3:07 pm
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Ted.. Have you ever been approached by anyone while taking pictures? Especially in the not so great parts of town?
Sidney
30 Aug 16 at 8:53 am
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Frankly, if a place looks too dodgy, I will just stay in the car..
I've been approached by security guards a couple of times at malls and one closed motel and have been asked to stop taking pictures. That's their prerogative on private property.
One time a guy came up to me thinking I was an insurance adjuster..
And several times I've been into abandoned buildings and had the thought "this would be a good place for people who don't want to be found", and creeped myself out though I never actually encountered such a person.
ted
30 Aug 16 at 11:32 pm
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Bi-Lo next to Cardinal Neuman on Forest Drive is closing first of October
mamarose
31 Aug 16 at 6:44 am
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Word on the street is Kelly's in the Vista (Washington and Park Streets) closed for good last night.
Also, I don't know if you ever caught the former liquor store, now vape shop, in the 4400 block of Devine Street.
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Believe Justin is spot on re: Kelly's in the Vista. Heard the exact same news from a highly reliable source. It's sad to see a local joint go away.
Lone Wolf
31 Aug 16 at 11:57 am
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Forest Park Bi-Lo (4711 Forest Drive) is one of 4 that was rumored for closing in the Richland/Lexington county area and now that it's official I have my fingers crossed for it to revert back to it being Harris Teeter...I for years have wanted Harris Teeter in Columbia (whenever I'm somewhere and see a Harris Teeter I'm bound to darken the door of it)...
I've gotten the feeling based on another forum I read that Widewater Square's Bi-Lo (3315 Broad River Road) may not be long for the world...
Andrew
31 Aug 16 at 1:31 pm
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I knew Bi-Lo had been in bankruptcy for a while, but thought they had turned it around. This seems an odd location to close. The large parking lot plus larger store size gives them an edge over the nearby Publix in the "normal" grocery store category, plus the re-development of the former Cardinal Newman property should put a lot more customers right on their doorstep.
ted
1 Sep 16 at 2:02 am
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Free times is reporting that Kelly's is indeed closed as Justin (different one) and Lone Wolf reported.
Justin
1 Sep 16 at 7:43 am
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Today I noticed signage indicating that Haverty's (1430 Colonial Life Blvd West) is closing...
Andrew
6 Sep 16 at 1:06 am
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The Good for the Sole shop in 5 Points has moved again. Was across the street from Latitude 22/Cotton Gin. Moved elsewhere in 5 Points, but forget where.
Justin S.
7 Sep 16 at 4:21 pm
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Bi-Lo #5759 was a quick failure. Bi-Lo Holdings/Southeastern Grocers did nothing to improve the former Harris Teeter/Piggly Wiggly.
Three other stores remain up for closure:
Bi-Lo #5064, Widewater Square, 3315-B Broad River Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29210-5424
Bi-Lo #5558, 249 West Columbia Avenue, Batesburg, South Carolina 29006-2117
Bi-Lo #5757, Lake Murray Shopping Center, 760 Highway 378 West, Lexington, South Carolina 29072-7481Harris Teeter returning to Columbia would be interesting. IT is returning to Greenville. If Kroger can have Kroger Atlanta and Harris Teeter divisions co-existing in Columbia, more power to it.
Knight
8 Sep 16 at 1:16 am
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The Lake Murray Shopping Center Bi-Lo (from Knight's list above) is in the same boat as #5759...former Piggly Wiggly that is now Bi-Lo and I've been in it since the changeover and the decor reminds me of Piggly Wiggly. Plus it is caddy corner to Publix at Hendrix Crossing which can't help, either.
Widewater Square I think has a clientele that leaves a lot to be desired. The last couple of times I've been in that one I got that vibe about it.
I wouldn't count Harris Teeter returning to Forest Park out. From what I've heard, when Harris Teeter was in Columbia the last time around, that was the only one of the 4 stores they had that was profitable. I would love to see it remodeled into current Harris Teeter standards and open up. I've heard Harris Teeter is exploring a return to Columbia and it has me hopeful. I have a dear friend that would love for them to open in Irmo...
Andrew
8 Sep 16 at 12:39 pm
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According to the Free Times, Kelly was caught up in a rather nasty DUI case that stemmed from an incident that occurred when she owned the TLC sports bar at the stadium that led to a HEFTY sum being awarded to the plaintiff. Sad to see this place close. I have know Kelly since the days when she slung drinks at Group Therapy.
Homer
9 Sep 16 at 12:21 am
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@Andrew: Harris Teeter is returning to former markets including Gastonia and Greenvile. Returning to Columbia is possible.
I think Kroger is aware of Harris Teeter's former markets in North Carolina (Forest City, Hickory, Kings Mountain, Morganton, Shelby) and South Carolina (Columbia, Greenville, Greer, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Spartanburg).
Kroger can be in position to increase store count in North Carolina and South Carolina through Harris Teeter, Kroger Atlanta and Kroger Mid-Atlantic and/or through the acquisition of another supermarket participant.
Knight
9 Sep 16 at 10:42 am
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Something is going on with the old Atlanta Bread Company on Lake Murray Blvd. There is some construction going on there, but nothing on the outside saying what is happening.
Tom
17 Sep 16 at 6:33 am
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Frank's Car Wash at 516 Columbia Avenue in Lexington has closed. The sign out front lists the closing as of yesterday (Sunday, September 18, 2016) and does not state whether the closing is permanent or temporary. It simply refers customers to the newly renovated Frank's Car Wash on Hwy 1.
James R
20 Sep 16 at 12:17 am
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Well, I am not sure what happened Sunday and Monday to cause the previously mentioned Frank's Car Wash to close, but they are open again today.
James R
20 Sep 16 at 10:22 am
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Today I noticed that a place called Halftime Sports bar on Old Bush River looks to have closed as their is signage offering the restaurant up for lease. BTW, Google maps indicates the address to be 5122 Bush River Road.
I remember when I was in Elementary School this building was a Hardee's.
After Hardee's closed (ca. 1999/2000) Bush River Bistro for several years (ca. 2001-05).
After Bush River Bistro went under, it became Wild Hare.
The Wild Hare continued, even after their Lexington location closed.
Then the Wild Hare finally was rebranded Halftime Sports Bar.
Now it appears to me as if Halftime sports bar didn't last very long...
Andrew
20 Sep 16 at 4:18 pm
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@Andrew - I sent some pictures of Halftime to Ted over the weekend. Maybe he'll post it soon.
Homer
20 Sep 16 at 5:34 pm
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Homer if that's the case then I'd be willing to bet it'll feature here before much longer (and perhaps he can incorporate my listing as to the history of the building into said post)...
Andrew
20 Sep 16 at 10:23 pm
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I went into Richland Mall (which apparently has a new name now, can't remember it) 2 days ago for the first time in ages. In the former TGIF location there was a different sign for a restaurant named "Seafood Academy". It has come and gone at this point. Know nothing about it, although a web search produced a bunch of negative reviews. A search of this site turned up nothing, apologies if you have already covered this.
Bobby
22 Sep 16 at 11:31 am
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Not sure if this counts as a bona fide closing, but I noticed yesterday that the (former?) new location for BMW of Columbia off Killian facing 77 has a new sign out front offering the property and half-finished building for sale as "bank-owned"
Jason
22 Sep 16 at 1:23 pm
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The Forest Acres BiLo will probably be closing sooner than the Oct 5 date that BiLo originally predicted. They might already be closed.
I was in there last Saturday and I found that each aisle has been reduced to a single set of shelving.
Everything was marked 50% off and I got a really good deal on a lot of coffee.
Matt
23 Sep 16 at 3:10 pm
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@Matt -- agree on Bi-Lo. I was in there Saturday, and aside from two endcap freezers with odd frozen stuff nobody wants, there is only one shelf of discount items near the registers. All else if bare.
ted
26 Sep 16 at 12:05 am
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The Clarion Inn, nee' Holiday Inn, on Chris Dr. along I-26 in West Columbia has rebranded itself again as a Roadway Inn.
Tom
27 Sep 16 at 6:56 am
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The Palmetto Grille (formerly The Lunch Box) at 1801 Main Street (Jefferson Square) will close at the end of the week. The closing is a result of several issues including the inability to keep staff, declining quality and portions of food (since it was rebranded as Palmetto Grille), and higher prices. There may also have been some personal issues surrounding the owner leading to the closing. Rumor has it that his wife recently left him and he has been rude to customers and employees in recent weeks.
James R
27 Sep 16 at 8:13 pm
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Today I noticed some kind of activity going on at the old Atlanta Bread Company location on Lake Murray Blvd. A truck was backup up to the front door. Not sure if they were removing stuff from the building or what.....
Homer
7 Oct 16 at 12:07 am
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We've been under a state of emergency for five days now and it's barely raining at my house.
Rick
7 Oct 16 at 6:57 pm
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8:18 Saturday morning. NOW I'm getting plenty of rain, and wind.
Rick
8 Oct 16 at 8:19 am
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Curious - maybe someone can help me figure this one out. Haley reverses the lanes on I-26 days before Matthew gets here but on the day before it hits she opens the lanes back up toward Charleston. Can someone please let me know the logic behind this????
Homer
8 Oct 16 at 11:08 am
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This was so they could get supplies and equipment to those areas to be ready for repairs/rescue.
Carl
8 Oct 16 at 12:53 pm
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Did they have someone policing the area to keep the idiots from trying to head back to the coast??
Homer
8 Oct 16 at 1:40 pm
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Well, not too bad in Colatown, for me at least. Only lost power for about 20 minutes. Of course, phone & internet are gone. I *never* lost phone when I had a plain landline, or lost the Internet with regular DSL. Since my mandatory "upgrade" to Uverse, I lose voice and data every time there's a cloud in the sky.
Wish I had a better idea what's going on on the coast.
ted
8 Oct 16 at 7:49 pm
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I don't doubt they had emergency officials stationed to help people deal with the type of folks Homer spoke of but I do remember Gov. Haley and other officials at the press conferences moreless indicating that it was going to reach a point where it was going to be unsafe for even them.
I've dealt with a steady stream of WIS alerts and the most notable of which is for those of you familiar with the Springmaid Pier, it looks like that was completely destroyed by Matthew. Also, in Bladen County two died in a submerged vehicle. Tropical Storm Force winds were noted in Greenwood. Trees have fallen. Despite all this, the alerts I got are fewer than the ones I got during last year's flood.
Andrew
8 Oct 16 at 9:32 pm
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Here's one for ya from WIS: 5 structure fires on the Grand Strand but firefighters are NOT there due to high winds (I kid you not!!)
Andrew
8 Oct 16 at 10:45 pm
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They should have called on mail carriers to help with the fires. You kbow, Rain, hail, sleet nor snow...
Rick
9 Oct 16 at 6:01 am
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*you know
Rick
9 Oct 16 at 4:58 pm
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Don't know about you guy's but, I am REALLY enjoying this weather.
Rick
11 Oct 16 at 7:10 pm
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I agree with Rick...I like these temerpatures vs. the blazing hot weather we had this summer.
Be that as it may Just as ITT Technical Institute closed all its campuses (impacting Columbia's at 1628 Browning Road), now Regency Beauty Institute closed all their campuses to include one at Harbison Court for numerous reasons. This means one more space for DDR to try to fill at Harbison Court...
Andrew
13 Oct 16 at 3:38 pm
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I purchased a new PC last summer and am unhappy with the newest version of IE. Is anyone using Chrome and what can you tell me about it?
Joe Shlabotnik
15 Oct 16 at 12:21 am
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Hey, Joe. Can't tell you much about Chrome since I tend to use Firefox almost exclusively due to the number of customizable plug-ins and add-ons available. I do have Chrome installed which I use when I encounter websites that can only be rendered in IE. Remember that Firefox is still based of of the old Netscape. From what I understand Chrome is almost as customizable as Firefox however the more stuff you add to it the more of a resource hog it becomes (just like Firefox). From what I can see from my sporadic PC usage (I do use it quite often on my tablet) it seems to be great choice as a browser.
BTW - I have always hated IE!!!!
Homer
15 Oct 16 at 6:12 am
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This was awhile ago, now--maybe about a year? The liquor store located on the 4400 block of Devine Street (in the strip of shops between the Maurice's and the Walgreen's) closed and was replaced by a vape and "paraphernalia" shop called Illuminati. I don't think you reported on this before.
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Thanks Homer. Have you had any conflict issues with Firefox and IE installed on the same PC?
In the distant past I ran into some registry problems and do not wish to fight that again.
Joe Shlabotnik
16 Oct 16 at 5:36 am
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Hey Joe, I have never run into any kind of conflicts running both. I use IE to sign on at work from home since there are a few things at work that are written so that they take advantage of IE. At work we have both Firefox and IE installed on all of the computers. As far as Chrome goes, based on my limited use, I haven't had any negative experiences. Bear in mind that my experience has been limited to Windows 7 and XP, not sure about 8 and 10.
Homer
16 Oct 16 at 9:55 am
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Joe, on the newer computers, if you are just clicking on the "e" logo on your task tray, that is Microsoft Edge, not Internet Explorer. Not sure if you knew this or not. The logo looks pretty similar to IE but it's actually Edge. One way to get to IE in Windows 10 is by typing in "Internet Explorer" in Cortana without the quotes.
Sidney
16 Oct 16 at 10:01 pm
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Here is an article on the difference between Edge and IE.
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/internet-explorer-vs-edge-browser
Sidney
16 Oct 16 at 10:03 pm
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I've got all the major browsers on my computer (IE, Edge, Chrome, FF, Opera, Safari) and don't run into any conflicts. Each one has its uses, though I use Chrome 99% of the time and IE for a handful of sites that still rely on IE's Quirks mode. Since IE is officially discontinued now, I imagine those sites will begin updating or dying off soon enough.
Jason
17 Oct 16 at 10:21 am
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One thing to look out for is that each browser wants to be your "default" browser and will sometimes pester you to allow it to set itself up that way.
In general though you can have as many browsers as you want installed.
ted
18 Oct 16 at 12:33 am
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I feel most comfortable with Firefox at this stage...I remember being impressed when I first upgraded to Windows 7 being impressed that they had Google Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer on there...Firefox I have a bookmark tab set up that works well...I haven't gotten the hang of Google Chrome and can't tell you the last used Internet Explorer though I've worked with Edge on a Windows 10 platform.
I still like Windows XP...I have an aunt that isn't interested in the internet that still has an XP computer and I sometimes get nostalgic feelings about the things I liked about XP the times she's had me troubleshoot said computer
Andrew
18 Oct 16 at 12:45 am
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WHAT-IN-THE-HECK is going on with the weather around here? My pear and peach trees are starting to bloom again, dandelions are growing in my yard, AGAIN. It is near the end of October and I saw two snakes this past weekend. Mosquito's are biting the hell out of me, and I'm still running my air conditioner most of the day.
Sheet, in the next five years it will be summer all the way to Christmas. Is South Carolina turning into the tropics? I believe so. This is something to consider for a new business. Maybe a water park. Maybe an air conditioning business. Maybe get in to farming, hell we'd be able to grow food year round. Just a thought.Rick
18 Oct 16 at 5:58 pm
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What I like about Firefox is that you can create a profile and take that profile where ever you go. So I have all of my bookmarks, history, etc synced on my PC and laptop. It's great when I go to a site on my PC and the next day I take my laptop to work and I can go back to my history to find that page. And they pretty much sync right away without having to push the SYNC button.
Sidney
18 Oct 16 at 10:05 pm
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Heroes and Dragons posted on Facebook this morning that they would be going out of business on Dec. 31.
Tom
21 Oct 16 at 10:55 am
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I am so fricking sick of seeing the National Parks Service commercial where they whistle happy birthday I am about to throw up.
Rick
21 Oct 16 at 6:46 pm
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@Rick - what channel are you watching? I haven't see that one.
Homer
21 Oct 16 at 10:08 pm
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That is how I feel about the Time Warner commercials with that obnoxious neighbor couple. Surefire way to get me to change stations.
Joe Shlabotnik
22 Oct 16 at 1:30 am
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@ Homer - I flip back and forth between Nat-Geo, History, TLC and a few others. Never really thought about what channel. I think it plays on most that I watch. The commercial could be a TWC thing and the show it in certain time slots.
Rick
22 Oct 16 at 7:33 am
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There are reports that AT&T and Time-Warner are close to a merger deal.
Tom
22 Oct 16 at 10:04 am
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@Tom-I believe this merger will happen. Unlike the TWC Comcast merger that would have created a monopoly.
Rick
22 Oct 16 at 6:56 pm
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Remember when AT&T was deemed too big and was forced to break up their Bell holdings? With the addition of DirecTV and TW it could conceivably be headed for round 2 if they were to add another media giant. Looks like they will take a pass on Twitter.
Joe Shlabotnik
22 Oct 16 at 9:44 pm
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How come Time-Waner keeps being bought by ISPs?
And, I mean, Bugs Bunny, Superman, Batman, Casablanca, Harry Potter.. Shouldn't *they* be doing the buying?
ted
23 Oct 16 at 1:30 am
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@Ted- One would think.
I read an article concerning the different avenues these tech giants will be using to track us, TV, cell phones, cable, etc. Nothing to do with them but it made me think of what I believe to be a great idea.
Most are familiar with new cars now having the ability to sync ones cell phone with the electronics in the car using bluetooth, you get a phone call and the driver can press a button on the steering wheel, answer the call and talk hands free. One can even choose to see the verbiage on the in car LCD screen.Well wouldn't it be cool if say by 2020, all new cars were able to allow drivers to communicate with other drivers in the same manner. The transmit and receive range would need to be small, say like 100 feet. This way one would not hear communications from vehicles farter away than the cars that are traveling in close proximity to each other.
Push a button on your steering wheel and start talking...Hey red car you tire is going flat.
Hey green car you have a burnt out headlight.
Hey dumbass going 50 mph in the passing lane, MOVE OVER, you're backing up traffic.
Yea!Rick
23 Oct 16 at 7:25 am
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Love your idea about communicating with other cars Rick. That would be good. Just the other day I was on Graces Way, next to Carrabbas across from SV High School at the stop light. The left turn lane is also the straight lane. I was going to pick up my son at SV but I couldn't go straight when the light tuned green because traffic turning right into SV from Sparkleberry Ln was blocking my way, so I had to just sit there. Well, of course the people behind me were honking their horn because they were trying to turning left. To make a long story short, I had to get out of my car and let them know, it's a green light, if you want to turn, go around me! There's no cross traffic that's going to hit you because they have a RED LIGHT! And there's NOBODY coming out of Spring Valley yet. So the only threat would be someone turning right onto Graces Way from Sparkleberry. But I was watching that traffic and trying to wave people around.
Even though I have used that lane for the past 3 or 4 weeks now (and I have never had to stop at the light before), I will not be going that way anymore. In actuality, there really should be a sign up that says "LEFT TURN ONLY BETWEEN 3:00-4:00".
But the car-interaction-transmitter would have helped tremendously at that time. "Red car, go. Green car, go. White car, hold on, someone is turning right.'
Sidney
23 Oct 16 at 11:56 am
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@Sidney- I'm glad you got what I was saying.
I love your name for it. Car-Interaction-Transmitter.
Maybe we should patent this.
Wouldn't it be cool to communicate with other drivers?
After more thought, I think it would be safe to say that the recipient would not be able to identify who sent the message and I think if it were voice, which would be the safest way, it should be a generic voice. Key words could be tagged/blocked such as curse words, etc. to keep it all cool.
This may, or may not prevent some road rage...
Whoa! I'm liking this idea more and more.Rick
23 Oct 16 at 3:53 pm
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My dream for this car-interaction-transmitter technology is to utilize it to discourage tailgaters and bumper riders...
Though the way people get distracted with all the high tech stuff such as radio, GPS systems, phones, etc. now this is liable to be something else to distract people as it's easy to forget just how much weight people are in charged of operating when they operate a motor vehicle...
Andrew
23 Oct 16 at 11:54 pm
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The Next Best Thing Consignment Shop on Lake Murray Blvd. near the railroad tracks and St. Andrews has "Going Out of Business" Signs in their windows. If I remember correctly, they have only been opened about 2 or 3 years. Not sure what this building was before they moved in, but remember them opening about the same time Consignment First moved from Harbison (where Academy Sports is now) to Broad River Road and changed their name to Main Street Home.
James R
24 Oct 16 at 12:55 am
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It also appears Gateway Plumbing Supply on Sunset Blvd. in Lexington (across from Uno Chicago Pizzeria and Grill and next to Gateway Academy childcare) is close to moving. They are building a new, larger store on North Lake Drive near the entrance to the Whiteford housing development.
James R
24 Oct 16 at 1:03 am
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The building that now houses Wentworth Printing in West Columbia has that department store or grocery store look to it. Does anyone know what was originally in that spot?
Justin
24 Oct 16 at 9:28 am
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Looks like a Family Mart to me. Just like this one.
MrBill
24 Oct 16 at 12:45 pm
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Ah, you're right MrBill, that looks to be the exact same type of building. So I guess it was a Kroger after Family Mart, before becoming Wentworth Printing.
Justin
24 Oct 16 at 2:46 pm
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I thought I had seen something mentioned on here a while back about a Beds & Such closing, but I can't seem to find it now. The location at Saluda Pointe Shops (I-20 and US 378 / Sunset Blvd.) has apparently closed. Saluda Pointe Shops hasn't been open that long - maybe nine months.
James R
25 Oct 16 at 8:08 pm
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I noticed today there is a commercial real estate sign in front of Capital Flooring Outlet at 1061 Sunset Blvd. When you go to their website (www.capitalflooring.net) it brings up a blank white page.
James R
27 Oct 16 at 10:19 pm
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Justin, not really sure if it ever went through the Kroger phase, probably, not, since there was a Kroger just down the road, where the Zaxby's is.
MrBill
28 Oct 16 at 3:29 pm
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It looks like the antique shop at the corner of Huger and Blossom may be closing. There is a large sign announcing a liquidation sale on the building.
Justin
31 Oct 16 at 8:38 am
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Not sure if it's even worth mentioning when one of the nine thousand area mattress stores closes, but the Beds & Such at 105 Saluda Pointe Court (Suite D, I think) has ceased to be, shuffled off this mortal coil, and so on. Signage is down, the store is cleared of inventory and all but one or two displays, and if I hadn't once gotten stinkeye for parking in one of "their" spaces one afternoon I'd never believe it had been there in the first place.
Jason
31 Oct 16 at 1:38 pm
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Does anyone have pictures of the old Giant Food World with the sign on it or the 76 on two notch at I-20?
Rashaad
2 Nov 16 at 6:00 pm
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I have some pictures of the Giant Food World building (an old A&P) here, but they were taken after the GFW sign came down.
ted
3 Nov 16 at 12:38 am
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Hey all. I was wondering if anyone remembers the bar nightclub that was located at the old Columbia train station before it became California Dreaming? It had to be sometime in the early 80's.
Gina Fricke
5 Nov 16 at 6:01 pm
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Almost Nuts
Spent a lot of quality time thereskysguy
5 Nov 16 at 8:42 pm
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Crazy Zacks. Lots of underage drinking - which was easier back then since the legal age for beer and wine was 18. It quickly closed after 2 people were killed in a single car drunk driving incident and it was discovered that they had been drinking there.
EP
10 Nov 16 at 3:43 pm
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Work just started inside the old Dollar General store in Lexington next to Food Lion and behind the Lexington Main Street Post Office. The sign in the window say it will be a Badcock Furniture store and it looks like it might take up two suites. I don't remember what was in the other suite, or if there ever was anything in there since I have lived here. I did not see a post on the old Dollar General, but I remember commenting on here when the built their stand alone building further out US 378.
James R
10 Nov 16 at 5:18 pm
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@EP-I remembered when it was Almost Nuts but had forgotten about Crazy Zachs, that must have been in the late 70's.
Rick
10 Nov 16 at 7:29 pm
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@ted - Regarding my earlier comment above, I can confirm that Chic Antiques & Company at the corner of Blossom and Huger is closing at the end of the year. After City Market and Old Towne, that leaves just the Old Mill Antique Mall on State Street as the last remaining largish antique mall in town.
Justin
14 Nov 16 at 8:53 am
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@Justin -- yep, I got some pix that should be forthcoming soon.
There's also "Spring Valley" on Two Notch, though I don't know if it counts as largish.
ted
15 Nov 16 at 1:00 am
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The State is reporting that as of today, Wednesday, November 16, the Bi-Los on Decker Blvd, St. Andrews at Broad River, and North Main at Monticello Road are no more. The parent company has converted them to Harveys Supermarkets, which is a lesser-known discount chain.
James R
17 Nov 16 at 12:29 am
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The link to my previous comment is here:
James R
17 Nov 16 at 12:30 am
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The Harvey Stores have $3.99 lb T-Bones!!
Sidney
17 Nov 16 at 8:54 am
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I went by the previous Mista Browns Seafood (located at Monticello Road, across the street from Grace Academy Church) on Saturday, and it appeared that it was painted red.
Toby
18 Nov 16 at 4:30 pm
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Rumours indicate that Days Inn was replaced by a foreign company.
Toby
18 Nov 16 at 4:39 pm
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Not sure what used to be in the space between Rooms To Go and 2nd and Charles in Harbison, but Crunch Fitness is apparently opening up in that space. Address is 275 Harbison Blvd., Suite G.
James R
19 Nov 16 at 11:44 am
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Had my first McRib of the season yesterday. The holidays are upon us!!!!
Homer
20 Nov 16 at 12:50 am
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I have never tried a McRib.
Rick
21 Nov 16 at 1:25 am
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@ James R. The side of the strip mall on Harbison where 2nd & Charles is was originally a Wal-Mart.
Tom
21 Nov 16 at 6:49 am
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@Rick - A slab of processed pork, slathered in BBQ sauce with pickles and onions on a hoagie roll. It's one of the sandwiches that people either love or hate. It's about the only reason I ever go to Mickey D's except for the Egg McMuffin or fries.
Homer
21 Nov 16 at 8:48 am
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@ Tom,
Thanks. That pre-dates my time in Columbia, but it is interesting to know.
James R
21 Nov 16 at 2:08 pm
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@Homer-A slab of processed pork, shapped as though it has rib bones, some ketchup based BBQ sauce, reconstituted onions on a hogie roll with pickles. Sounds yummy.
I must give it a go.
Rick
22 Nov 16 at 7:36 pm
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James R the spot that Crunch Fitness is slated for was originally Gold's Gym (after it was the pre-supercenter Walmart Tom mentioned)...Gold's Gym moved out to Columbiana Drive and has since been rebranded müv fitness. It has been a Halloween Express store a couple of years as well as a gymnastics/cheerleading operation at one point IIRC. I always felt that said spot was prime for something such as AC Moore Arts & Crafts or even World Market...
Andrew
22 Nov 16 at 11:00 pm
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@Rick - the onions are real...:^). I have a copycat recipe from Todd Wilbur that actually looks pretty good.
Also have a copycat for a Chick-Fil-A that is danged close......
Homer
23 Nov 16 at 12:22 am
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@Homer- I thought Md's used dehydrated onions but I remember now that they do use real onions on the Qtr. Pounder. Okay, I'm going to try a McRib.
Rick
24 Nov 16 at 4:03 am
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Happy Thanksgiving. As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.
Rick
24 Nov 16 at 4:21 am
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I just watched that WKRP episode last night!!!
Homer
24 Nov 16 at 3:26 pm
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrubGTIrlk4
Don't look in the dishwasher..
ted
24 Nov 16 at 8:29 pm
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@ Andrew,
Didn't A. C. Moore move out of that shopping center within the last five years. I thought they were in the spot currently occupied by Total Wine and More. I remember the couple of years that Halloween Express had a location there. I think last year the Halloween Express was at the other end of the shopping center where the Family Christian Bookstores used to be.
James R
24 Nov 16 at 11:01 pm
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James R when AC Moore was there they were in the Total Wine spot you referred to but Total Wine outbid them on the lease and they had to close up shop...but then folks here had reports of rumblings that AC Moore was looking at a new spot in Columbia and that seemed like a spot that made sense.
Halloween Express was indeed for several years where the Family Christian Stores was next to Total Wine...now Footaction has moved into their former location. There were years prior where they were in the spot that was the former Gold's Gym though it had been several years since that was the case. So they had their spot on Saturn Parkway this year...
Andrew
25 Nov 16 at 10:03 am
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Funny the Halloween Express this year was in the space where the Iron Tribe gym was. Maybe next year it can go to where Sportsgym was, or where St Andrews Fitness Center was on Evelyn Drive :)
Also, the Mobile gas station (formerly BP, and before that Gulf) and the small attached liquor store, as well as the building on the same property that at various times housed a repair shop and car detailing business (if not more) on Broad River Road near the intersection with I-26 (across from the Friarsgate subdivision) is closed, and already razed.
Slightly significant to our family, as my dad used to bring our cars to be serviced at the Gulf station when we first moved to SC in 1976. At some point the original owner retired, and i think his son and a long time employee ran the station for awhile, then sold it and then opened their own business........Irmo Tire.
In some way shape or fashion their family has been servicing my families cars for 40 years.
IrmoJeff
25 Nov 16 at 8:33 pm
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@ted - Artizan, at the corner of Bull Street and Gervais is closing up shop by the end of the year. They've apparently been there about five years.
Justin
26 Nov 16 at 4:24 pm
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Thanks Andrew.
My question about A. C. Moore was in reference to your stating the old Gold's Gym would be a good spot for them. That seemed odd to me since they already had a spot in the shopping center and chose to close up. I assumed A.C. Moore closed on its own and then Total Wine decided to move into the vacant spot. I had no idea that Total Wine forced them out.
James R
27 Nov 16 at 9:26 pm
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If you read the AC Moore post you'll note that they were outbid on the lease and that's why they left (same thing happened with Barnes & Noble at Harbison Court (closed in favor of Nordstrom Rack)...the former Gold's Gym was a comparable size and that's why I thought it'd be a good fit...with Golfsmith about to leave Harbison Court I wonder what will become of that space...
Andrew
28 Nov 16 at 12:48 am
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The Next Best Thing Furniture store on Lake Murray Blvd. Is having a going out of business sale.
Joe Shlabotnik
28 Nov 16 at 12:31 pm
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My wife saw on Facebook that Southern Belly BBQ is closing its Rosewood location. If I am not mistaken, Rosewood was the original location. Southern Belly has since expanded to open locations in Five Points on Harden Street behind Harper's and on Colonial Life Blvd. The Rosewood location always had issues with inadequate parking and I wonder if that contributed to the decision to close that location.
James R
29 Nov 16 at 11:13 am
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@ Joe
The going out of business signs have been up for over a month now. I mentioned it here on Oct 24. I am surprised they haven't completely closed up yet. Anyone know when their last day is supposed to be? I might have to make one last trip over there before they close for good.
James R
29 Nov 16 at 11:17 am
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@ted - Just saw this morning Columbia Closings got a shout out in Free Times on an article talking about the old Maurice's Piggy Park.
Justin
3 Dec 16 at 10:25 am
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An Asian buffet..
Thus the cycle of restaurant re-incarnation always ends.
Although from all I hear Jasmine is a nice one, and more power to them..
ted
3 Dec 16 at 3:13 pm
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Here's the article that Justin mentioned. Congrats (I guess) to Ted!
Sidney
3 Dec 16 at 8:43 pm
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The Carolina Title Loans, the former Pizza Hut (on Broad River Road, sided with Nick's and Atlantic Seafood) is closed. They probably weren't getting a lot of customers. There's one still on Two Notch Road, I believe.
Toby
4 Dec 16 at 9:59 pm
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In my opinion Jasmine Buffet is one of the better ones in town. A little pricier but they have a huge variety of food.
Homer
4 Dec 16 at 11:57 pm
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I have thorough knowledge Plants n Whatnots. 3404 Two Notch road. I am the granddaughter of past owners.
Jennifer Covington
5 Dec 16 at 12:50 pm
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My wife tells me that Williams Sonoma in Columbiana is closing down.
Justin B
12 Dec 16 at 7:19 am
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Aside from converting three Richland County BI-LO stores to Harvey's Supermarket, Southeastern Grocers has taken the first step toward closing dozens of BI-LO, Harvey's Supermarket, and Winn-Dixie stores that are underperforming or have expiring leases by closing pharmacy departments and transferring scripts to CVS. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have been laid off.
Knight
13 Dec 16 at 10:29 am
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Does anyone remember the bakery in Five Points? They had a butterscotch bar that was so delicious. I would love the recipe for their bars. They were thin and about 2 by 5 inches. They were there in the 1970s, but I don't know when they closed.
John Coles
13 Dec 16 at 11:08 am
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ted
13 Dec 16 at 11:37 am
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The Stein Mart on Bower Parkway in Harbison is closing at the end of February due to underperforming sales.
Wish
13 Dec 16 at 10:53 pm
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@ Ted,
Is that the same Cribbs that has the sandwich shop in downtown Lexington? It is just south of Main Street on Church. If so, they have a selection of homemade baked goods. They might have the butterscotch bars that John is talking about.
James R
14 Dec 16 at 12:35 am
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Hmm, I have no idea I'm afraid.
ted
14 Dec 16 at 1:33 am
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Sandy's hotdogs on USC campus closing in Jan 2017. USC has purchased the property and will turn it into a parking lot
James (Jimmy)
15 Dec 16 at 4:38 pm
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The butterscotch bars were from Eclaire Bakery on Harden, a few doors down from Groucho's. My boyfriend (now husband) and I used to go there, and I always got the butterscotch bars, while he got the brownies with icing on top.
The Eclaire Bakery moved out to one of the shopping centers in Irmo in the 80s, but was only there for a couple of years before closing. Cribbs was closer to the old Sears building (Food Lion, etc., now) on the opposite side of the street.
Cary
15 Dec 16 at 9:33 pm
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The State is reporting that the Atlanta Bread Company on Sunset Blvd in West Columbia is closing in February. Apparently, it will become an East Bay Deli location. East Bay Deli recently opened a location on Main Street in Downtown Columbia. The story in the State can be found here http://www.thestate.com/news/business/article121129408.html
James R
15 Dec 16 at 10:25 pm
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I forgot to mention that the Atlanta Bread Company's downtown location on Main Street will close in January according to the above referenced article.
James R
15 Dec 16 at 10:26 pm
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Hmm, Free Times says it is already closed...
ted
16 Dec 16 at 3:53 am
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Does anyone know what they are building in Sandhills in front of Miyo's, CiCi's Pizza, etc.
Sidney
16 Dec 16 at 9:11 am
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Panera Bread has dominated Atlanta Bread Company here in Atlanta. I like the sandwiches better at Atlanta Bread, but something broke within management and the business model a couple of years ago. Not sure what it's like to be a franchisee of either business, but it looks like Panera has a much better model to follow.
palmettoconnection
16 Dec 16 at 2:01 pm
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I just got an email about the closing of Williams-Sonoma in Columbiana, as someone upthread had posted.
AW
19 Dec 16 at 2:03 pm
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Dang - bad news galore. I love Williams-Sonoma despite their outrageous prices. Harbison Stein Mart closing? Oh nooooo! If it wasn't available at my Lexington Stein Mart, I didn't have too far to travel to Harbison. Geez! Ate at the Rosewood Southern Belly's and it was delicious. Must go by Atlanta Bread Co. in West Cola. and stock up on chocolate mocha muffins, those are sinful. Not sure if this is reliable, but my mom said The Happy China Buffet (by Food Lion) is moving into the old Quincys/Maurice's place on 378/Sunset Blvd.
Beth
20 Dec 16 at 7:35 am
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Williams-Sonoma was the last remaining reason I would ever darken the door of Columbiana. Them closing is just more of my dollars going to Charlotte. I'd rather go to Sur la Table anyway, but the convenience of W-S being near work always won out.
Jason
20 Dec 16 at 8:24 am
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I, too, was distraught to hear Williams-Sonoma closing up shop. I appreciated the convenience of their location and it was always a slam-dunk gift spot for the foodies in my life.
Is it just me or is Columbiana Mall kinda going down-hill? Apparently we can't support a Williams-Sonoma, but there have got to be what, 10-12 places to buy gym shoes?? I noticed last year this time they were a posted NO Concealed Weapons location (one reason I take my business elsewhere). Not long after I saw those signs, Columbiana had their ambiguous incident that may/may not have involved a non-legally carried firearm. I've also been advised there are "incidents" there involving "groups" of people fairly regularly. Just seems to me 'ol Columbiana isn't nearly what it once was (and I've only been here since '99). Am I the only one?
Lone Wolf
20 Dec 16 at 11:43 am
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I do think Columbiana is still thriving (on paper) but it does seem like the caliber is changing and it doesn't seem what it used to be which leaves people liable to see it as going downhill...
Many of the stores Columbiana has lost are having issues at the corporate level:
Coldwater Creek went through bankruptcy and has closed all their physical locations in favor of going online/catalog only. I think Abercrombie & Fitch went through something similar but I don't think it was quite as dramatic as Coldwater Creek but idk the details.
Sears has been having some problems at the corporate level for some time and has been closing a bunch of stores and so Columbiana wound up on the chopping block (I just wish Macy's or Crate & Barrel had opened up there).
Aeropostale and Radio Shack are two prominent examples of companies that went through a bankruptcy that closed a bunch of locations that Columbiana has lost but meanwhile they've gotten filled pretty quickly.
Parisian left shortly before being acquired by Belk (but JC Penney is there now thankfully.
I'm impressed that General Growth Properites has been able to keep the mall filled as well as it has over the years when stuff leaves but I do agree that some of the new stores are liable to conjure up thoughts of "this isn't what it used to be" which leaves people liable to think it's going downhill.
I remember in the 90s as you came out of Belk (the main store) at Columbiana they had a store on the left (where a jewlery store is now (opposite end of Forever 21)) that had a large guy that had a hand that would wave at you and it was a candy store I don't remember the name of and I wish I could remember what it was called.
I don't know specifically what happened to Williams Sonoma but it's liable to be something along those lines...
I'll be the first to admit that Columbiana isn't what it used to be for me but there are other factors besides the changes in the store lineup over the years that are involved...
Andrew
20 Dec 16 at 3:53 pm
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I haven't set foot in Columbiana in years and now I'm kind of hesitant as to what I might see.
BTW - how long have Red Robin and Dave & Busters been open there?
Homer
20 Dec 16 at 10:10 pm
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Homer, Red Robin opened in late 2015...Dave & Buster's is planned to open in February 2017...
Andrew
20 Dec 16 at 10:19 pm
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Williams-Sonoma is doing a (slight) majority of their business online now, and company-wide they're pulling retail stores out of shopping centers that don't do well with home services. Mall of America lost a W-S this month as well, so this is likely less a reflection on the Columbia market and perhaps more one of some malls just not being a great fit for home stores.
Jason
21 Dec 16 at 3:49 pm
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Shows you that I don't even glance over toward the mall when I drive by. I just noticed both storefronts last week.
Homer
21 Dec 16 at 6:03 pm
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With all the talks of malls, this article may be of intrest to some.
http://www.metv.com/lists/13-bygone-mall-stores-we-want-to-shop-at-again
Tom
22 Dec 16 at 5:56 am
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Eric's San Jose is closing, according to a State article.
AW
22 Dec 16 at 7:31 pm
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The one on Garners Ferry. Doors were locked today.
AW
22 Dec 16 at 7:31 pm
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The San Jose on Garner's Ferry is the only one that Eric owns. His brothers Tony and Greg own the others. Someone else in the family owns some as well as Pancho's.
Sidney
22 Dec 16 at 11:18 pm
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Merry Christmas Everyone!!
Homer
25 Dec 16 at 12:46 am
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Merry Christmas Homer.
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The lost Cajun in Lexington and sweet frogs in red bank both closed
Megan
27 Dec 16 at 8:28 pm
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Well dang. I was over in that area yesterday and didn't notice. What with being out of town, Christmas and head colds I'm way behind on pictures..
ted
28 Dec 16 at 9:33 am
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That's too bad, I really liked Lost Cajun. It was something different, and what's replacing it is...another sub shop.
Jason
28 Dec 16 at 6:45 pm
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Are there any Sears & K-Marts left in the Midlands?
http://www.wect.com/story/34152945/sears-kmart-to-close-more-than-30-stores
Mr BO
30 Dec 16 at 9:58 am
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Kmart still has locations in West Columbia, Lexigton and Sumter...the way they keep closing locations has me doubting their long-term vitality (though I've found plenty to like about Kmart).
Sears still has a location at Columbia Place Mall though several folks here feel that said location isn't long for the world. Plus they have a small hometown location in Lexigton.
Andrew
30 Dec 16 at 1:48 pm
As we enter 2016 I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of what looks to be some of the most notable closings for this site:
- Most RadioShack locations
- Pizza Hut at 617 St. Andrews
- Charleston Cooks (Cross Hill Market)
- Anna's Linens (all 3 as part of a nationwide liquidation of 252)
- Chapin Furniture
- Kmart at 7325 Two Notch Road began liquidation and said liquidation will stretch into January
- Taco Cid
- Church's Chicken on Devine Street
The flooding obviously produced some stuff but only time will tell what doesn't make it into 2016.
Rosewood Crossing came online in the former Kmart at 4400 Ft. Jackson but the flooding rendered the stores out of commission and many other areas got flooded.
Hardee's on 378 Lexington (near Village Square) moved down the road and now construction is underway for a new Captain D's there.
US Airways faded off into the sunset and merged into American Airlines (will miss seeing this brand flying around).
But also the following overhauls came along:
- Kmart at Seven Oaks Shopping Center overhauled to house Extra Space Storage.
- Blockbuster's Irmo location subdivided to house Little Casears and Embroid Me
- Columbia's second Panda Express open at Killian Crossing (shortly thereafter a new Applebee's came along)
- KJ's Market IGA opens up at former Piggly Wiggly at Mills Corner (US 1 and Oak Drive)
- NAPA Auto Parts on St. Andrews moved across the street into Seven Oaks Shopping Center
- Ballantine Auction moves into former Fred's at 736 St. Andrews Road
- Ollie's at St. Andrews Center (former Clusters of Whitehall)
Work to signalize the following 4 intersections began:
1) Broad River & Beaty Road
2) SC 6 & Farming Creek Road
3) Leaphart & Mineral Springs Road
4) Farrow & Longtown
As of this writing, Farrow & Longtown is the only one with the signal fully operational.
Among the things we can look forward to in 2016:
- Rosewood Crossing back in business
- 2 or 3 Walmart Neighborhood Market locations
- Publix at Gervais Place gets a pharmacy
- Publix at Chapin Crossing taking shape
- Kroger Marketplace at Farrow & Killian
- Columbia's first Costco
- Columbia once again having two Fresh Markets as one opens up in Northeast Richland
- müv fitness in former Goody's in West Columbia (US 1)
- Cardinal Newman property for sale (this one bears watching to see where it goes)
- new Dollar Store (something that looks like a new dollar store) at Broad River and Seminole Road
- Family Dollar at 378 & Hummingbird Drive
- perhaps something new for a St. Andrews restaurant that once housed Little Mexico (and subsequently Wata Wing, Luce's & Akih Life Vegan Cafe)
- Captain D's opens in Lexington
- Killian Road Chick-Fil-A
Supposedly there are plans to build a new Hobby Lobby-anchored shopping complex in Lexington.
I'm also wondering if plans to build a Cookout at the site of the former Shoney's at Bush River & Arrowood will proceed (been planned for 2, almost 3 years now)...
** Lifting up the folks there that contribute to some interesting discussions about different things Columbia in their 2016 needs **