Have Your Say Archive 1 Jan 2020 to 31 December 2021 626 comments
I always enjoy hearing from you (though I may not always respond, or implement your suggestion).
Ted
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626 Responses to 'Have Your Say Archive 1 Jan 2020 to 31 December 2021'
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Casa Linda Mexican restaurant in the Harbison Area on Columbiana Drive has announced that 12/31 was their last day in business. Apparently they opted not to renew their lease. I tried the place a few times, and thought it was good - but preferred other Mexican restaurants in the area.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3415434808498464&id=139140082794636
Heath
3 Jan 20 at 11:00 pm
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Diablo’s on Killian Road has “relocated” to Aiken. Slightly better options than some other burrito joints but much worse service.
Shut it down
5 Jan 20 at 11:34 am
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USA Today published an article that states up to 450 Pier One stores will be closing. No individual locations were listed.
Joe Shlabotnik
6 Jan 20 at 10:18 pm
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Harbison Pier One is closing. Percentage off signs in all the windows.
JCB
9 Jan 20 at 8:02 am
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So it appears that the cosing of Casa Linda on Columbiana Drive was more of an ownership change. According to their Facebook page, they have new owners and management, and it's now called El Patron.
Heath
9 Jan 20 at 9:53 am
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Hey I have a few pics of K-Mart, and of The old Ryan's in West Columbia, where should I send them?
Mr. Bill
9 Jan 20 at 1:56 pm
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closings at columbiaclosings dot cmo
ted
9 Jan 20 at 2:10 pm
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The Mousetrap's facebook page says they are permanently closed.
Badger
13 Jan 20 at 7:04 pm
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WoW
The trap is closed
John
13 Jan 20 at 8:33 pm
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I hate to hear about the Mousetrap. I've heard a lot of good things about it, but never made it over there to try it out.
Heath
13 Jan 20 at 9:05 pm
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Seafood Connection on Lake Murray Blvd has closed.
Mr.Hat
17 Jan 20 at 10:53 am
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@Mr. Hat, that place certainly did not last long!
Tom
19 Jan 20 at 10:02 am
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Hi everyone...
The State online is reporting that the owners of Yesterday's, Darrell Barnes and brothers Scott & Duncan MacRae have sold the building and the adjacent parking lot to a friend. They will still own the business and 'promise' that nothing will change.Let's see......
Homer
21 Jan 20 at 6:01 pm
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Freesia on Clemson / Killian Rd across from Murphy's gas station has closed.
Sidney
21 Jan 20 at 10:10 pm
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The State, and other outlets, are reporting that the Harbison location of Pier One is closing.
Heath
24 Jan 20 at 2:17 pm
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Looks like Hardee's on Parklane is closed.
Sidney
26 Jan 20 at 1:40 pm
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Jet Fuel on Barr Rd in Lexington is closed. This place was a mess. It started up nice, had coffee, beer growlers and quickly went downhill. Decent beer/wine selection. What really irritates a lot of folks is that the place had a long, protracted opening as some nearby neighbors fought the liquor license. Hopefully something better will open in its spot.
Andy
27 Jan 20 at 1:43 pm
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Sub Station II on St. Andrew's Rd next to WG's wings looks to be closed.
Arthur
27 Jan 20 at 3:43 pm
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Victoria’s Secret has closed in Columbia Place Mall. It makes sense to do this to help boost sales at Village at Sandhill.
Rashaad Egister
30 Jan 20 at 11:31 pm
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I went to the Belks at Richland Mall yesterday and noticed a sign on the door that they had significantly shorten the store hours for the month of January.
I don't know if this was just temporary, but given that there was a lot of clearance merchandise and hardly any customers, or sales staff in there, I suspect that it days may be numbered.Tom
2 Feb 20 at 6:54 am
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The LugNutz DIY Auto Repair Shop closed last month. My friend's father was the owner, and they actually started doing good business a few months ago. Sadly, this wasn't enough, as they got off to a slow start and couldn't pay all of their bills in time. The building is located at 909 Leesburg Road, next to the old Parklane Seafood.
Paul
2 Feb 20 at 9:50 am
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Tom - Wow. If Belk closes, I wonder how long the Barnes & Noble will stay open.
Robin
2 Feb 20 at 9:41 pm
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Last several times I've been in Richland Mall's Belk I've noticed that about a third of the upstairs is curtained off (I remember Sears at Columbia Place Mall doing something similar)...
Andrew
2 Feb 20 at 11:36 pm
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Looking at their website, it seems those "temporary hours" may be permanent:
Store Hours
Monday
11AM - 8PM*
Tuesday
11AM - 8PM*
Wednesday
11AM - 8PM*
Thursday
11AM - 8PM*
Friday
10AM - 8PM*
Saturday
10AM - 8PM*
Sunday
1PM - 5PMTom
3 Feb 20 at 7:11 am
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Just saw on Facebook that Earth Fare is closing all of its stores, including the one on Devine Street.
Beth
3 Feb 20 at 11:22 am
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The state is reporting all earth fare stores are closing.
MB
3 Feb 20 at 11:22 am
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Bone-In Barbecue (next to Fireflies' stadium) is transitioning from a regular restaurant to a special events/catering-only place.
Beth
4 Feb 20 at 2:13 pm
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Macy's announced that they will closing 125 store in the "weakest malls" and cut 2000 jobs overall. No list of closings was given, but I would bet Columbia Mall will be on it.
Tom
5 Feb 20 at 6:48 am
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Normally I would bet that way as well. The only mitigator is that this is Macy's only South Carolina store. If they close it, they are abandoning the state entirely. Maybe they are ready to do that, but maybe not.
If the county presence ever gets going and stabalizes the property, that would help.
ted
5 Feb 20 at 11:49 pm
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Let me shed some light on Macy's at Columbia Place Mall.
Originally the space they occupy was given to them. So there's no cost to run that store other than the typical store expenses. This is why that store has not relocated to Sandhill or Columbiana.
Macy's does have another store in South Carolina at Haywood Mall and it opened in 1980 just two years after the Columbia Place store. Macy's really has to be under-performing to close the only (paid in full for the property) location they have in Columbia.
With that being said, our greedy legislators in Richland County Council have tried several times to force them to close. If anything we need to fight to keep our only Columbia store open.
If you don't remember Macy's closed the downtown store in the early 90s and a plan to relocate to Dutch Square never happened because of their previous bankruptcy. If it weren't for Rich's at Columbia Place we wouldn't have a Macy's now.
Macy's has been approached by Charleston, Myrtle Beach and other areas for relocation and thus far they've been reluctant.
Rashaad
6 Feb 20 at 6:21 pm
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@Rashaad -- Interesting. Sorry for the bad info -- if you type "South Carolina" into their store locator, Columbia is all that comes up. You have to go to advanced search for some reason..
ted
6 Feb 20 at 8:27 pm
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ColaDaily is reporting that Fuddruckers on Bush River Rd. has closed. The last couple of times we went here, it wasn't as good as it used to be - so I'm not surprised. I hate to see it go though, it had a cool vibe that took me back to my youth eating at the Spartanburg location in the 80s.
Heath
7 Feb 20 at 12:35 pm
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I thought that Fuddruckers opened before 1985, but could be wrong. I want to remember it being there since the late 70's or very early 80's. Anyone know?
Del
7 Feb 20 at 2:42 pm
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I heard yesterday that Albert's Deli on Parklane is closing as of Friday Feb. 14th....
Homer
8 Feb 20 at 3:28 pm
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@Del - I grow up around this area and my family went out to eat almost every Friday night in the late 70s and early 80s (most of the time to the Villa). We would have probably tried Fuddruckers if it had been an option, although I could be wrong.
ED
9 Feb 20 at 9:47 am
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Cola Daily is reporting that Albert's Deli on Parklane has closed.
Heath
14 Feb 20 at 1:51 pm
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The parent company of The State has filed for bankruptcy protection:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/13/media/mcclatchy-bankruptcy/index.htmlTom
15 Feb 20 at 6:18 am
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A minor question about restaurants: Recently, it seems that more and more servers will ask at the beginning if everyone's meals will be on the same check. Before they take each person's order, or right after. They do this even if it's just two or three of us. In the past, most of them would not mention payment until everyone had finished eating. I am not necessarily annoyed; just curious about the change.
Robin
17 Feb 20 at 12:57 am
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Free Times is reporting that Bone-In BBQ in the BullStreet District is closing completely. They had anounced a couple of weeks ago that they were transitioning into an events and catering operation, but now are saying they're totally done. Yet another place I had been planning on trying, but never got around to.
Heath
17 Feb 20 at 9:07 pm
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@Robin -- I haven't really noticed that one, but if I had to speculate, I would guess that's something servers have to enter into restaurant software to place orders now. Anyone with recent restaurant experience know?
What I *have* noticed lately is that male servers have started saying 'Gotcha!' after everything I say. I guess the idea that they are attentive is nice, but it's just kinda weird.
ted
17 Feb 20 at 11:05 pm
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Possible correction on Bone-In BBQ from WLTX - catering will still be available, but the restaurant won't be a venue.
Heath
17 Feb 20 at 11:20 pm
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@Ted - I've noticed "Gotcha" and similar words. I wonder if it's a new trend for servers and store employees to be more casual. I understand that it's often their attempt at being friendly, but sometimes this is mildly annoying. I.e., cashiers who refer to middle-aged and elderly people as "sweetie pie", "darling", and "honey", in the same syrupy tone that one might use when talking to small children. Granted, I am only in my early 30s, but I've worked in retail and I viewed transactions as business.
Robin
18 Feb 20 at 7:37 pm
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Robin - you know another server peeve of mine? When they stoop down at your table and look up at you. I really dislike that for some reason.
Payne
19 Feb 20 at 10:01 pm
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@Payne - Understandable.
Robin
20 Feb 20 at 12:44 am
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Robin--I've always seemed to notice it more in college towns, when groups of college kids will go out together but be responsible for their own parts of the bill. I think a lot of those restaurant systems are set-up that it's far easier to split everything in advance/as it's entered than to try to separate everything out at the end.
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Carolina Wings & Ribhouse at 1120 Washington Street is gone as of last Saturday (2/29/2020)
Gary
3 Mar 20 at 2:36 pm
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I hope this was today only, but the Carolina Wings on Fish Hatchery was open only for take-out.
badger
5 Mar 20 at 2:28 pm
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It has become apparent to me that the Tripp's Fine Cleaners at 655 St. Andrews Road (St. Andrews Square (in front of the CHEF'STORE)) is closing up shop...
Andrew
7 Mar 20 at 10:00 pm
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Steak ‘n Shake on Killian Road has already closed. Sign on the door says it shut down on 3/8/20. Didn’t make it long at all.
Shut it Down
10 Mar 20 at 8:01 pm
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This site is about to become quite active
JohnG
12 Mar 20 at 6:34 am
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I am afraid JohnG may be correct. Even though the Small Business Administration is promising low interest loans, how long will it take to process the loans? Some stores cannot operate more than a month of no business. Leases, insurance, utilities, payroll....$5,000 a month eats into operating capital pretty fast.
Joe Shlabotnik
13 Mar 20 at 4:21 am
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Cola Daily is reporting that Miyo's in Lexington is closing, and will be replaced by Chipotle.
Heath
14 Mar 20 at 10:07 am
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All dine in restaurants-Closed.
Bars-Closed.
Well that escalated quickly!JohnG
17 Mar 20 at 8:50 pm
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Holey moley!
ted
17 Mar 20 at 11:16 pm
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I've said it before and i will say it again, location, location, location. Steak and Shake was just not in the right place for a lot of traffic. I had never eaten there so it could have been their food. But as a gambling man, I'm putting my money on location.
Sidney
23 Mar 20 at 10:08 am
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@Sidney- while you may be correct, keep in mind that this is the second Steak N Shake location to come and go in this market, which makes me wonder if there are some deeper rooted problems.
Tom
24 Mar 20 at 11:23 am
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I'm seeing that Wild Wings Cafe on Bower Parkway in the Harbison area has closed permanently.
Heath
24 Mar 20 at 1:26 pm
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Know there are probably a million closings to report but apparently Long's Drugs has sold to CVS and some or all of its current locations are closing.
Beth
24 Mar 20 at 3:34 pm
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As Heath stated, Wild Wing Bower Parkway and Poke Brothers (in the same shopping center) have signs on their doors stating that due to COVID-19 they are closed. Wild Wing's sign asks folks to check out one of the other locations (Vista or NorthEast). No indication on the future of Poke Bros Bower Parkway.
I would be willing to bet these won't be the only two establishments that see change due to this situation.
Lone Wolf
25 Mar 20 at 1:46 pm
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WLTX reported that Longs Drugs closed all of its retail pharmacies on March 24. https://www.wltx.com/article/news/local/longs-drugs-pharmacy-closing-retail-locations-cvs/101-b7f2111a-9e74-4158-987c-97d7ab52d237?fbclid=IwAR2-GcTTR27NDs3TpyT1Q5v0x0RQZbGMW0vcFu0ZkXpi3qkFguqU2tHB3nw
This affects locations in Charleston, Cheraw, Chesterfield, Florence, Columbia (5 locations - Farrow Road, Garner's Ferry [Hopkins], Kilbourne Road, Millwood Avenue, and St. Andrews [Irmo] ), Lexington, Newberry, Pamplico, Ridgeland, and Saluda as well as locations in Georgia and North Carolina.
JamesR
26 Mar 20 at 9:39 pm
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Zaxby's on Two Notch near the Brickyard is temporarily closed. Sign on Drive Thru reads that computer system was damaged by lightning strike on March 24
thomas
29 Mar 20 at 7:29 pm
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@JamesR I did see where the Longs drugstores closed about a week ago in Chesterfield and Cheraw. Not sure about the one in Chesterfield, but the one in Cheraw was a local pharmacy up until a few years ago when Longs bought the store from the owner, who had decided to retire. I specifically recall that because a friend of mine came up to Cheraw from Columbia to run some wiring/cabling at that location at the time. That location didn't last long at all.
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@sidney The location if the Steak and Shake wasn’t the problem as much as service and poor management was. The area it is in is highly populated and a lot of the other business there do quite well. The problem with Steak and Shake was that they couldn’t handle the demand and figure out how to handle the inside customers as well as the drive thru. When it takes 20 min to get a shake and 30 min to get your burger it’s never going to keep people coming. Restaurants survive on food quality but thrive on service. If you’re mediocre at both you won’t make it regardless of where you are located.
Shut it down
3 Apr 20 at 6:24 pm
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Massey's Past Time Cafe, which was the follow on operation to Anthony's Past Time Cafe, is closed at 1425 Sumter St, right across from the hospital.
Justin
21 Apr 20 at 10:42 am
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Yesterday 's is gone.
https://www.wistv.com/2020/04/21/yesterdays-restaurant-tavern-closes-its-doors-after-years/
Sad to see it close.Had some great times there.
Johng
21 Apr 20 at 8:13 pm
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Renovation is going on at the former site of BiLo in 3 Fountains (West Columbia); anyone know who's moving in?
Payne
23 Apr 20 at 9:43 pm
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Payne, check out the Bi-Lo #5580 page
Andrew
23 Apr 20 at 11:53 pm
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Free Times is reporting that the Covid-19 closing of Sabor Latin Street Grill in The Vista is permanent.
Heath
24 Apr 20 at 10:52 am
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This can't go on.
ted
24 Apr 20 at 10:09 pm
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The Cigar Box in West Columbia has closed their doors. It was, according to the article, pandemic related. However, that business had tried their luck in several locations through the years. Their most recent location had an impressive, newly built outdoor deck and served beer, but still was rarely ever busy.
Lone Wolf
26 Apr 20 at 8:40 am
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The Cigar Box left Columbia for a couple of reasons, including some new outdoor smoking regulations by the City of Columbia - or perhaps some old regulations that were going to be enforced differently. The landlord at the Main St. location, also wanted them out to make way for something different. They spent a ton of money on this location, making it very nice, and probably stretching their finances too thin. The thought was that they were getting in on the ground floor of the next hot area, much like they did with the location on Main St.
The writing was on the wall for months before the pandemic, as they got rid of all of their employees, leaving the two owners as the only staff, cutting back store hours, and having a limited inventory. Still, it was a promising location that probably moved in to the area a bit too soon.
Heath
26 Apr 20 at 1:10 pm
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Here's a sobering look at how hard the Coronapocalypse is hitting the restaurant industry. Reading this makes me want to rush to all of my favorite restaurants and support their take-out operations every night for dinner. But, then there's the whole question of how all of this will impact my finances personally, and I feel the need to conserve funds. This is how recessions happen.
Heath
29 Apr 20 at 10:36 am
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Uncle Louie's in the Vista is closed permanently, after 20 years. Can we PLEASE reopen Columbia now??
Lone Wolf
29 Apr 20 at 4:36 pm
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Lone Wolf,
On the flip side, Group Therapy can keep their liquor license!! Take that Harpootlian!!!
Homer
29 Apr 20 at 5:54 pm
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The Panera Bread at the Village at Sandhill is closed.
Mr.Hat
30 Apr 20 at 7:56 pm
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Did the Ruby Tuesday's at Columbiana Center and Dutch Square close? I no longer see them listed on the web site. They were listed as temporarily closed the last few weeks.
Homer
1 May 20 at 8:14 pm
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@Homer - the location on Columbiana Cir isn't listed either. Google maps shows both of these as "temporarily closed". Maybe they have consolidated the staff into the remaining locations.
I have noticed that Ruby Tuesday has an interesting model right now, in addition to the normal take out and family meals, they will also have a "Ruby's pantry" section. This includes a variety of items including toilet paper, paper towels, 60 count box of sirloins and a gallon of jalapenos. They started this right when the shutdown began and I thought they might just be selling off what they had on hand but looks like it has continued.
ED
1 May 20 at 9:26 pm
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My understanding is that one of the problems with the current TP situation is that there is plenty on the janitorial side, since people aren't in restaurants & offices, but that supply chain doesn't connect to retail stores. Looks like some restaurants are making the connection themselves.
ted
1 May 20 at 9:34 pm
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@ED - the sign on the Columbiana location still says temporarily closed. Talk about interesting models, the Columbiana food court Chick-Fil-A has a kiosk drive-thru set up in the parking lot. Drive up, place your order and they bring it to your car.
Homer
2 May 20 at 3:45 pm
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We tried to order takeout from Kingsman Brew and Que in Lexington tonight and message said they were closed through the end of the crises. This is bad. I really hope this place can survive - food was awesome, excellent beer selection, and good service. I'm hopeful as it was usually pretty crowded when we visited.
Andy
2 May 20 at 8:05 pm
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Ruby Tuesday at Columbiana and Dutch Square are permanently closed.
Rashaad
3 May 20 at 6:21 pm
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A google search reveals that Ruby Tuesday's are closing permanently all over the country. I wonder if the chain is preparing to file for bankruptcy.
Justin
4 May 20 at 2:17 pm
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From what I've heard they are not doing well financially.
Homer
4 May 20 at 3:56 pm
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For what it is worth, U.S. unemployment is now at 14.7% with 20.5 million people out of work. These are the highest numbers since the Great Depression.
Tom
8 May 20 at 10:18 am
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Having grown up in Columbia in 70's, I really enjoy your site. Any idea if something similar exists for Charlotte, where I mis-spent my early post-college years? Thanks and regards.
Ken
13 May 20 at 10:29 pm
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ted
13 May 20 at 10:38 pm
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I'm seeing reports that Copper River Grill on Bower Parkway in the Harbison area has closed permanently. Someone in a Facebook group posted a confirmation by email from their corporate office that the Covid closure was now permanent for this location. I think they've been struggling for a while. We put it on our "never again" list after a really bad experience about a year ago. I'm surprised they made it this long.
Heath
14 May 20 at 11:56 am
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Footlocker, FootAction, and Kids Footlocker are leaving Columbia Place
Rashaad
15 May 20 at 9:33 am
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The State just reported that Copper River Grill on Bower has closed due to the virus.
Homer
15 May 20 at 4:32 pm
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In case anyone missed it, J.C. Penny has filed for bankruptcy and will closed some more stores.
Tom
17 May 20 at 11:50 am
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@Tom -- yes, I saw that, but at the time of the announcement could not find a store list. They may still be thinking about that. If I had to guess, I would say things don't look good for the Sandhill store, since there would still be a Columbia store in Columbiana and that's a successful mall while Sandhill is not.
ted
17 May 20 at 2:17 pm
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@ Ted, I agree.
Tom
18 May 20 at 8:49 am
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As far as JCPenney store closures are concerned:
The most likely locations to close will be in malls that are underperforming and are in the declining business cycle (not Sandhill)
Second likely stores they will close are spaces that the landlord is trying to recapture for something more exciting (potentially Sandhill)
If it did close at Sandhill, it could give them a boost.
Rashaad
18 May 20 at 9:57 am
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I agree with my father's theory about malls: many people want to avoid the loiterers, gangs of teenagers, and unsupervised obnoxious kids. They prefer entering a small/medium store directly, or shopping online. The stores that are in malls, along with all the empty spaces, seem to be more "low-end" recently. At least in my observation.
Robin
18 May 20 at 12:28 pm
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I found this list of store closures scheduled for April 2020. They closed 27 stores in 2019. Article is from January.
Missoula, Montana: Southgate Mall
Valley Stream, New York: Green Acres Mall
Raleigh, North Carolina: North Hills Shopping Center
Akron, Ohio: Chapel Hill Mall
Tulsa, Oklahoma: Tulsa Promenade
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Myrtle Beach MallHomer
19 May 20 at 9:12 am
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Interesting. The Myrtle Beach closing is not that surprising as I think they are totally rebuilding Myrtle Beach Mall (nee Briarcliff Mall) and a lot of stores are leaving anyway (at least while they do that).
ted
19 May 20 at 9:53 am
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@Ted - Love the nee Briarcliff reference. I grew up in NMB and it'll also be Briarcliff Mall to me.
Justin
20 May 20 at 8:51 am
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I thought it had already been announced earlier this year but there is a new round of news about all of Pier One going out of business. It looks like the one on Garners Ferry is the only one that hasn't already started down that road.
Matt
20 May 20 at 9:58 am
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Pier 1 had filed for bankruptcy protection (chapter 11) earlier in the year but the news this week is that they were unable to find a buyer and now have to close down entirely.
Justin
20 May 20 at 2:57 pm
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Here's the situation with Pier 1:
Columbia had 3 Pier 1 locations:
- Harbison Court
- Sparkleberry Square
- Shoppes at WoodhillThe Sparkleberry Square location closed in 2018 and finally featured here.
The Harbison Court location was in the process of liquidating when COVID19 put the brakes on it (and it has already featured here).
The initial plan with the Woodhill one was to keep it going in their initial Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization plans but in light of the COVID19 situation they are seeking plans to liquidate all remaining stores once it is feasible to do so. As that unfolds, I'm sure it will feature here in due time.
Andrew
20 May 20 at 3:05 pm
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Hello Ted, is there a way I can contact you via email? There is a project I am working on that has to do with Columbia Mall. I am seeking a comprehensive list of stores as well as a map showing their locations in the mall circa 1979. I am also in need of some pictures of the Mall that were taken prior to its renovation. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Russell
21 May 20 at 6:35 pm
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Victoria's Secret is the latest to file for bankruptcy.
This morning I saw a very sobering stat, an estimated 3000 retails stores are expected to be closed by the end of 2020.Tom
21 May 20 at 7:14 pm
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@Russell, I'm at closings at columbiaclosings dto com, but I doubt I will be much help since I didn't start blogging until 2007.
You can see, I think, assuming I went back and put tags on the older posts, all my posts on Columbia Mall here.
What I would suggest is that once the library is open again, you go to the main location on Assembly Street and consult the City Directories in the third floor "Local History" room. There is a directory for each year, and they have a section that does reverse lookup by street address. You can see examples of the kind of detail that will give you in scans in this post and this post.
You can also access The State newspaper's online archives for a small fee, and there may be something in The USC Library Digital Collection, such as this shot of Columbia Mall Belk's and this shot of Columbia Mall Rich's.
ted
21 May 20 at 11:31 pm
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Not a business closing per se, but Dominion announced that Pine Island will remain closed for the reminder of 2020 due to Covid-19 concerns. They plan to evaluate everything in the context of "the best interest of the company and employees" at the end of the year. I think the translation from corporate speak is "that land is valuable, and we're going to liquidate it" although that hasn't been explicitly stated.
Heath
24 May 20 at 1:09 pm
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Big story in today's newspaper. Moving printing out of the state and will relocate away from the Shop Road location, probably down town.
thomas
28 May 20 at 7:36 am
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Interesting! They say no change in delivery time, but that means, if they have to drive the print run from Charlotte to Raleigh to Columbia they must be putting the paper to bed pretty early..
ted
28 May 20 at 8:15 am
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Saw this too. The comment about no change in delivery time caught my eye too. They deliver the paper to my house in Irmo around midnight already. Lord only knows what the cut-off time will be when they move printing to Charlotte. Guess we'll have practically day old news.
I'd drop the worthless thing if it were not for my Mom. She still wants her physical newspaper (and her land line and her old TV, etc.). I'm paying $40/month for this piece of crap!!!
Homer
28 May 20 at 11:31 am
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For some reason I get the Sunday paper free every week. I never ordered it. I even told them to stop delivering it because I don't even take it out of the bag. It goes straight to my recycle bin. But it still gets delivered every Sunday. It's been about 5 or more years now.
Sidney
29 May 20 at 10:10 am
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I have found the article talking about the changes...
Andrew
29 May 20 at 9:32 pm
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Folks Tuesday Morning has filed for bankruptcy So far no SC store closings are planned (though a total of 230 others nationwide are...
Andrew
29 May 20 at 9:35 pm
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The Subway on 4611 HardScrabble Rd Module 117 and The Firehouse Subs on 4546 HardScrabble Rd are closed.
Bethany
30 May 20 at 10:41 pm
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@ted,are there any tuesday morning stores closing in columbia
Jacob Pittman
2 Jun 20 at 3:42 pm
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I wonder if USC will buy up The State property. If not, someone could easily make a ton of money off the property itself by leasing out parking spaces. It looks to be about the size of Quad 1 and Quad 2 in the Gamecock Park.
Sidney
2 Jun 20 at 5:52 pm
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If I were USC, I would think long and hard about any major purchases. The past few months have shown that the kids don't have to come to the campus..
ted
2 Jun 20 at 11:49 pm
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Looks like Food Lion is acquiring 63 Bi-Lo stores in SC and NC. Several listed are in the Columbia area:
https://www.winsightgrocerybusiness.com/amp/retailers/food-lion-buy-62-bi-lo-harveys-stores
ED
3 Jun 20 at 11:13 am
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Please don't let one of them be the Bi-lo in Sandhills. That is where I shop. We have a Food Lion at the other end of The Summit. If Bi-lo sold that one to Food Lion, I'm sure they will close it down. I just don't see them having the one on Hardscrabble, the one of Two Notch (which is a bit farther down now) and then another one in Sandhills. If so, Sandhills and Hardscrabble stores would be less than 4 miles apart.
Sidney
3 Jun 20 at 1:45 pm
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Looks like the GameCock bilo will be...
food lion
Johng
3 Jun 20 at 6:25 pm
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Looks like they are killing the entire Bi-Lo brand so there will be no longer any Bi-Lo store anywhere.
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Here is the press release from their site:
https://www.segrocers.com/-/media/media/weekly-bau-content/wk24-2020/segpress%20release63%20final.pdf?la=en -
The article ED posted has a link to the full list.
The following Bi-Lo stores are going to be transitioning:
- #5442, 6021 St. Andrews Road (I have fond memories of keeping up with the construction of this one and the eventual opening of it on February 27, 2002 when I was in 8th grade)
- #5282, 4464 Devine Street (Crossroads Commons)
- #5578, 2453 Charleston Highway (Edenwood Plaza)
- #5723, 300 Knox Abbott Drive (Parkland Plaza)...I remember this one as a Winn DixieThe other Bi-Lo locations such as the Village at Sandhill one Sidney mentioned will continue to operate as Bi-Lo but I agree with Thomas that it sounds like Southeastern Grocers is looking to retire the Bi-Lo brand (Which I am not excited about as Bi-Lo is a go to for some of my grocery needs) as Southeastern Grocers is a company continuing to struggle (frankly I'd love for them to become Harris Teeter)..
Andrew
3 Jun 20 at 9:23 pm
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The Bi-Lo in the 3 Fountains area of West Columbia used to be really, really good. Very knowledgeable, caring, and friendly staff. Well-stacked, clean, and tidy. Then the whole SE Grocers thing came about, and things started going downhill. By the time they closed, it was so bad that I was no longer shopping there. Really sad to see it's downfall.
Payne
3 Jun 20 at 9:58 pm
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I used to love shopping at the St. Andrews BI-LO then they re-did the interior and in the process jacked up the prices and cut the selection. Consequently BI-LO has been dead to me for several years now.
Tom
4 Jun 20 at 6:44 am
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I agree with Tom. There is nothing Lo about Bi-Lo anymore. They have some of the highest prices of any grocery store in the Irmo area. Like my Dad used to say Bi-Lo Sell-Hi...
Homer
4 Jun 20 at 12:38 pm
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I will miss their house brand of hot dog chili. After Texas Pete discontinued their line I stumbled across BiLos version a few years ago when they were using another name before SE Grocers.
Constant change is here to stay.
Joe Shlabotnik
5 Jun 20 at 4:10 am
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JC Penney closings over 150 stores this summer. These are the SC stores.
Anderson Mall, in Anderson
Cross Creek Mall, in Beaufort
Magnolia Mall, in Florence
Myrtle Beach Mall, in Myrtle Beach
Prince of Orange Mall, in Orangeburg
Rock Hill Galleria, in Rock Hill
Sidney
5 Jun 20 at 7:27 am
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The State has an article talking about the plans to close a Walgreens at 5900 North Main Street on June 11 and about how some local leaders are concerned about the void it will leave in that community...
Andrew
5 Jun 20 at 10:38 pm
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For those that can't read The State newspaper, here's the Walgreens article on WLTX
Sidney
6 Jun 20 at 9:15 am
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The Pet Supermarket on Harden, which is in the old Eden's location featured here, is closing down. It's part of a chain but I couldn't find any recent news about the chain overall.
Justin
6 Jun 20 at 1:39 pm
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Pet Supermarket is doing completely fine, but the pandemic exposed their weakest locations (Harden). All other stores will remain open.
Rashaad
6 Jun 20 at 10:47 pm
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Coladaily is reporting that the Downtown Columbia, and Lexington locations of iHop are closing permanently.
Heath
9 Jun 20 at 12:22 pm
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Uptown at 1204 Main Street, right near the State House, is closing due to Covid. They sent an email to their email list announcing it. Sad to see them go.
Justin
9 Jun 20 at 9:14 pm
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Cola Daily is reporting temporary summer closures for the Lizard's Thicket locations on Airport Blvd. and Beltline. Apparently they need the staff to cover other (more profitable?) locations.
Heath
11 Jun 20 at 12:17 pm
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The Victoria´s Secret on 481 Town Center Place in Sandhills is closed.
Bethany
11 Jun 20 at 1:33 pm
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@Heath This statement in that article especially befuddles me:
"Employees from the two locations are needed to support operations at the other 12 restaurants, due to lack of applicants willing to fill the full-time and part-time positions."
Apparently unemployment is not so bad in these areas?
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Here's a link to the story on Uptown:
https://www.coladaily.com/business/columbias-uptown-on-main-gift-shop-closing-after-12-years/article_858b65d8-a993-11ea-bf1f-3ba6e9091692.htmlTom
11 Jun 20 at 5:02 pm
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The closed Fuddruckers building has been purchased by a church and is being converted now.
Mike Dodds
15 Jun 20 at 12:41 pm
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Moonshiner's in Lexington announced on their Facebook page last week that they would be closing. They originally posted that they were closed for maintenance but then a later post said that due to "recent closures and restrictions for the restaurant industry" they could not continue.
This is near the end of Old Chapin and it is doubtful it is a location you would stumble upon while being out and about running errands.
1345 Old Chapin Road, Lexington SC 29072
ED
24 Jun 20 at 5:35 pm
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GNC announced yesterday that they are filing for bankruptcy and will close 800-1200 stores. Among the initial closures will be stores in Anderson, Tega Cay, Myrtle Beach and two in Greenville.
Tom
25 Jun 20 at 6:29 am
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BI-LO #5442 (6021 St. Andrews Road) has already closed their pharmacy (records transferred to nearby Walgreens (6118 St. Andrews Road) as part of the plan to transition it to a Food Lion....here's the thing...I remember when that BI-LO was built before opening on February 27, 2002 (and it was a nice upgrade from the Harbison store it replaced) and remember when it was remodeled in ca. 2013 to what it is now...I couldn't put my finger on it but for some reason it didn't feel the same to me anymore after that (though I didn't have the same feeling about several other Bi-Los that got remodeled shortly prior to that)...I wish it could've become a Harris Teeter...
Andrew
25 Jun 20 at 11:12 am
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Chuck E. Cheese's parent company filed for bankruptcy, though they say it is a reorganizational procedure and have no plans to close any locations.
Tom
26 Jun 20 at 6:29 am
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Fancy That! Bistro at 1212 Hampton Street has moved to a new location on Julian.
Justin
6 Jul 20 at 8:37 pm
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202 Year-Old Brooks Brothers, makers of suits to the rich and powerful, have announced that they are filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and will clsoe 51 stores. To me the saddest part of the announcement is that they will shut down their three textile plants in the USA, as they were the last company to make their own suits in America.
They have stores in Charleston, Greenville and Myrtle Beach. They used to have one in Gaffney.Tom
8 Jul 20 at 1:11 pm
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The Subway on 4611 Hardscrabble Rd. Module 117 Columbia, SC 29229
Bethany
9 Jul 20 at 9:26 am
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> is closed*
Bethany
9 Jul 20 at 9:26 am
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I just noticed that the Blue Coyote on Broad River Road just after it splits from US 76 has closed. Their facebook page said March 2019.
badger
11 Jul 20 at 11:30 am
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I wonder if there will be another attempt to revive Richland Mall. Considering the recent "live, work, and play" trend (people supposedly wanting to live near shops and restaurants). A lot of those communities/mini-towns have appeared in recent years. Some condos were already built inside Richland Mall in the mid-2000s. It seems like someone had the right idea, too early.
Robin
12 Jul 20 at 5:21 am
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I just don't believe Richland mall will ever make it back.
1 it's just plain ugly
2 it needs a ton of work/ money
3 the cost to tear it down and restart would be astronomicalJohn
12 Jul 20 at 7:26 am
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True - it would be a lot of work. On the rare occasions that I go there, for Belk or Barnes & Noble, the whole building feels spooky and haunted.
Robin
12 Jul 20 at 8:57 pm
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Numerous ideas have come onto the scene to try to revitalize Richland Mall...my recollection on the condos Robin referenced is that they were a proposal that they were about ready to move foreword on but for some reason something fell through on them...I have a feeling that many other ideas were put on the table but never reached the point of becoming public information...There was even a time it got renamed Midtown at Forest Acres as part of it...but then in 2010 Century Capitol Group acquired the mall alongside Kahn Development and decided to change the name Midtown at Forest Acres back to Richland Mall. I sought to absorb the optimism that they conveyed that they'd be able to bring new life into the Forest Acres mall but unfortunately it hasn't come to pass the way they had initially hoped...people here over the years have had several different ideas as far as to how to revitalize the property but the thing of it is, no matter which route they go, it will take anchor tenants willing to occupy the completed product...
Andrew
13 Jul 20 at 10:29 am
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The big problem with Richland Mall is the number of owners. This issue dates back to when the back half of the mall was sold to Verizon back when they had their call center there. As of now it is my understanding that the old Dillard's store, the Belk store, and the back half of the mall have different owners from the rest of the mall. The owners of the back half of the mall have no interest in the mall itself just the call center section, so the mall just rots since its hard to renovate only the front half of the mall.
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Thank you, John, Andrew, and Thomas for your comments.
Robin
14 Jul 20 at 2:39 pm
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Weighing in on What's Wrong With Richland Mall?
The parking garage killed it. Really. Suburbanites from Columbia, SC, do not like or understand parking garages. They are dark, dirty, dangerous (we imagine) and a great chance to get lost or lose your car.
Much of the original RM's appeal was parking very close to where you were headed. In and out.
Additionally, the garage hid the mall. You could no longer see it from the street. Terrible anti-marketing move.Dennis
14 Jul 20 at 6:15 pm
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So what was that again that got demolished on Millwood a coupla weeks ago? Revente's Second Chance? Formerly ___? And the building next to it?
Dennis
14 Jul 20 at 6:17 pm
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@ Dennis
That garage is Dark,Dirty and Dangerous.
John
14 Jul 20 at 8:13 pm
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@ Dennis
Now when I say dangerous that is referring to 20+ years ago when the mall had customers. When the garage actually had cars in it,lots of cars,it was quite the circus. It's not layed out like most garages are.
John
14 Jul 20 at 8:22 pm
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I prefer to park in the Barnes and Noble parking lot when I visit Barnes and Noble or LensCrafters (Dr. Joi Tyler is an awesome eye doctor), but the last time I visited it was raining hard, so I parked in the garage and was appalled at the group of employees I passed by to get into the mall; they were smoking weed and making heavy use of F-bombs. It was quite an uncomfortable situation.
Payne
14 Jul 20 at 9:42 pm
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@Dennis -- I have a Millwood post coming.
ted
14 Jul 20 at 11:18 pm
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@Thomas -- I think that's why the barbershop moved across the aisle: No ownership support on the back side of the asile.
ted
14 Jul 20 at 11:22 pm
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@Dennis-I read several years ago that the managers of richland Mall know that the garage is an albatross around their neck. According to them it has prevent numerous potenital tennets from moving into the mall. Unfortunately, the owners of the mall don't understand this and/or don't care as they have refused several requests from the mangers to get rid of it.
Tom
15 Jul 20 at 10:48 am
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One of the rumblings that has been mentioned here is that the location of the parking garage has dissuaded potential tenants from setting up shop (there have been several folks that felt that the garage should be razed)...
My understanding (per a commenter that got their haircuts there) is that a significant portion of the mall is owned by a company from Arizona and that they've been skimping on some of the maintenance needs of the building (something else that has been noted in several Richland Mall posts along the way) but there is a portion that is owned by a Columbia based company and that the barber shop ted referenced moved into the local portion as it made it easier to have repairs done (making me wonder why the Arizonan company doesn't divest themselves of the property)...
Andrew
15 Jul 20 at 11:03 am
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That parking lot is a bit creepy. I also try to park in front of Barnes & Noble when I go there.
Robin
16 Jul 20 at 12:16 am
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Robin
Robin Allison ?
John
16 Jul 20 at 7:50 pm
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No, I am not Robin Allison.
Robin
16 Jul 20 at 10:38 pm
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I noticed the Shoney's on Garner's Ferry now has a Temporarily Closed notice on their sign board and referring everyone to the Airport location. This does not bode well.
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ted , please do a closing in washington, nc . Dragon Garden Buffet note says "Temporary Closed" but the for sale sign that we saw stated that they are closed for good . The address for Dragon Garden is 1424 Carolina Ave
Jacob Pittman
19 Jul 20 at 5:46 am
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Close
This is Dragon GardenJacob Pittman
19 Jul 20 at 5:52 am
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The old round florist shop on Millwood is now torn down, along with everything else there.
Historic Columbia you did a bang up job not doing anything to try and save it. If it's not associate with Robert Mills I guess it's not worthwhile. Glad I lapsed my membership.Dan R
22 Jul 20 at 8:18 am
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Dan, I have not seen where Historic Columbia has done much of anything by way of historical preservation of mid-century or later buildings in this city. The average life span of a commercial building in Columbia is 20-25 years, after which most will be deemed too expensive to fix/maintain, and will be summarily destroyed. Also, to add insult to injury on the Millwood Avenue demolition, they tore down that interesting building to make way for a Starbucks!
59 Ford Wheelman
22 Jul 20 at 7:17 pm
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That got me to thinking: recently on Lake Murray Boulevard there was a building that had a train mural painted on it that was recently torn down to have a Starbucks as well...
Andrew
22 Jul 20 at 9:29 pm
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Catherine's parent company just announced is closing all it's brick and mortar stores and going to be on-line only.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/07/23/ann-taylor-bankruptcy-ascena-coronavirus/
Tom
23 Jul 20 at 2:12 pm
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The Three Fountains Food Lion on Platt Springs Rd has moved to a bigger location. It's now in the former BI-LO on Emanuel Church Road, probably about 2 miles away. It's a bigger and nicer location, and I'll be interested to see how they do with a Wal-Mart marketplace nearby. I, for one, prefer Food Lion and have always thought the prices were fair and beer selection pretty good.
Andy
23 Jul 20 at 4:39 pm
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I think Food Lion might have a good chance in the new Emanuel Church Road location. To me, that location of Walmart Marketplace seems to be declining in quality. The past few times that I've gone, employees are little more grumpy and careless. They spill and knock over items while stocking, and they seem bothered by customers who are trying shop while they stock. I've found items in the produce and deli departments that expired a month ago. Today, an employee made eye contact with me and *ran* away. Actually ran.
Robin L.
23 Jul 20 at 11:58 pm
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Little Caesars Pizza at 5362 Sunset Blvd in Lexington has closed. I find this curious since they just moved here a little over a year ago after Dominoes vacated this location to move further into Lexington near Rushes.
Ted covered the Dominoes closing.
I would have thought that in the time of Covid, a cheap pizza place with a drive-thru would be a success.
ED
26 Jul 20 at 12:16 pm
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@ED...dunno if this is possibly related, but there's a Little Caesars Pizza getting ready to open up (with a drive-thru) in the same shopping center on Emanuel Church Road where Food Lion moved to.
I've no idea if it's the same folks from the Sunset Blvd location you mentioned, but the timing seems more than coincidental.
Cheers!
Lone Wolf
30 Jul 20 at 9:48 am
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I always thought the way that Little Caesars was set up was a little odd in terms of a typical Little Caesars...the thing of it is, the fact that the main entrance was the back of the building was odd...it had moved from the Lexington Towne Centere (Food Lion/Stein Mart/Books A Million anchored shopping center at 378 & SC 6)...but the Sandy Ridge Square location Lone Wolf mentioned is part of another overhaul that Sandy Ridge Square is getting (part of a former Blockbuster Video) that is seeing new life (which I noted on the Blockbuster page)...
Andrew
31 Jul 20 at 1:26 pm
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I don't know if anybody noticed but looks like the Pope Davis tire location on Taylor Street is gone and the building empied. I'm assuming they either moved or combined into one of the other locations.
Thomas
1 Aug 20 at 9:31 pm
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Food Lion on Emanuel Church Road has opened indeed. It has ways to go to be successful. If it can focus on food and pharmacy and have extra low prices, it can give Walmart Neighborhood Market #5291 competition. Food Lion fails in comparison to Walmart Supercenter hypermarkets and Walmart Neighborhood Market supermarkets for many reasons.
Knight
2 Aug 20 at 8:48 pm
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Cola Daily is reporting that the GreenWise Market in Lexington is closing. Apparently there were two stores of this concept in SC, and Publix is closing both of them.
Heath
3 Aug 20 at 3:08 pm
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With Greenwise Market, I wonder if part of the problem was that they have so many fresh bar type items that had to be stopped due to Covid.
ED
3 Aug 20 at 6:51 pm
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The Little Caesar's in Lexington was directly next door to Mellow Mushroom. That's tough competition.
Beth
4 Aug 20 at 9:36 am
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Little Caesars competing with Mellow Mushroom is like saying Denny's is competing with Ruth's Chris because they both serve steak.
Heath
4 Aug 20 at 12:13 pm
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I am upset about Greenwise closing. The environment was clean and pleasant, employees were friendly, and there was a great selection of high-quality products.
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Despite passing Greenwise every weekday, I never stopped. Specific places in Columbia are "grocery store deserts", this area on Sunset Blvd in Lexington is completely opposite that. Close by there is Lowes Food Store, Aldi, Lidl, Publix, and Food Lion. Did I miss any? Hmmm...wonder why I never got around to visiting. Ha!
Beth
5 Aug 20 at 1:41 pm
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You are correct Beth. Lexington has a lot of grocery stores, and out where I live near Lex HS it's the same -- you have a Lowe's, Publix, Bi Lo and Food Lion within short distance. Greenwise was fine, but expensive. It felt like they were copying Whole Foods. Given the competition in this area, they would have been better off in Columbia or perhaps Cayce. Also this shopping center is a pain to get in and out of.
Andy
8 Aug 20 at 8:42 am
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Denos restaurant on Saint Andrews Road has closed. Also, Blimpies across from Dutch Square is gone. However, Steve’s Classic Burgers on Saint Andrews Road has expanded, opening a coffee and ice cream shop in his restaurant.
Barbara
9 Aug 20 at 9:27 am
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The problem I am hearing with GreenWise Market stores 1654 (Mount Pleasant) and 1710 (Lexington) closing is size. GreenWise Market's sales are through prepared foods. Expanding prepared foods in 21,000-square-foot stores intended for specialty gourmet food store The Fresh Market is limited.
I see GreenWise Market returning to South Carolina with appropriately sized locations (25,000 to 30,000 square feet).
Knight
9 Aug 20 at 1:35 pm
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Beth:
The supermarket segment of grocery stores in the Columbia area should be interesting in 2021. BI-LO will be no more. Food Lion, Kroger, Lowe's Foods, Publix, and Walmart Neighborhood Market will be present.
Speculation of Harris Teeter returning to the Columbia area remains hot.
Knight
9 Aug 20 at 1:40 pm
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The former Family Dollar store on Augusta Road/Highway 1, West Columbia, now has some purple paint. Does anyone know what it will be?
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@Barbara,
Have you heard anything official about Denos? I stopped by yesterday, and the road sign is down, but the power and gas are still on, and there weren't any "we're done" signs on the doors. Have you heard anything official?
Heath
12 Aug 20 at 9:50 am
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Deno's has been a puzzle to me for quite a while now. I live not too far from there and did eat there occasionally but haven't in a good while. I know the owners are getting up there in years so that might play a factor...
Andrew
12 Aug 20 at 9:56 am
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Folks, Stein Mart has filed for bankruptcy. It appears that most of their 281 locations will face closure as a result of this. The only two we have still standing are in Lexington and Trenholm Plaza (that I can think of off the top of my head) (though we used to have two others in Polo Plaza & Columbiana Station (both of which have already featured here)...
Andrew
12 Aug 20 at 10:16 am
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Nope, I was just passing through and noticed. I probably wouldn’t have paid attention except the outside sign was gone. It’s been there for years, but I do know that the owners are advanced in years.
Barbara
12 Aug 20 at 10:16 pm
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Addition to Denos post: Coldwell Bankers has the restaurant for lease ($3,900 a month)
Barbara
12 Aug 20 at 11:13 pm
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That's why I haven't done a post on Deno's. I stopped and looked and while it's obviously not currently open, all the decor is still up and the tables are still set and there's no sign other than something ilegible on the drive-through menu. I figured they could be closed for good, or taking a COVID vacation.
ted
12 Aug 20 at 11:13 pm
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Some interesting photos including one of Richland Mall from 1967
https://www.richlandlibrary.com/blog/2020-06-01/most-popular-historic-images-may-2020
John
13 Aug 20 at 12:11 pm
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Nice shot of the old Belk's & Penny's on Main Street as well.
ted
13 Aug 20 at 11:59 pm
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Just got a notice from Regions Bank that their branch at 149 Columbiana Drive will close on November 13th.
Justin
14 Aug 20 at 8:39 am
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Folks, it now appears as if all 279 Stein Mart locations will be closing in the coming weeks (to include the two we still have) and I have found this list showing the stores that are closing...
Andrew
14 Aug 20 at 4:34 pm
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On June 17th 2 Gingers closed with an approximate opening date of August 20 after extensive renovations were completed and approved
mamarose
15 Aug 20 at 1:13 pm
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Ah, OK -- good!
I'll change the title to add "temporary".
ted
15 Aug 20 at 1:58 pm
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John, thank you for sharing the link to those photos. I enjoyed looking at them. Richland Mall was so different!
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The Synovus(old NBSC) branch on corner of Sumter and Pendleton seems to be closed.
Dan R
18 Aug 20 at 6:10 am
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Thompson's Barber Shop
1514 Taylor St, Columbia, SChas closed
Frank Mancuso
18 Aug 20 at 10:19 am
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On the subject of these bank locations closing: I wonder why so many people at angry at self-checkout machines for "taking jobs away". However, they don't mind using bank ATMs, websites, and smartphone apps. And they will choose those options even when a bank is open during the day. I am guilty of doing it myself, I will not deny it.
To some extent, though, I think the companies are choosing to save money by eliminating more employees at physical locations. -
@Robin L. I feel you on that comment. I actually like self checkout lanes as long as the person in front of me doesn't have more then 10 items. I think if they want it to work, it should be 10 items or less.
Sidney
21 Aug 20 at 12:01 am
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I don't know if this is already been posted but The Fatz café on Forest Drive is now closed and has a for lease sign in the window. Additionally it looks like Yummy Yummy II on Forest Drive also has closed for good.
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Maybe this is old news but Urban Nirvana in Lexington Towne Center (down from Stein Mart) is also closed.
JohnR
22 Aug 20 at 3:22 pm
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Today is the last day for Bricktown Bistro on Hardscrabble. It's in the old Blockbuster/San Jose location next to Spinx at Hardscrabble and Lee Rd.
Sidney
23 Aug 20 at 11:51 am
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Bricktown shows up at 4561 Hard Scrabble Road...Blockbuster was never in that building...they did have a store at Clemson & Hardscrabble....
Andrew
23 Aug 20 at 4:04 pm
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Blockbuster was there in the mid 90's to early 2000 before they moved to Clemson and Hardscrabble.
Sidney
24 Aug 20 at 9:51 am
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I am one who will be sad to see the Publix Greenwise leave its Sunset Blvd. location. Yes, it was small but that meant it didn't bombard you with 2 for 1 specials at the end of each aisle or 50 kinds of sugary cereal. It was slowly gaining customers until March when covid hit.
My sister approved of their wine selection and I was pleased with everything I got from the deli. Yes, they were pricey but always satisfying.JohnR
24 Aug 20 at 3:34 pm
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Catch & Release at 906 Axtell Rd in Cayce has closed. It was a outdoors gear consignment shop. The location was pretty cool because it was in an old movie theater.
Justin
30 Aug 20 at 12:36 pm
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Also, Columbia Cooling & Heating at 2320 Wayne Street looks to have closed or relocated. The building would make a good brewery / beer garden.
Justin
31 Aug 20 at 7:28 am
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Bi-lo on my side of town (Sandhills) will be turning into a Lowe's Food.
Sidney
1 Sep 20 at 12:31 pm
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I think the theater that Justin was referring to was the Gamecock theater in Cayce. Ted covered that closing awhile back. I never got by the store but always thought that "Catch and Release" was a brilliant name for a consignment/second hand store.
ED
2 Sep 20 at 9:53 am
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@ED, yes, that is the same building. I noticed a closing on it here after I made the post.
Justin
2 Sep 20 at 2:28 pm
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Looks like the Maurice's BBQ (mini-Maurice's?) across from Walmart on #1 has thrown in the towel. Kinda surprised they stuck around this long...
Lone Wolf
3 Sep 20 at 2:54 pm
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@Lone Wolf thank god
Bethany
3 Sep 20 at 7:46 pm
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A store closing/ownerretiring sign went up outside of the Cogdill Carpet store on Huger. They have been around FOREVER!
MB
5 Sep 20 at 12:42 pm
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Throughout the years, I've heard a few comments about how awful it is to work at Maurice's (any location).
Robin
6 Sep 20 at 12:16 pm
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In May, there were flyers distributed around the area of Cogdill Carpet on Huger, claiming that Oliver Gospel Mission wants to move homeless people into the Cogdill building. The flyers voice a concern that this will ruin the up-and-coming area. I am not saying that I believe it necessarily. If you Google, you can find a couple of articles online.
Robin
6 Sep 20 at 12:22 pm
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New York and Company is closing all stores, and the one at 470-11 Town Center in Sandhill has closing signs in it.
Bethany
8 Sep 20 at 9:08 pm
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Is Whole Foods closing? I was in another grocery store earlier today, and I overheard someone say this.
Robin L.
10 Sep 20 at 7:04 pm
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I would be very surprised if Whole Foods closed. It is backed by Amazon.
ted
10 Sep 20 at 11:28 pm
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The Steak and Shake on the Killian Road exit of I-77 (just off the exit headed toward the bulk of the Auto Mile) is closed and the building is for sale.
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Steak N Shake on Killian Road has already featured here...the thing of it is, Steak N Shake is a company that has been featured on lists I've seen on different articles as a company that isn't in the greatest of shape financially...sad because I do have several fond memories of eating there at restaurants in 4 states over the years...
Andrew
11 Sep 20 at 3:13 pm
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Sorry, I pasted this onThe State page by mistake.
MB
12 Sep 20 at 9:51 am
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@Andrew My bad.
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The cafe inside of Target on 10204 Two Notch Rd is closed.
Bethany
14 Sep 20 at 3:12 pm
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I've been really impressed by the increase in Columbia coverage by the Post and Courier after their acquisition of Free Times.
But it is a really idiotic mistake to post that the Devine St Piggly Wiggly was going to become a Lidl without contacting the owner first.Maybe they tried and didn't get a response, but it was surprising that the story seemed to be thrown together.
Matt
14 Sep 20 at 4:08 pm
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@Ted, Bi-Lo in Sandhills last day of operation is this Saturday, the 19th (my birthday). Better get some pics before they take the signs down.
Sidney
15 Sep 20 at 10:33 am
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I was in the Target at Columbiana Station (134 Harbison Blvd) not too long ago and it appeared to me as if Target is closing their Cafes (in general) due to COVID...
Andrew
15 Sep 20 at 1:40 pm
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Not really that notable but the car wash at the corner of Arrowwood Road and Bush River appears to be closed. All grown over with plants and a lot of litter.
Justin
20 Sep 20 at 12:34 pm
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I have a feeling that Mr. Nick’s at 706 Old Cherokee Road in Lexington (a style that is similar to the one Justin mentioned) is likely to be not too far behind as supposedly the intersection around it is to be reworked where Old Cherokee will aligned into Catawaba Trail (and of course a different traffic signal)...plus Lexington Middle School is set to move onto Old Cherokee Road...
Andrew
20 Sep 20 at 6:00 pm
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Colatoday is reporting that The Happy Cafe in Forest Acres is closing after at 17 year run.
Justin
23 Sep 20 at 9:06 am
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Another one from Colatoday, Blue Flour on Main Street has closed permenantly due to Covid.
Justin
24 Sep 20 at 7:57 am
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Question for everyone: What store/restaurant chain are you surprised is still open - NOT specifically because of Covid-19 troubles, but just in general?
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Solstice Kitchen has announced they are closing for good on their facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/solsticekitchenandwinebar/
Carlton Templeton
29 Sep 20 at 7:30 am
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The old Thunderbird motel which has been rebranded many other hotels over the years at the corner or St. Andrews and Jamil Rds, is set for demolition. I heard that a QT store will be built there.
ARTHUR
29 Sep 20 at 10:08 am
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The hotel ARTHUR referenced I have known as (initially) an Econo Lodge but now it's a Rodeway Inn (this is in the last 10-15 years or so) but it's likely had other names I am unaware of despite riding by it plenty and remembering shopping at the Piggly Wiggly that used to be across the street when I was in Elementary School and doing likewise with the CHEF'STORE that is there now...
I did read on a different forum that the property (to include the former Hiltop that closed in 2005 and has since been torn down) had sold to QuikTrip Corporation...if that comes to pass I do think it'd be a nice upgrade for that intersection...
Andrew
29 Sep 20 at 2:55 pm
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@Andrew. The hotel was (I think) originally a Park Inn a concept/chain created by ex-Holiday Inn execs. Ironically, it later became a Holiday Inn Express. The last go round as a Rodeway was the second time (at least) it was branded as such. It has also spent some time as a Ramada Express.
Tom
29 Sep 20 at 6:14 pm
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I am not certain what it opened as originally. But I remember going there in the mid 70's to swim in the pool. At that time it was known as the Thunderbird Motel. Had a big bird as part of the sign! Here's a link to a pic of one that is or was in Florence, SC with the same sign. Andrew--Do you know for sure it initially open as Econo Lodge?
ARTHUR
29 Sep 20 at 6:48 pm
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The one in Florence had the best neon sign in SC, but it has gone to pot lately.
ted
29 Sep 20 at 7:43 pm
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I have noted a construction fence around the Rodeway Inn at St. Andrews & Jamil in recent days so I hereby recommend Ted get the closing cam out there soon to cover it as it looks like said hotel isn't long for this world...
Andrew
1 Oct 20 at 8:19 am
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Cola Daily announced that Little Gym is going out of business. This isn't surprising but not a place a think of since my kids are past the age of the preschool birthdays that they used to attend there.
There is also a story about Uptown on Main St reopening under a new owner.
Matt
1 Oct 20 at 4:41 pm
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American Eagle Outfitters is opening an 18,250 square foot store at Village at Sandhill in the former Cost Plus World Market Location. This new store will also feature a full Aerie store.
Rashaad
2 Oct 20 at 9:32 pm
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Not a retail business but a closing/demo nonetheless. Forest Lake Park Gym (off of Decker Blvd) has been demolished.
Sidney
5 Oct 20 at 2:32 pm
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Regal announced that it would close all locations this Thursday. Believe there remains on Forest Drive.
Thomas
6 Oct 20 at 8:15 am
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This Coladaily article indicates that Columbia has a total of 4 Regal Cinemas locations (to include the Forest Drive location Thomas referenced).
Andrew
6 Oct 20 at 10:54 am
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The late world market that was on 210 Forum Drive in Sandhill is turning into an American Eagle
Bethany
7 Oct 20 at 7:19 pm
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Folks Steivers Chevrolet has sold to Jim Hudson. To the best of my recollection, this is the 3rd name this Chevrolet dealership has...don't quote me on this, but I think Capitol was the name it was prior to that...
Andrew
8 Oct 20 at 10:06 am
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Dollar General is testing a new group of stores called "Popshelf", where items cost an average of $5. These are targeted at "suburban women" who earn between $50,000 and $125,000/year. Two locations will open in Nashville, TN, soon. Another thirty might be open by the end of next year.
Robin L.
11 Oct 20 at 10:17 pm
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I apologize if this got covered already, but I was at the (formerly Gamecock) Bi-Lo at what I believe is called Crossroad Commons--it's where Devine turns into Garner's Ferry Road.
Anyway, I looked down that strip mall, and there were 2-3 now-empty storefronts right beside the Bi-Lo. I know one of them used to be a Chinese buffet.
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Andrew mentions that the Chevrolet Dealer off of Clemson Road near I-20 was previously Capitol which is correct. Originally it was Central Chevrolet which was on Sumter Street and then re-located to Belt Line Blvd. I believe it was Newsome when it moved to the current location, then Capitol and until recently Stivers.
thomas
12 Oct 20 at 7:48 am
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The Chinese restaurant next to bi lo is still open,carry out only.
Thing is the food is not good.John
12 Oct 20 at 3:58 pm
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The Synovus that Dan mentioned being closed on Sumter and Pendleton streets has been being rented by the University as a COVID site since about a month ago.
Megan
14 Oct 20 at 11:12 am
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Coco-Cola has decided to cease protuction on TaB so now is the time to get any cravings for the classic beverage out of your system...
Andrew
16 Oct 20 at 11:17 am
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Coco-Cola has decided to cease production on TaB so now is the time to get any cravings for the classic beverage out of your system... (edited for typo)
Andrew
16 Oct 20 at 11:17 am
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ted
16 Oct 20 at 12:17 pm
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Folks Silver Airways has announced plans to start serving CAE!!!
We'll have twice weekly ATR service to Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando...
Andrew
20 Oct 20 at 10:20 pm
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Hope it lasts longer than Air South!
ted
21 Oct 20 at 9:43 pm
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A Taste of the South at 2222 Sumter Street has closed. They moved to this location from Broad River last year.
Justin
22 Oct 20 at 8:01 am
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The old Chickadee's diner on Marshall St is going to be a Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
Matt
23 Oct 20 at 10:25 am
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Next door ro Freddy's in Irmo (10611 Broad River Road) is a house that was recently razed...no sign yet of what is coming next to it though...
It also looks like the Mr. Nick's I mentioned earlier at 706 Old Cherokee Road is getting closer to demolition as it looks lik some equipment has been removed...the intersection it's at is about to be reworked and this car wash is about to get razed for that to happen...
Andrew
27 Oct 20 at 10:44 pm
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Philly Pretzel Factory (Irmo) announced on their Facebook page that the store was closing at the end of October.
Ellen
3 Nov 20 at 4:27 pm
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The Pita Pit at 1332 Main Street looks to have turned it's temporary closing into permanent. There's a for lease sign in the window.
Justin
5 Nov 20 at 8:21 am
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It appears to me that at Piney Grove Road and I-26 they're about ready to begin construction on what looks like it'll be some type of eating place (I have no idea what just yet)...this is in the 400 block in front of Green's Beverage Warehouse...
Andrew
6 Nov 20 at 10:55 am
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Andrew, as far as what might be built next to Freddy’s, I’m thinking Arby’s.
Jonathan
8 Nov 20 at 7:09 am
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Ted, not sure if you monitor this, but the Circle K/BP on 4400 Bethel Church Rd is closing on Wednesday. I was told this when I mentioned the inventory was looking slim. They're transferring employees to other stores. The employee doesn't know what's going to become of the place.
Matthew
9 Nov 20 at 12:52 pm
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^^ That Circle K was a Kangaroo Express but it is one of several that became Circle K when they brought the Kangaroo Express brand several years ago
Andrew
9 Nov 20 at 2:52 pm
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Well, I don't like that. That's one of my go-to places for gas (although they are not the cheapest, they are convenient). I guess I'm not too surprised with the new convenience store having opened in the old Ravenwood Pharmacy and with this store being very small compared to Circle K's current concept.
ted
9 Nov 20 at 6:20 pm
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Yes Ted
I don’t like this either.
Gas there has always been more expensive but the convenience to the neighborhood has always been worth it.I’m sure the place across the street really hurt the bottom line.
Cheap booze,bongs and blunt wraps...They had no chance
John
9 Nov 20 at 7:24 pm
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@Ted
Yeah, I was kind of in shock when the employee told me. I'm bummed because now I actually have to get on Forest or Trenholm to get gas. And not that it's relevant at this point, but I also heard the Dollar General was sold. My understanding is that it will continue to be a Dollar General, just under new ownership. Again, just something I heard, I have no concrete information or evidence. Love my chatty neighbors!
@John
You're right, the concept bodega as well as the Dollar General across the street killed the convenience factor of the Circle K.
Matthew
10 Nov 20 at 5:03 pm
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The Hertz car dealership next to Carmax on Jamil Rd looks to be closed permanently. Not a single car in the lot!!
ARTHUR P
13 Nov 20 at 8:32 am
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St. Francis Catholic Shop at 649 St. Andrews Rd. is closed. Their website says their last day of Business was September 19, 2020.
They give no reason why, but I suspect Covid.Tom
13 Nov 20 at 11:54 am
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Paul’s Barber Shop on Platt Springs Road will be relocating to Wildcat Plaza next to Lexington High School beginning 11/17.
Zach
13 Nov 20 at 8:24 pm
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Earlier in this thread Robin L asked about the former Family Dollar on US 1...it is located where Methodist Park Road comes out and I can confirm that a place called Central Bark is now there (2931 Augusta Road)...the Family Dollar never featured here (but it did feature here when they moved out of Woodberry Plaza up the road)...
Andrew
14 Nov 20 at 8:53 pm
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Coladaily is reporting that Nooch and Lalo "Mix Mex" restaurant on Old Chapin Road in Lexington is closing.
Heath
19 Nov 20 at 12:34 pm
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People who want something other than Bud and Bud Light (ya know, like good beer) in Columbia are going to have to try harder now. Post and Courier is now reporting that our World of Beer in the Vista is closing.
I'm not happy 'bout this.
Lone Wolf
19 Nov 20 at 2:11 pm
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I have seen in various places that LaBrasca's Pizza on Fort Jackson Blvd, said they may have to close. Apparently after they posted about it on Facebook, people were lined up to show their support. This area was hit bad by the 2015 flood.
LaBrasca's is a place I enjoy going but don't get a chance to get on that side of town often.
ED
19 Nov 20 at 5:29 pm
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I read on Facebook that the Helping Hands Nursery on Broad River Rd in Irmo is closing today.
Ellen
20 Nov 20 at 12:44 pm
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When Clusters of Whitehall first opened in 1969 I think, I do remember Dodd's dime store being there and I think Winn-Dixie, but the Pharmacy that was there before Revco, wasn't the name something like White Cross? Or does anyone remember that far back other than me?
Del
24 Nov 20 at 10:43 am
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I didn't see it posted, but forgive me if this is duplicate information...
D's Wings in Parkland Plaza (Axtell Drive) will be moving from Cayce to a new home in West Columbia. New building to be constructed.
https://www.thestate.com/living/food-drink/article247342754.html
Lone Wolf
24 Nov 20 at 3:42 pm
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@Lone,
That's interesting, and kind of odd:
In May, the owner of Parkland Plaza, where D’s Wings is housed, informed the restaurant owners that its lease would not be renewed in May 2021, Rentz said.
Is Parkland Plaza so flush it can start kicking businesses loose? It seems to me there are already several vacancies.
ted
24 Nov 20 at 6:33 pm
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Per The State newspaper
The Wells Fargo bank branch in Five Points will permanently close.
Local customers have received a letter from the bank informing them the location on Saluda Avenue is closing Feb. 24, 2021, at noon.
Read more here: https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article247401905.html#storylink=cpy
Sidney
25 Nov 20 at 10:38 am
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What is D's Wings going to do with all of those $1.00 bills on the walls?
Sidney
25 Nov 20 at 10:39 am
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The Five Points closing of Wells Fargo brings an end to an era. That branch has been there since at least the 1960s first as a First National Bank, then an South Carolina National, then a Wachovia and finally Wells Fargo.
Tom
26 Nov 20 at 6:39 am
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The Doctors Care at 1538 Main Street is closed. The sign on the door indicates it's temporarily but it's been closed for quite awhile now.
Justin
30 Nov 20 at 10:34 am
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@Ted - I wish I had more information about the changes at Parkland Plaza.
*BUT*, there's been a good bit of activity in West Columbia over the past say 18 months. New houses are being built and new apartments are available. New businesses are coming and old ones are renovating. The block that Terra sits on basically got a facelift over the past year.
If I had to venture a guess, the owners of Parkland are likely making improvements to (hopefully) cash in on the changes going on in the area. And, D's Wings will get a new building right in the heart of it all.
Lone Wolf
30 Nov 20 at 10:39 am
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@ted - In addition to the Doctors Care I mentioned above, in another bank branch closing, I noticed today that the First Citizens at 2621 North Main is now closed. Lock box on the door and it's cleared out inside.
Justin
30 Nov 20 at 2:56 pm
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Carolina Ale House on Lady St.
Gary
30 Nov 20 at 9:21 pm
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I checked the Carolina Ale House website and it appears as if the (708) Lady Street location Gary mentioned has been delisted from their list of locations so it appears to me as if it has closed based on that...
The Bi-Lo at Parkland Plaza is one of 4 local stores that is due to become a Food Lion. It was a Winn Dixie until their 2005 bankruptcy resulted in pulling out from SC in 2005. Around that time, that Winn Dixie as well as one in Chapin became Bi-Lo (the Chapin one is now a Lowe's Foods). Then Winn Dixie wound up merging with Bi-Lo and then that ultimately lead to the formation of Southeastern Grocers. The company is continuing to struggle and frankly I feel it has since its inception and they're working on retiring the Bi-Lo brand. Frankly I wish some of the Bi-Los would become Harris Teeter.
The relocation of D's wings and the vacancy created by the closure of Jewelry Warehouse (which was in the former CVS) does create some new junior anchor opportunities but how it pans out remains to be seen (a lot of it hinging on how we come out on the other side of this COVID nightmare).
Andrew
1 Dec 20 at 2:28 pm
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I wish we still had our Bi-lo in Sandhills. Lowes is too expensive. Food Lion has a terrible steak section. Publix sales on steak are not that great and I heard Kroger meats had issues.
Sidney
1 Dec 20 at 3:03 pm
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We’re in the same boat in forest acres.
Several high end grocery stores and one Kroger.
You might as well by beef jerky than a steak from Kroger.John
1 Dec 20 at 5:19 pm
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The Carolina Ale House Vista Facebook Page lists November 30 as the closing date and Covid as the reason.
Tom
2 Dec 20 at 6:35 am
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The Original Ale House on Tommy Circle appears to be in hiatus. The 11:00 p.m. bar curfew has really undercut the ability of the bar to stay open. Most of it's money was made by other service industry employees who would go there after their bars and restaurants closed. Tony Spain recently said that he is losing a lot of money on trying to keep the bar open. It may make a comeback if or when the pandemic is defeated. Like a lot of businesses, it's just not worth the effort of staying open.
Joelc
3 Dec 20 at 10:05 am
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In addition to Carolina Ale House closing in the Vista I did not realize that World of Beer also closed up shop:
https://www.thestate.com/living/food-drink/article247670685.html
Dustin
7 Dec 20 at 5:50 pm
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Today's The State had a blurb about how East Bay Deli has plans to open in Parkland Plaza...it does mention the forthcoming relocation of D's Wings to State Street that was already mentioned earlier in this thread and also notes that Planet Fitness joined the place in 2018 and that the Bi-Lo there will offically become a Food Lion in January...here's the thing: That Bi-Lo is one of 4 (Edenwood Shopping Center, 4464 Devine Street and 6021 St. Andrews Road) that are due to become Food Lion that were acquired at the same time (as part of Southeastern Grocers's plans to retire the Bi-Lo brand) leading me to think the others will change around the same time (and I figure each one will feature here in due course as the changeover transpires)...
Andrew
8 Dec 20 at 8:25 pm
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Bi-Lo employees on St Andrews have told me they are changing over in March.
Tom
10 Dec 20 at 5:36 pm
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Was there ever a restaurant in the Vista area called Jerry Maguires? Or something similar to that name. It would have been around the time Star Wars Episode 1 came out. I won tickets to the movie and dinner for two at this restaurant from WNOK.
Travis
12 Dec 20 at 12:44 pm
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Travis, I believe it was in the same location as Spaghetti Warehouse. Possibly on Lady Street. They were both short lived novelty restaurants in the late '70s, early '80s.
Joe Shlabotnik
13 Dec 20 at 3:05 am
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Not really a closing, but Nuttalls is moving from Millwood to Two Notch into the old Dick Dyer Body shop location. It says not opening until 2021 but the Millwood location is already closed.
MB
14 Dec 20 at 12:03 pm
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In recent days some old auto dealership commercials have been on my mind and I was wondering if anyone remembers where the following two car dealerships used to be:
Redfern Ford Lincoln Mercury
Heritage Chevrolet BuickHeritage's I remember the jingle ♫ Heritage Chevrolet Buick. Satisfaction, it's a fact. ♫
Andrew
15 Dec 20 at 10:36 am
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Oh man this one hurts. Me and my sons LOOOOVEE this place. Sarku Japan in Columbia Mall has closed. Some say temporary but Sarku's website doesn't even list them anymore.
Sidney
15 Dec 20 at 10:40 am
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I found out that the Payless Shoe Source at 713 West Main Street in Lexington (I checked and it appears to me as if it never featured here) that closed when the whole company liquidated several years ago sits on property that has recently sold...
Andrew
16 Dec 20 at 2:51 pm
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Bi-lo at Parkland Plaza is scheduled to close January 10.
badger
17 Dec 20 at 1:22 pm
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The Ale House on Tommy Circle is now officially closed.
It is kind of sad considering that it has been open for 49 years. It just could not survive the strain of the limited bar hours.Joelc
17 Dec 20 at 8:26 pm
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@ted - The J. Crew in Trenholm plaza is closing on Jan 24th. The chain overall is in bankruptcy.
Justin
18 Dec 20 at 2:38 pm
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Shame about the Ale House.
Used to have some good times there.Used to hang out with a bartender that worked there in the 80’s
Pretty girl...I remember stopping in and on several occasions there used to be a gentleman who would write checks (according to her the only checks accepted) for five grand or so....
To be deposited into the video poker machine...John
18 Dec 20 at 7:44 pm
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An article in the FT says the Hunter Gatherer at USC will be closing temporarily.
JohnR
20 Dec 20 at 8:39 am
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Article in The State said that Grill Teriyaki in 5 Points is closing.
Also, the bank on the corner in East Forest Plaza (Walmart on Forest Drive, is GONE. It has been torn down.
Sidney
22 Dec 20 at 12:10 pm
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hello columbia closings,
You have a great web site. It feeds my nostalgia and time machine of Columbia ( where I grew up).
Would anyone have any history of the Wheat st Club ( near USC) from about 1971?
I went there once and loved the place. Next thing I saw was
that is closed around 1971. .
thanks jim , in Colorado.james c faulk
23 Dec 20 at 5:27 pm
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Will the Bi-Lo in Parkland Plaza close or become a Food Lion?
Robin L.
24 Dec 20 at 6:42 pm
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BI-LO STORES SOLD TO FOOD LION IN THE COLUMBIA AREA:
4464 Devine St. Columbia SC
6021 Saint Andrews Rd. Columbia SC
2453 Charleston Hwy. Cayce SC
300 Knox Abbott Dr. Cayce SCBI-LO STORES SOLD TO ALEX LEE, INC. (TO BECOME KJ’s MARKET IGA IN COLUMBIA AREA):
2349 Augusta Rd, West Columbia SC
Rashaad
24 Dec 20 at 11:15 pm
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Now that Rashaad has mentioned that the Bi-Lo at 2349 Augusta Road is to become a KJ’s Market IGA the only Bi-Lo that doesn’t have something aligned to move in is the one at 760 Highway 378 in Lexington. I just hope that it doesn’t mean the end of the KJ’s at 4360 Augusta Road.
I do not look forward to seeing Bi-Lo go (maybe if they were becoming Harris Teeter I’d feel different) as I had needs Bi-Lo was my go to for.
Bi-Lo is a company that has struggled for a while and it was merged into Southeastern Grocers which is a company continuing to struggle...
Andrew
25 Dec 20 at 9:41 am
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I realized after writing what I previously did that Bi-Lo at 7830 Garners Ferry Road is also faces an uncertain future...
Andrew
25 Dec 20 at 10:26 am
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760 Highway 378 in Lexington will become a Piggly Wiggly.
7830 Garners Ferry Road is scheduled to close February 14, 2021 unless a buyer can be found.
Rashaad
26 Dec 20 at 1:57 pm
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Coladaily is reporting that J Crew in Trenholm Plaza is closing on January 24th, 2021.
Heath
28 Dec 20 at 11:53 am
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The Edenwood Shopping Center Bi-Lo has Store Closing signage on it as it prepares to transition to Food Lion...
Andrew
29 Dec 20 at 11:19 am
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I just found a bid in PlanHub for renovation of 2509 Forest Drive (the old Bojangles close to Providence Hospital). This location is going to be a Starbucks. This will give Starbucks a drive thru on Forest Drive which the Trenholm Plaza store doesn't have.
Matt
29 Dec 20 at 11:30 am
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So some zoning signs went up at the old TD/BB&T bank in five points (I didnt stop to read) and the for sale sign is gone. Anyone have any idea what they are working on?
MB
29 Dec 20 at 1:23 pm
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That makes 3 Starbucks under construction/opening soon in the downtown area with the one right around the corner on Millwood and the Bull St location.
Larry
30 Dec 20 at 9:14 am
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I think the Trenholm Plaza rent is too high for the economy.
Given that the Starbucks doesn't have a drive through and there isn't a lot of parking, I've wondered if they are moving to the new location. JCrew is closing this location but leaving the Charleston and Greenville stores open.
There is also another clothing store, Francesca's, near the post office and old Stein Mart that is has gone out of business.Matt
31 Dec 20 at 1:16 pm
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I can't speak to the other closings Matt mentioned but I can say that Stein Mart was a result of a companywide closure that resulted in all 281 stores closing...I have read that commercial real estate lease rates are the highest in Forest Acres due to a strong residential base, little available land and high occupancy though...
I wouldn't be surprised if J Crew's closing is part of issues at the corporate level...
Andrew
31 Dec 20 at 1:33 pm
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J Crew in Greenville closed two years ago. The only location left in SC that is not a J Crew Factory store will be the downtown Charleston location. They are closing 26 stores in early 2021 which is about 20% percentage of their locations
Larry
1 Jan 21 at 4:45 pm
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Francescas also filed bankruptcy recently. All three closings in Trenholm Plaza have come from distressed national retailers that have filed for bankruptcy protection this year.
Larry
1 Jan 21 at 4:47 pm
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Walmart on Bush River is closing per the P&C. Wonder if this has to die with that exit being removed with the rework of Malfunction Junction.
Larry
5 Jan 21 at 12:12 pm
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@Larry. I feel sure the interchange delete is part of it, but how many years out is that? It seems like they'd milk that location as long as possible if sales were ok.
Heath Roberts
5 Jan 21 at 1:26 pm
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I remember when that Walmart was announced...I was in HS at the time and it was a daymaker for me due to the new life it meant for the property it sat on.
Most of us will remember it being Bush River Mall back in the day and it had sat abandoned for several years after everything moved out and it closed down.
Walmart #4379 opened up on May 9, 2007. I remember setting foot in it on the day it opened and even keeping an eye on the construction progress.
There was even hope of it revitalizing the area and bringing new life to the area but most of those hopes never came to fruition.
I can see where you might think the interchange overhaul is part of the reason but chances are there are other factors they won't discuss publicly.
Andrew
5 Jan 21 at 2:59 pm
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The thing about Walmart on Bush River that gets me is that if Target left because of theft and slow sales, why place a super center at the same site? Now it’s going to be an eyesore like the rest of that part of Bush River. Even if the interchange was deleted, the traffic from the neighborhoods around there should have been enough to keep it going. Now it’s a food desert. Good job Walmart!
Jason
5 Jan 21 at 4:21 pm
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You're blaming Walmart? I feel sure they did what they could to make their multi million dollar investment pay off. At first glance there's enough people in the area with enough income to support a Walmart. I wonder if it's the same situation (reportedly) as the Broad River neighborhood market, where they couldn't find and keep a staff that won't rob the place.
Heath
5 Jan 21 at 7:31 pm
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It's all about Location Location Location. That area of Bush River Rd had been dead for quite some time before Walmart took it over. The only time that side was a hot commodity was in the 70's through the 80's. But as time went by everything changed and the people started to move on elsewhere like Columbiana Mall and that side became where to be. When Walmart left the Winnsboro area due to theft and poor sales, it killed that town, and with this one closing, it's gonna kill what's left of that side of town now. I worked at Walmart for just under 10 years in West Columbia...I hated every min. of it. The customers were rude,and the managers were total asses. Don't feel bad for Walmart..because they're not what they appear to be. Even the employees that worked there were not helpful at all the few times I would go there...so now they all have to look for somewhere else to work, but that's how things happen. Nothing stays the same for ever.
DB
5 Jan 21 at 10:13 pm
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A friend of mine who lives near the former Walmart neighborhood market Heath mentioned told me that she had heard that management issues (among others) is what did that one in and perhaps that is what is going on with this particular Walmart...a guy I work with told me that he had heard they were thinking about closing it at one point and now it indeed is...
What comes next is a chapter that is yet to be written...
I must be a part of the problem because I used to want to try to go to that Walmart when I had the need but certain vibes I have gotten the last few times I'd been in Walmart (in general) has turned me off to shopping there...
Walmart #4379 was never open 24 hours like most of the others were (though I think several others have ceased to be open 24/7 in recent years)...
Another interesting note is that the Walmart in Batesburg-Leesville opened on the same day as Bush River (May 9, 2007).
Andrew
5 Jan 21 at 10:46 pm
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I have heard rumors that theft was a big factor in the closing. I also suspect that since that area is dominated by "older" customers (according to what a developer once told me) who don't fit most retailors demographics played a role too. Obviously, Covid did them no favors.
None the less, this whole area has been going downhill over the last one to two decades and barring a dramatic shift in the economy and people's buying habits, I do not see it getting better anytime soon.
Tom
6 Jan 21 at 12:55 pm
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Not a surprise, but the Free Times is reporting that there will be no St. Pat's in Five Points this year. They are hoping to do it in 2022
Tom
7 Jan 21 at 3:46 pm
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Keep an eye on our local Sportsman's Warehouse. It appears the company has been bought out by the same folks who own Cabela's and Bass Pro. Dunno what the timeline looks like, but the article I read said the buy-out will be completed in the 2nd half of 2021.
Lone Wolf
8 Jan 21 at 10:40 am
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Has anyone heard anything more about the Piggly Wiggly on Devine closing and when? and who bought them out ?
Db
9 Jan 21 at 3:57 pm
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@Db it was reported a few months back that Lidl was looking to move into the Piggly Wiggly on Devine. The owner of Piggly Wiggly stated his lease is not up yet, but Lidl had gone as far as to have new signage approved by the city at the time.
Larry
9 Jan 21 at 5:00 pm
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Does anybody know if Belk at Richland Mall is closing and when? The store is almost bare, and they aren’t restocking.
Judy
9 Jan 21 at 7:38 pm
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I haven't heard anything official on Richland Mall's Belk but I've noted that the last several of times I've been in there half of the upstairs was curtained off leading me to wonder about the future of said Belk...
Andrew
9 Jan 21 at 10:07 pm
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I haven't heard anything about Belk, but I have noticed that the doors to Richland Mall have been locked the last few times I have checked. Barnes & Noble has the back door into the mall permanently down, and the last place without outside access, other than the barber shop, Lenscrafters, moved out last year. I assume the only people who can get into the mall now are barbershop custermers during its open hours.
ted
10 Jan 21 at 12:34 am
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Last time I went to the Belk at Richland Mall I noticed that their hours had been cut (pre-covid). I have talked to Belk employees who work at the Harbison location and they tell me that they keep hearing rumors of an impending closing.
Tom
10 Jan 21 at 6:57 am
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The Bi-Lo on Devine has just put up their Store Closing sign today, so don't know how much longer it's gonna be around before they close to switch to Food Lion.
DB
12 Jan 21 at 12:31 pm
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The Holiday Inn Express & Suites at 501 Taylor St (at Huger St) is now the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott. I drove by there earlier today, but didn’t have time to stop and take a picture.
Alan
12 Jan 21 at 4:48 pm
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@Ted - I noticed that Lenscrafters had recently opened in the Whole Foods shopping center. I wondered if they had moved out of Richland Mall, but I forgot to ever look into it.
Matt
13 Jan 21 at 1:47 pm
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Don’t know if it’s permanent but BLD Diner in Trenholm Plaza has a “Closed until further notice” sign on the door. Obviously with Covid it could just be a virus outbreak among staff or other temporary reason but they have been gradually reducing hours throughout the pandemic.
Larry
13 Jan 21 at 6:58 pm
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Yesterday a friend went to the Gamecock Bi-Lo on Devine St and said their last day is February 7, 2021. Items are marked down:
10% off fresh food;
15% off grocery;
20% off wine;
40% off almost everything else.Alan
14 Jan 21 at 8:11 am
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Hearing that Andy Shlon , Andy’s Deli, reportedly died.
Colaguy
14 Jan 21 at 8:07 pm
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Andy...take care my friend
John
14 Jan 21 at 8:30 pm
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Folks I have discovered Andy's obituary
Andrew
16 Jan 21 at 7:38 pm
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Any word on Belk's closing at Richland Mall? Or if the entire Mall area is closing? I havent heard anything really as of yet.
DB
22 Jan 21 at 3:42 pm
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No official word on Belk or Richland Mall for that matter but I do know that the last several times I was in that Belk that the upstairs had a large portion with some type of curtain thing (this was before COVID)...
Andrew
22 Jan 21 at 4:31 pm
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As part of Bi-Lo's fade off into the sunset, Piggly Wiggly has returned to 760 Highway 378 in Lexington...
Andrew
22 Jan 21 at 6:36 pm
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Speaking of Bi-Lo, the Post & Courier reports that another Bi-Lo is closing to become a Food Lion. The 7830 Garners Ferry Rd location is scheduled to close February 14, 2021. Get your Valentine’s candy at a discount.
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Burlington is reportedly downsizing their location at Dutch Square.
Rashaad
23 Jan 21 at 11:08 pm
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Folks I found this article talking about the disappearance of people from suburbs and it makes me contemplate the decline of malls and other shopping areas that people older than I am remember in their heyday...
Andrew
24 Jan 21 at 10:05 pm
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Great suggestions for Dutch Square would be an expanded Dollar Tree, Chinese Takeout, Footlocker (replace Catherine’s) and DD’s Discounts.
Burlington will leave Dutch Square before the end of 2021.
MallGuy
24 Jan 21 at 10:54 pm
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Chick-fil-A on Bush River Road is closed.
Their entire digital footprint online has disappeared (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter)
Rashaad
25 Jan 21 at 5:01 pm
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Chick-fil-a website lists that location as temporarily closed.
Larry
25 Jan 21 at 5:42 pm
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News reports say Belk is close to filing for Bankruptcy. Have to think that would be the end of the Richland Mall location as has been speculated.
Larry
25 Jan 21 at 6:52 pm
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Here's a story on Belk's woes:
Tom
26 Jan 21 at 6:27 am
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The Belk article link Tom posted lead me to this one indicating that there are fewer remaining Sears & Kmart locations than we think left...
Andrew
26 Jan 21 at 11:02 am
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WIS reports that Belk is indeed planning on filing for bankruptcy. No word yet as to how Belk's 300 locations (to include 35 in SC) will be impacted...
Andrew
26 Jan 21 at 7:49 pm
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I used to work for Belk's at Columbia Mall back in the 80's, and Bill Belk who ran the Columbia stores was a total jerk and was losing money for the company. John Belk is the one that started Belk downtown Columbia back in the 30's. Carl Belk ran the Charlotte NC Stores and had much better success than Bill. But I read where they sold it to some other Co. for 3 billion. So the Belk family I dont think has a thing to do with it now. But like all Am-Was stores, they eventually fall, and Belk is no diff. than Kmart, Sears or Woolco.
Db
26 Jan 21 at 9:45 pm
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Landy's Pharmacy has moved into it's new building on Sparkleberry Lane and obviously left its old spot on Clemson Rd next to Firestone and Krispy Kreme.
Sidney
26 Jan 21 at 10:39 pm
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@ted - During a recent run, I noticed that King Leather Co at 1917 Barnwell seems to be now defunct. Cool little brick building on a nondescript street.
Justin
28 Jan 21 at 7:51 am
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@ted - During another run, I noticed that The Lunch Box at 1305 Lady Street is out of business.
Justin
7 Feb 21 at 3:02 pm
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What about Doug Broome's? Are they still open somehow?
Harold Ward
9 Feb 21 at 11:21 pm
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Kirklands in the Rosewood Crossing shopping center has basically closed. Store looks pretty bare.
badger
12 Feb 21 at 9:08 am
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As Bi-Lo fades off into the sunset after a 60 year run, I can now confirm for you that store #5442 (6021 St. Andrews Road) now has store Closing signage as it prepares to transition to Food Lion...
Andrew
12 Feb 21 at 10:05 am
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Bi-Lo lasted longer than A&P, Colonial, Big Star and Winn-Dixie here in Columbia. Food Lion hopefully be around for as long.
Db
12 Feb 21 at 3:20 pm
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How can businesses be added? Was thinking about closed record stores and noticed Tunes 'n' Things from the 1980s (on Main St. behind the State House where Immaculate Conception coffee shop now is), is not shown here. Thanks!
Jim Little
14 Feb 21 at 1:00 pm
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Folks Coladaily has reported word of 3 Village at Sandhill expansions
Andrew
16 Feb 21 at 11:11 am
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There isn't a separate listing for it, but the Bi-Lo at Edenwood Shopping Center in Cayce has reopended as Food Lion.
badger
17 Feb 21 at 5:05 pm
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Something is about to be built on the site of the old Sonic on North Main. I noticed this morning that the old Sonic as well as the old building foundations south of it have been cleared. This is a decent size piece of property that goes all the way to the railroad embankment.
Matt
18 Feb 21 at 4:30 pm
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@Matt I noticed that too. The old Chinese restaurant across from that spot on Sunset, behind Family Dollar was also recently razed. I know the old Chinese spot was purchased along with Stone Manufacturing by Scott Middleton who is opening a huge sports themed brewery there. As for the Sonic location, seems like a good place for a gas station. I figured one would have gone there or on the opposite corner in the old shuttered station.
Larry
19 Feb 21 at 5:47 pm
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It appears that some remodeling in under way at the old Best Buy across Two Notch from Columbia Place Mall.
Thomas
23 Feb 21 at 7:42 am
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That Best Buy was bought by a church, assuming it will be their new place of worship
Larry
23 Feb 21 at 5:45 pm
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@Jim Little: what's linked in the "main closing" list are for things that have blog entries, which are typically closed at the type of picture-taking. There are a few entries that have Yellow Pages scans, though.
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The Shoe Dept in the Wal-Mart shopping center on Two Notch is now closed.
Mr.Hat
8 Mar 21 at 3:04 pm
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Publix may have secured a location on Garner's Ferry Road. Speculation could be the now closed BI-LO #5065.
A commenter mentioned BI-LO #5065 was acquired by Food Lion. BI-LO #5065 was not among the 62 stores acquired by Food Lion.
Knight
9 Mar 21 at 7:45 am
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CVS at 2571 Forest Dr will be closing at the end of May per the P&C
Larry
9 Mar 21 at 5:56 pm
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I hate to see that CVS go...I had an Aunt that got her prescriptions there that I helped take care of before she passed last September (so I think it's just as well she isn't around to see it happen)...plus she preferred that CVS (both knowing where stuff is but also being a creature of habit).
I do know about a year or so ago the doors were rammed into by someone trying to break in (and they had temporary doors for a while before new ones were finally installed)...but then I remember the closing of Walmart #4379 was on the news The State had a story of the top 10 places CPD was dispatched and the first several were Walmart stores and this CVS made that list so that very well could play into it.
Frankly I'm surprised the other Forest Drive CVS (4711 Forest Drive, Forest Park) isn't closing since it doesn't have a drive thru pharmacy...idk where it could go though due to land availability...
Andrew
11 Mar 21 at 10:27 am
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The building on Whaley St, I think it was formally a USC dorm, it has been torn down. It's next to Bates if you want to hurry and get pics. They are cleaning up and will probably be finished today.
Sidney
12 Mar 21 at 9:20 am
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@Sidney, that was the Cliffs apartment dorm. It, Bates and Bates West are being torn down to make way for new dorms in a massive redevelopment of the South Campus area. I believe they were all supposed to be demolished by now but budget issues arising from Covid put them in delay.
Larry
12 Mar 21 at 1:55 pm
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Grapes and Gallery at 1113 Taylor Street, next to Mast General, is closed.
Justin
17 Mar 21 at 12:02 pm
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The Mr. Nick's I mentioend at 706 Old Cherokee Road has closed and been demolished...SCDOT has plans to reroute Old Cherokee road through where the wash was and I think it will create a better intersection upon the completion thereof as it will align with Cawtawba Trail across the street which will enable traffic signal benefits to the residents getting in/out of that neighborhood...in addition to that, Lexington Middle School is in the process of moving their campus to Old Cherokee road between this interesction and SC 6...
Andrew
25 Mar 21 at 2:34 pm
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Lita's Treats will soon be moving from Dutch Square Mall to 800 Lake Murray Blvd.
Mr.Hat
25 Mar 21 at 11:43 pm
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The Clock Doctor in that odd collection of sheds across from
The old K Mart on Two Notch is closed. Not sure when it went, but just double checked tonight after getting a gyro at Nicks.Dan R
26 Mar 21 at 7:52 pm
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Casserole 2 Go at 1208 Laurel Street is closed.
Justin
4 Apr 21 at 8:53 pm
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Nadeau Furniture at Cross Hill Market has a sign up that they are moving. I checked on their social media to see where and they are heading to Greenville. Seems like they would just say they are closing the Columbia location but I guess it’s all about perception.
Larry
5 Apr 21 at 6:59 pm
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Not sure when it closed but noticed today the Base10 fitness on Rosewood Drive - near Publix- has closed. It was in the old
Rosewood Florist location.MB
6 Apr 21 at 2:03 pm
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Communication Management has moved from 3145 Carlisle St. This is at the corner of Carlisle and Daly near Mad Platter. Their office is now at 3229 Sunset Blvd, Suite A.
Matt
7 Apr 21 at 2:30 pm
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What’s happening at the old Jackson’s restaurant on Sunset? Construction workers there today. The front has been completely torn off and the inside being remodeled.
Barbara
8 Apr 21 at 6:34 pm
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The food lion on platt springs road is closed.
Bethany
10 Apr 21 at 12:51 pm
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The Platt Springs food Lion Bethany references moved into the former BI-LO at Sandy ridge Square (Emmanuel Church & Old Barnwell Road) but hasn't featured here yet...
Andrew
12 Apr 21 at 9:50 am
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Pep Boys on Decker Blvd is having a 50% off sale on the parts and retail part of the store. That portion will be closed and there will only remain the repair portion. They told me the Broad River Retail and Parts was already closed.
Thomas
16 Apr 21 at 4:35 pm
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What areas are "going downhill" in Columbia, Forest Acres, Cayce, West Columbia, Lexington? By "going downhill", I mostly mean lower property values, places not being as "nice" - clean and maintained well, more crime, etc. But it depends on your opinion.
I don't go to the Vista frequently, but I've read comments about it declining, and Five Points has seemed "sketchy"/unpleasant for several years now.
Robin
17 Apr 21 at 5:14 pm
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@Robin - sample size of one here, but I feel pretty comfortable saying the generalized Irmo area is going down pretty significantly, whereas both West Columbia and Cayce are on an upward trend.
I've lived in the area since '99. Irmo & Columbiana used to be super nice. I hadn't been to "the mall" in...well, let's just say a few years. I get it - things change. My feeling leaving the mall was the overall quality of stores at which to shop has dropped precipitously. Additionally, there's a good deal of vacant storefronts over on Bower Parkway. The Walmart is pretty run down. And, Irmo has developed a new problem - panhandling homeless. I've been approached multiple times by the same folks, asking for money. This never used to happen...
Cayce has Steel Hands Brewing doing very well for themselves and housing values are strong. Development continues in West Columbia with new homes being built/completed, new apartments, new businesses, redevelopment of Parlkand Plaza, D's new location and East Bay Deli going in.
Sad to say, neither Five Points or The Vista are what they once were. And that's a trend unlikely to reverse itself...
Lone Wolf
19 Apr 21 at 10:06 am
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The Vista has been going downhill for years now. It started out as a "trendy" place, but as time went by, more and more trouble makers , gangs and other undesirables took over and now you have what you see. 5 Points went downhill many years ago and keeps getting worse and worse. Columbiana Mall is just a mess and getting worse just like the Harbison Area. Things never stay the same. USC keeps taking over more and more land, and for what reasons I don't know. To me though, USC is becoming more of a problem as time goes by. Just a matter of time before certain areas of Columbia and Irmo get to the point of being avoided all together, and that's too bad.
Db
19 Apr 21 at 11:38 am
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I would agree with the previous two posters that the town of Irmo area is definitely on a downward spiral. What has happened to the Broad River/ St. Andrews areas are spreading further and further into Irmo. Also Columbiana is now basically the only legitimate shopping center in Columbia, so it is drawing folks from Malls that targeted more Urban shoppers like Columbia Place/ Dutch Square.
I would lump Northeast Columbia into a similar category as Irmo. Cheaply built subdivisions that are now 20-30 years are becoming lower income areas. They were cheaply made and are not holding up to time. You see this in the Summit/Lake Carolina area especially where the original developments still look pretty decent but the secondary growth was done with one thing in mind, maximizing profits.
Of course there are areas like Dentsville, North Columbia, Monticello Rd, And the aforementioned Broad River/ Bush River/ St. Andrews area that have been in a death spiral for years now with little signs of hope. On the other hand I agree Cayce, West Cola and some of the older downtown neighborhoods like Rosewood/Earlewood/Cottontown have taken steps over the last 10-15 years.
The Vista is in kind of a state of transition, same for 5 Points. Typically I hear old people saying it’s becoming more dangerous, but I feel safer down there now than I did as a student 20 years ago. The Vista has taken a step back to a revitalized Main St as far as the cooler downtown entertainment and dining area. I believe a key for the Vista is a expansion of the Convention Center where you would see new hotel development that has been proposed. Five Points is a different place during the day time, and once Harpootlian finishes shutting down a majority of the college bars that are only open 4 days a week from 9PM to 2AM, who knows that the place will become. It’s definitely at an inflection point and as much as I’d like to see more places like HomeTeam, Saludas, Gourmet Shop, Publico and Jakes open, it could just as easily go the other way.
Larry
19 Apr 21 at 7:40 pm
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Coladaily has this articke talking about the forthcoming relocation of D's Wings in Cayce...it will close May 15 in the old location and reopen on June 1 in the new one...
Andrew
20 Apr 21 at 9:21 am
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I saw some construction on a Richland 2 middle school called Edward L. Wright Middle School. The school is gonna be demolished to be rebuilt into a new school of the same name along with Center For Knowledge next door. The school will might completely be rebuilt by 2023. That's all I have to say! E.L. Wright is on Alpine Road & Windsor Lake Boulevard.
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I’ve also noticed more homeless people in Irmo/Harbison. Approaching car windows or standing on street medians. Some of them hold signs about Covid-19, but I don’t believe that Covid is always the reason. I don’t mean to be heartless. This is just due to encounters that I read/hear abot. Some homeless or “stranded” people have been surprisingly rude when someone tried to give them money, i.e. complaining about the amount and wanting more.
Robin
27 Apr 21 at 7:30 pm
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Does anyone have a photo (or can link to one) of the old Target and Woodhill Mall on Garners Ferry Road? Before it was redesigned to become the plaza with new Target, World Market, etc.?
Robin
1 May 21 at 1:38 am
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The shoe dept. in 10050 two notch rd suite 11 is closed.
Bethany
5 May 21 at 4:27 pm
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Looks like Top China on Saint Andrews road, just before you get to Broad River has closed.
Mr. Bill
7 May 21 at 2:47 pm
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The Havoline that just opened in West Columbia a few years ago has closed. It was located across from the zoo entrance on 378. Never understood the location choice - being between a Jiffy Lube and Ricky’s Tire.
MB
8 May 21 at 11:59 am
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That new D's Wings location is really going to piss of the already pissed off people in that neighborhood.
Dan R
10 May 21 at 9:52 am
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@Dan R - the issue West Columbia didn't think through is parking. D's attracts a healthy crowd. Their current location has parking to accommodate that. The new location they'll be moving into is going to be, to put it mildly, parking challenged.
Parking has got to be addressed, but how? There *is* the new parking deck, and I'm sure that helps a little. But, isn't that where the people from Brookland Apartments get to park? How many spaces are left over for general public use? Also, parking decks aren't known to be the safest places, especially at night.
State Street was just re-striped and where to and not-to park is much clearer now, so it's less of a mess. Parking is also available at the lot for the old funeral home. Not sure what the future of that is though, as it is supposedly now vacant.
Dunno what the answer is...but growth inevitably comes with some teething pains, so to speak.
Lone Wolf
10 May 21 at 10:48 am
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Four Paws animal clinic was flooded out in 2015 and has reopened in a new location, 4 Monckton Blvd, Columbia, SC 29206.
Looks like their fllooded building at 24 Forest Lake Place is set to be demolished, possibly tomorrow 5/17.
That building was a dentist's office 50 years ago, where my family received fillings from Dr. Scmidt, most of which I still have. He had a stiff gray crew cut and a a faint German accent. His hands tasted like soap (dentists did not wear gloves back then). A far cry from today's Disney-like experience for children at the dentist. But at the end of your visit you would receive a coupon for a free ice cream cone from Campbell's drug store right up the way at Forest Lake Plaza, which rewarded you for "Bravery in the Dentist's Chair."
I believe that Herman Denny also had his dentist's office in this building later.Dennis
16 May 21 at 6:23 pm
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Does anyone out there recall Pants Pavilion, possibly on Main Street, around 1970-1975?
Joe Shlabotnik
19 May 21 at 4:25 am
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Casual Pint on 378 in Lexington has closed.
This was a fun spot for a few years -- they always had an excellent beer selection. Food was hit or miss, and the service, while always friendly, could also be hit or miss. The place was comfortable, but prices were a little on high side.
One thing caught my eye (thanks to Ted's Rules) was when they got rid of the digital beer board last year. This was a really cool feature, but I would hazard to say it was expensive to maintain and probably required some technical skills to sync it up.
Andy
22 May 21 at 2:55 pm
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The sports memorabilia store, been opened for 10 years announced on their facebook page they are shutting down their brick & motor store
Jimmy Freeman
22 May 21 at 7:19 pm
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I can't place the sports memorabilia store Jimmy Freeman is referencing...
Andrew
24 May 21 at 10:25 am
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Andrew.... it's called Jock University, it was a retail store happended to located at US #1 fleamarket for 10 yrs. They sold licensed team sports memorabilia. Pictures of their store is on their facebook page
Jimmy Freeman
26 May 21 at 1:34 pm
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I read that Alodia's in Irmo will be closed for two months.
Also, and I'm not 100% positive, I read on Facebook that Auto Service Experts in the Irmo area has closed.
Ellen
1 Jun 21 at 9:57 pm
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The State is reporting that Nicky’s Pizzeria in Five Points is closing. Their Lexington location will continue operating.
https://www.thestate.com/living/food-drink/article251815628.html
Heath
2 Jun 21 at 5:16 pm
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I was over at Academy Sports in Harbison today and noticed that the signage for Salsaritas is gone. They had been closed for the past several months which I figured was Covid-related and they'd eventually re-open, but apparently not. I think the signage came down pretty recently as I was just over that way a couple weeks ago and it was still there then.
Gypsie
2 Jun 21 at 11:03 pm
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Fred Anderson Toyota of Columbia, 2136 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, is now Peter Boulware Toyota of Columbia.
Alan
3 Jun 21 at 5:28 am
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I heard rumors that there were some shady dealings going on at Fred Anderson Toyota.
MB
3 Jun 21 at 1:48 pm
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There is a For Sale sign outside the Wells Fargo at the corner of Rosewood and Garners Ferry.
Sidney
3 Jun 21 at 6:02 pm
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The CVS near Middleburg on Forest Dr is officially closed. All signage has been removed.
Larry
7 Jun 21 at 5:44 pm
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Chris Polson Automotive has it closed
robert
7 Jun 21 at 7:09 pm
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Not Chris Poison! (what the sign says at first glance)
Kenneth
8 Jun 21 at 7:00 pm
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The Hardee’s on 451 Killian Rd has closed.
Bethany
15 Jun 21 at 4:04 pm
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Why is the “Three Fountains” area of West Columbia called that? Were there ever fountains?
In West Columbia
16 Jun 21 at 10:09 pm
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The “Three Fountains” is a famous church in Rome.
From “The State,” Jan. 6, 1972:
“The first house, already under construction, [Developer Carroll E.] Mcgee said, will cost $65,000 and include an enclosed swimming pool. Street names will be ‘foreign sounding,’ generally Italian.
And if you’re wondering about the significance of the ‘three fountains’ church, from Wikipedia:
“Legend relates that when St Paul was decapitated, his head bounced three times and fountains miraculously sprang up at each place where it touched the ground.”
If you’re wondering “why,” well, we’d have to ask the developer, but apparently he-a liked-a Italian-a names-a.
badger
18 Jun 21 at 5:41 pm
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Thank you, Badger
In West Columbia
18 Jun 21 at 9:13 pm
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I noticed today that Oceanview Seafood on Broad River Road, next to the KFC, has closed.
Tom
21 Jun 21 at 4:09 pm
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Mattress Firm at 3300 Forest Drive is closed. When I drove by yesterday, there was a truck backed up to the door and all the signage was gone. Being next to Michaelis couldn't have helped their business.
Matt
23 Jun 21 at 2:54 pm
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I am really not surprised by this but it happened without warning- the Urban Cookhouse on Devine Street closed- which must have been yesterday because I swear they were open yesterday.
MB
1 Jul 21 at 7:33 pm
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Urban Cookhouse is moving into the old Delaney’s spot in 5 points, evidently sharing the space with Bang Back Pinball Bar.
Larry
1 Jul 21 at 9:37 pm
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I received bad news today about commenter Rick. He used to be on here frequently.
He apparently battled a long illness, and succumbed to it on 6/25/2021.
Rick at one time had owned Continental Sound, the car stereo business on Two Notch with the building that looked like a stereo deck. He was a former coworker of mine, and he will be missed.
RIPCam
2 Jul 21 at 11:49 am
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Folks I have found Rick’s obituary.
Andrew
2 Jul 21 at 12:06 pm
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Here's a better link
Andrew
2 Jul 21 at 12:39 pm
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Well I am certainly sorry to hear that. I didn't know him personally, but I could tell he was an interesting guy, and his comments were always welcome.
All the best to his family.
--Ted
ted
2 Jul 21 at 11:50 pm
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The Exxon Market Express at the intersection of Assembly and Elmwood has been demolished. I believe a car wash is the plan here.
Larry
3 Jul 21 at 8:30 pm
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There's also a block of 3 or 4 storefronts near Devine & Beltline between the Jiffy Lube and the gas station. They've looked super janky and it seems like maybe the owner evicted everybody and wants to raze the building? It was a tattoo parlor, a barber shop, and I think 2 more doors.
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The Exxon station caty-corner (sp?) to Dreher High School (the Devine/Millwood odd intersection) has closed for renovations.
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Sorry to hear about Rick. He had several entertaining posts on this board over the years.
Joe Shlabotnik
5 Jul 21 at 9:40 pm
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Question: I've been seeing a lot of cars with the license plate removed from the back, and propped up in the back window instead. Why? And it seems to go hand-in-hand with people having tinted windows. Maybe I just never noticed it before, but it seems more common in Cayce, West Columbia, Lexington lately.
Robin
6 Jul 21 at 12:17 pm
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@Robin, it could be something as mundane as the holes where the license plate screws mate up have stripped. This is often the case with older vehicles.
I can't imagine anyone moving or trying to hide their license plate on purpose. That's practically an invitation for a chat with your local constabulary.
Lone Wolf
7 Jul 21 at 8:20 am
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The old Dula furniture store building in Irmo near the tracks at St. Andrews and Lake Murray Blvd. is slated to be demolished tomorrow. A new Domino's Pizza will be built in it's place.
Gypsie
8 Jul 21 at 3:23 pm
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Has the old Pizza Hut on Garners Ferry Rd moved or closed?
DB
12 Jul 21 at 6:29 pm
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Never mind..was thinking of something else that had closed years ago around that same area.
DB
12 Jul 21 at 6:52 pm
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My husband noticed driving down Forest Drive yesterday the Pizza Joint had no cars in the parking lot and there was a small sign on the door that said “Sorry we are closed.”
MB
14 Jul 21 at 6:20 pm
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Pizza Joint reportedly had a kitchen fire a few days ago and that is why they are closed
Larry
14 Jul 21 at 9:26 pm
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I wondered about that -- it seemed awfully early for them to be closed when I drove by the other evening.
ted
14 Jul 21 at 11:30 pm
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Indah is closing their location in the Arcade Mall on Main Street this week. They still have their primary location on Sumter Street in Cottontown.
Justin
15 Jul 21 at 8:34 am
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TakoSushi will be returning to Columbia in the Arcade filling both vacancies created by the departures of Pita Pit and Indah
Larry
15 Jul 21 at 12:18 pm
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Huh..that's pretty interesting as those two spaces are non-contiguous.
Justin
15 Jul 21 at 1:32 pm
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Is Basil closed? (Thai restaurant next to Whole Foods.) A friend told me she had heard that, and their Facebook page says "temporarily closed." I ate there maybe a month ago for lunch, and I was the only person in the restaurant for most of the meal.
Beth
16 Jul 21 at 1:58 pm
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WLTX is reporting that Indah Coffee on Main St. has closed. Apparently this is a satellite location to their main location on Sumter Street, which remains open.
Heath
18 Jul 21 at 1:13 pm
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Beth: I was stopping by Whole Foods this morning, and checked out the front door of Basil. It was roughly 9:30am, so the floor was dark, but there were no indications in was closed--posted lunch and dinner hours reinforced by paper signs on the door. A quick Yelp check shows reviews (not great ones) posted on July 16th and 18th, for what it's worth.
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M Kitchen on Columbiana Dr (Harbison) across from Five Guys is closed and moved staff to Miyo's on Bower Pkwy.
Mitch
24 Jul 21 at 6:42 pm
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@Beth Basil is closed between 2PM and 5PM I have a friend who is a cook there you probably went at a time when they were closed. Per my friend about 85% of their business is takeout and Delivery since COVID.
Dustin
25 Jul 21 at 11:44 am
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The Kirkland's store at 4400 Ft Jackson Blvd has closed and moved out. This was the previous location of the K Mart that had been there since the 1960s.
Joe Shlabotnik
27 Jul 21 at 1:31 pm
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The Exxon convenience store at the intersection of Two Notch and Trenholm Road Extension is either being razed or undergoing renovation. QT opened across Two Notch and BP and Shell are a block away. Space is limited as they are located between the current Two Notch and the old portion of Two Notch where Texas Road House and U-Haul are located.
Thomas
29 Jul 21 at 9:21 am
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Cottontown Brew Lab at 1223 Franklin St is “temporarily” closed according to a post on their Facebook page… from April 12th.
Alan
1 Aug 21 at 4:57 pm
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According to The State, Pavlov's in Five Points has permanently lost their liquor license and will have to close.
Tom
2 Aug 21 at 6:58 am
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Ted where are you? Are you coming back??
MB
6 Aug 21 at 6:04 pm
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Does anyone know Ted personally? Is he ok? It's been almost a month since his last post.
Sidney
9 Aug 21 at 12:32 pm
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I was wondering that as well. That's a longer than normal vacation for him from what I recall.
Justin
9 Aug 21 at 12:36 pm
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I have been worried myself about Ted. Often when he goes away for a while he gives some sort of notice.
Tom
9 Aug 21 at 12:40 pm
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Indication is that Jimmy's Market on Two Notch at Brickyard had discontinued selling hot dogs.
Thomas
10 Aug 21 at 7:16 am
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Jimmy's Market started back with hot dogs yesterday. I had two today. They have had a staffing issue in the kitchen. One of the ladies had surgery and at least one other long timer left. They didn't have them for a few weeks while trying to get/train new staff.
Carlton Templeton
10 Aug 21 at 8:52 pm
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Palmetto Traditions emerged from the financial problems that Jewelry Warehouse experienced. They have a location in Lexington. They are advertising on radio for personnel to staff a new location in NE Columbia. They have not indicated location. Thanks Carlton for the follow up on Jimmy's Market!!
Thomas
11 Aug 21 at 7:53 am
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I have determined that the new location of Traditions Thomas said they were looking for staffing for is going to open in the Village at Sandhill's town center complex...
Andrew
11 Aug 21 at 9:25 am
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I was walking down Greene Street and noticed the University Book Store is now a parking lot. Not the official bookstore the one that was the corner of Greene and Main. No idea when it closed, just saw this a couple of weeks ago.
Mr. Bill
16 Aug 21 at 4:56 pm
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@ted - The Wood Tru Value at 1332 Broad River Rd is in the process of closing. I spoke with a few of the employees and they said the store had been there for 40 years and it just wasn't doing well any longer. The owner is going to close this one and keep the one in Lexington open.
Justin
18 Aug 21 at 2:31 pm
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Westside ice coming down
Frank Mancuso
19 Aug 21 at 12:17 pm
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The Bank of America drive thru on Gervais near the statehouse has closed at some point recently. The teller windows have been covered and people are parking in the lanes.
Matt
21 Aug 21 at 12:07 am
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Both WVOC and WCOS need to be shut down as radio s
stations. Sexism and misogyny rule the day with Gary David Barboza, Christopher Thompson, Jonathan Rush and Kelly Nash. All around terrible hosts, Keven Cohen is so much better.Mr. Eckert
21 Aug 21 at 7:11 pm
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I've always wondered who's the dummy or dummies that decided to plant trees all up and down Main Street in Columbia? And why the sidewalks were extended that took up all the room that used to be on the street? I wonder who's brilliant idea this was? Personally, I think it was one of the dumbest things Columbia has done among other things. But that's just my personal opinion.
DB
23 Aug 21 at 3:47 pm
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Ah, I believe we have someone here who doesn't remember "Stadium Lighting" on Main Street :-)
ted
23 Aug 21 at 5:34 pm
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Man,those were some ugly lights.
Ugly expensive lights.
Pretty sure they stole them off Williams Brice.John
23 Aug 21 at 7:12 pm
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I don't remember the stadium lights on Main Street but then again I'm from a generation that didn't do much shopping downtown as I am too young to remember life before (among other things) Columbiana...the only Main Street business I've patronized is Mast General and I've been to the art museum several times.
Be that as it may, what Mr. Eckert said about WVOC and WCOS lead me to contemplate the following: I remember when I was in HS and people would have interest inventories at the beginning of the year and one of the items mentioned would be 'favorite radio station' and I used to list WVOC (and I'd oftentimes be the only one with an AM station). I had memories of Gary David & Christopher Thompson in the morning, I'd listen to Keven Coehen, Dr. Dean Edell and even Coast to Coast AM with George Noory. I can (going further back) remember the Flea Market show Dana Risinger used to do on Saturday Mornings. Her Theme music was something I now know to be the Streetbeater (which most would know as the theme music of Sanford & Son). Be that as it may, once they let Keven Coehen go I didn't have much use for WVOC anymore.
Andrew
23 Aug 21 at 11:10 pm
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I heard Sally Beauty Supply on Decker and Two Notch have closed.
Sidney
24 Aug 21 at 8:28 am
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When I mapped it I determined that the Sally Beauty Supply Sidney mentioned is located in Fashion Place which is at the intersection of Decker Blvd & Trenholm Road Extension (though I haven't been out there to know for sure (one way or the other) if it's still going or not...
Andrew
26 Aug 21 at 9:22 am
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Who was the Governor when those irritating stadium lights were put up? And yes I remember them all too well. Columbia has done some dumb things in the past, and it continues to do so. To me, those trees are just as bad which just makes main street seem that much more narrow and closed in.
DB
26 Aug 21 at 11:53 pm
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That seems like it would be more a mayor thing than a governor thing. Kirkman Finlay maybe? I was a kid and just remember how everyone was anticipating them expecting something great and then how awful they were.
ted
27 Aug 21 at 12:18 am
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@Andrew
I have been converting old 8mm videos to digital and found one from the mid to late 1990s that my dad took. It was a drive down Lake Murray Blvd. (Maybe still Newberry Ave at that point) in Irmo during the widening project. It must have been on a Saturday morning, because the Flea Market show was playing on the radio in his car. I'll have to post it on YouTube some day.
Heath
27 Aug 21 at 10:56 am
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Heath
Please do,we would love to see it.John
27 Aug 21 at 7:34 pm
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In reference to the tall street lights: John Campbell was the mayor at the time. City Council then contracted the job to Broadway lighting designer extraordinaire Abe Feder.
badger
28 Aug 21 at 9:19 am
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A steel frame has gone up on the site of the old Ruby Tuesday at Columbiana Mall. (Harbison). Lake Murray Blvd in Irmo between I-26 and the railroad tracks has lots being prepared next to CVS and Piggy Park. I wonder what new choices in the universe of low-end retail, gas stations, and fast food chain restaurants will present themselves. :)
Mitch
28 Aug 21 at 10:16 am
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The construction on Lake Murray Blvd is a QT gas station. The Ruby Tuesday site is to become a 3 tenant retail strip. Haven’t seen anything on possible tenants though.
Larry
28 Aug 21 at 10:34 am
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The construction by CVS is the QT, the construction by Piggy Park is a new location for Well Pets
Larry
28 Aug 21 at 10:35 am
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Hey Larry,
These 2 sites are in additional to the QT that I think is going in by the railroad tracks where the old furniture store was torn down.
Mitchb
28 Aug 21 at 10:36 am
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Correction. The 950 Lake Murray Boulevard, Irmo, SC, lot by CVS at College St appears to be the QT location per Nextdoor discussions a couple weeks ago.
Mitch
28 Aug 21 at 11:00 am
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I've seen indications that QT is planning to open on Lake Murray Boulevard & College Street per a forum I read (I remember a real estate office being there at one point) but then the building was moved or razed (one of the two).
There is another building on Woodrow Street that was recently razed that had a long history however it is becoming a Domino's and I even found this WLTX article talking aobut it.
Where Home Furniture (and after that ProSource Home Furnishings) at Mowers Street was recently torn down as well but idk what the plan is there.
Andrew
28 Aug 21 at 4:13 pm
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The ProSource lot is where Well Pets is going. There’s been quite a few buildings razed and new buildings built in their place in that stretch LMB lately.
Larry
28 Aug 21 at 5:59 pm
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Speaking of the old Furniture store building in downtown Irmo, I had read where it was originally built as a General Store when the town of Irmo was new, and then eventually turned into a furniture store which it was for a long time. But as is with things, eventually something old is torn down, and something new takes its place...and not for the better. Irmo will always be Irmo...can't change it.
Db
28 Aug 21 at 6:32 pm
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There is also a QT going up across from the Chef's Store on St. Andrews.
The plan for the old Dulah furniture store to become a Dominos has been in the works for several years now. It was held up due to family drama after one of the brother's died.
I have been informed by a member of the family that Deno's will not be reopening.
Gypsie
29 Aug 21 at 8:00 pm
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Thanks all for the info on what is going into each razed lot on LMB.
h.t. to Db for "Irmo will always be Irmo." :) It's been a theme park without a theme and a shining example of "Generica" for the 24 years I've lived near it.
Mitch
30 Aug 21 at 11:46 am
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Appears that Firehouse Subs located at intersection of Two Notch and Sparkleberry near Kroger has closed.
Thomas
31 Aug 21 at 9:13 am
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In the midst of the Lake Murray Blvd. demolition discussion mentioned earlier one thing that got overlooked is that there was an office building at Carisle Street that was torn down for a Starbucks (and I think it was built to have something else though idk what is there). I never knew any of the office building occupants themselves but I do remember it having a train mural on the side of it...
Andrew
31 Aug 21 at 10:07 am
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Folks I have discovered this Coladaily article talking about the gameplan...
Andrew
2 Sep 21 at 8:08 am
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Why are more churches opening in closed restaurant and retail spaces? Especially in areas that seem to have "gone downhill". But it does happen in nicer areas as well. I saw one near Main Street in downtown Lexington.
Robin L.
7 Sep 21 at 7:37 am
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It won't hurt you.
Kenneth
8 Sep 21 at 4:51 pm
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Of course it doesn't hurt me. Did I say that it was upsetting me? I was just curious about the change in preference of buildings.
Robin L.
9 Sep 21 at 9:01 am
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Also, I am a Christ-follower (a liberal, non-denominational one). My question is about the change in style, not the amount of churches. Why do so many of them prefer retail and restaurant spaces lately, as opposed to dedicated church buildings?
Robin L.
9 Sep 21 at 9:07 am
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I would guess they are getting pretty good deals on the space right now with the decline of retail.
ted
9 Sep 21 at 9:19 am
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I feel that teach situation is unique and each church has its own story. Plus I think the way people connect with their church is changing. I've heard a theory that about every 500 years or so the church undergoes a major reform...and we're just a little over 500 years removed from the most recent notable one which is the protestant reformation and perhaps this is something comparable to that but the name of it is something that will eventually wind up with a name but I have a feeling it won't be solidified until after we're gone.
We now have a wide array of non-denomination churches and even within the denominations we have an increasing number of types of each (i.e. Presbyterians have PCA, PC-USA, ARP and some lesser known ones while the Lutherans have ELCA, LCMS, WELS, NALC, LCMC and many lesser known ones).
I had a professor in college that said that nothing happens in a vacuum. As has unfolded with different retailers that have featured here over the years, certain retailers have folded up shop due to issues with the corporate level with some continuing to have an online presence through their (dot)com names. Plus most neighborhoods go through different 'ebb and flow' cycles and which leaves certain vacated buildings ripe for some of these type of churches (such as NewSpring opening up in the former Dutch Square Kmart).
Andrew
9 Sep 21 at 10:28 am
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Speaking of Churches taking over old retail buildings or night club buildings, the old Sunset Drive-In Theater is a good example. When it was closed, sold (I guess) and torn down, a Church has been built in its place. How appropriate and ironic huh? I mean here you have a Drive In that was well known for their X rated movies, and now a Church sits on the very spot. How great is that? I wonder how many people that attend that Church know what used to sit there?
Db
9 Sep 21 at 11:24 am
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Or even better Db, how many watched the X rated movies there and are now attending that very church.
Sidney
9 Sep 21 at 3:06 pm
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Looks like Columbia World Outreach (the church that moved into the old Fuddruckers building) on Bush River Rd. has already moved out. There's an "Available" sign on the lot again.
Side question - does anyone know what is moving into the old Bank of America building on St. Andrews Rd. in front of the gym? I saw a bunch of people going in and out of it this morning, but there's no new signage up yet.
Gypsie
9 Sep 21 at 9:56 pm
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Here's another quote that came to mind for me:
"It used to be a place where you could buy a TV or a toaster, but in a few months, the owners of the building will be selling salvation." - WISTV, June 2011
(in reference to plans to transform the Word of God Church & Ministries into the former Service Merchandise).
Andrew
10 Sep 21 at 8:08 am
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Not a permanent closing, but based off of plans submitted to the City of Columbia it appears the ChickFilA on Harbison will be demolished and then rebuilt in the near future.
Larry
10 Sep 21 at 12:53 pm
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Columbia has way too many churches. Landlords should work harder to secure more attractive tenants. Many of these shopping center churches struggle to have 100 members and they do nothing to support the remainder of the center. A church is opening in the old Best Buy on Two Notch. The area has too many churches.
Rashaad
13 Sep 21 at 9:39 am
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South Carolina in general is a VERY "Church" State. Charleston has a lot, but so does Columbia. Whether or not anyone thinks there's too many Churches or not, it's how things are here. It doesn't bother me a bit. I would rather see a Church take over than more bars and places that attract trouble makers. Don't like it here? then move somewhere else to some other State.
Db
13 Sep 21 at 3:11 pm
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Looks like Amora Sports bar and Grill, which is located in the old Hardees on old Bush River Rd has closed. Have passed by several times in the past couple of weeks. There are never any cars there....Maybe only open at night?? I dont know....
Arthur P
13 Sep 21 at 4:51 pm
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At least the older churches in Columbia - and elsewhere - are lovely buildings with history. A lot of new churches are trying to be trendy, like a Starbucks with Christian music. They think it will attract college students and young families. But it's actually more annoying. As one article I found said, quit trying to be "cool" and be authentic.
Robin L.
14 Sep 21 at 8:37 am
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I'm with Db as far as preferring a church to more bars, nightclubs, etc. Most of these churches are nondenominational which is a different worship style than I know and I agree with Robin that they don't have the character of older churches before them but by the same token, if that is how those people connect with God, I can't fault them for seeking it out.
Andrew
14 Sep 21 at 11:04 am
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The fact of South Carolina being the second notch in the Bible belt notwithstanding, all these properties taken over by churches comes off the tax rolls. In a city full of government and university property that is also tax exempt, this actually affects all the non-exempt property owners in that political subdivision. Evidently not many people realize that.
Diogenes
14 Sep 21 at 5:47 pm
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The State
had this story talking about the remodel plans Larry mentioned for the Chick-fil-A at 294 Harbison Blvd...I'm hoping that this will somehow help alleviate some of the congestion the intersection is prone to as some of the plans will allow for an extra drive thru lane and also a bigger building further back...Andrew
15 Sep 21 at 10:06 am
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The Obama store at 5831 North Main Street won't be getting a liquor permit renewal. So I have a feeling this is one we'll have to keep an eye on...
Andrew
15 Sep 21 at 11:13 am
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The Chick-Fil-A in West Columbia (Augusta Road, across from a Walgreens) needs to be redesigned. The building was remodeled, but the space around it is a problem. The parking lot is way too cramped for the amount of traffic that goes in and out.
Robin L.
15 Sep 21 at 4:43 pm
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And now the Available sign at the old Columbia World Outreach/Fuddruckers on Bush River Rd. is already gone. I wonder what's going there now.
Gypsie
16 Sep 21 at 10:46 pm
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I wouldn't say "already", the place has been on the market since December 2020.
ted
16 Sep 21 at 11:16 pm
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Vista Nutrition at 504 Gervais St is now closed per Coladaily.
Justin
17 Sep 21 at 7:06 am
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I have found the story Justin referenced...
Andrew
17 Sep 21 at 12:41 pm
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@ted - has it really? I drive by there at least weekly and don't recall seeing the Available sign on it until earlier this month. Maybe I was too busy perfecting my car singing voice to notice it though. :-)
------------------
If it hasn't already been mentioned, the Midlands Mazda on Broad River Road is being torn down. They were out there today knocking parts of it down.
Gypsie
17 Sep 21 at 4:13 pm
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West Columbia - Supposedly a gas station is being built in front of Carolina Pottery.
Robin L.
20 Sep 21 at 12:42 am
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The building between Wells Fargo Bank and Kroger on Sparkleberry near Two Notch is surrounded by construction fencing. Not sure if it is being demolished or renovated. This building included Fire House Subs which was reported earlier.
Thomas
23 Sep 21 at 9:16 am
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Next door to Circle K at 806 Broad River Road (former Kangaroo Express) is a car wash that has a similar construction fence to the one Thomas mentioned at Sparkleberry Square...
Andrew
23 Sep 21 at 9:32 am
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Today I noted that the BB&T branch at Harbison & Park Terrace has closed up and apparently QT (per a different forum I saw on this) will move in...
Andrew
23 Sep 21 at 10:42 pm
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Atlantic Bedding & Furniture on Two Notch between I-20 and Nates Road is having a closing and going out of business sale. This was previously a Haverty's Furniture location.
Thomas
24 Sep 21 at 11:59 am
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To the person complaining about the trees on Main Street:
1. Main Street has not been narrowed. the right of way is the same width. However the center median which is located over the street car right of way is raised. Combined with the curb "bumpouts" on the corners and ADA crossings at mid-block, it has slowed the traffic speeds on Main Street. This was done intentionally to encourage foot traffic and sidewalk activity and has done wonders for safety in the neighborhood.
2. You do know what summers are like here in Columbia? The trees were planted to give scale to the street level and provide welcome shade. The east side of the street gets incredibly hot starting middays in the late Spring through early Fall. The trees cool things off quite a bit on the sidewalks.
3. The landscaping makes Main Street a much more welcoming area for street level activity. Compare it to Assembly or Sumter Streets. Would you want to walk down the sidewalk of either?
Steve
27 Sep 21 at 1:35 pm
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Downtown main street isnt nearly as wide. If you remember from as late as the 1980's, there were a total of 6 lanes. 4 in the middle and one on either side for parking. Former Mayor Bob Coble wanted more room for people to walk, so the side walk area was extended out as you see it now. The tree block the view of the entire downtown area and you cant see anything as you once did. Downtown was fine from the 1940's through the 80's before the trees were added, and yes it was hot, and that's because it was summertime. Nothing stays the same, and I'm sure whoever made the decision to put the trees in and make the sidewalk areas wider thought it was a good idea, but in the long run it wasnt. Now it's like driving a tank through a narrow hallway with there not being any room to budge and people and trucks parking in the middle of the road and no one seems to care. Downtown isn't at all like it used to be. Look at any old postcards from the 60's or pics. of downtown from the 60's or even the 70's,, and you'll see just how much room was taken away.
Db
27 Sep 21 at 3:57 pm
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Before the most recent Main Street improvement, there was no left turn on red at the lights. This can still be seen near the Richland county courthouse where the improvements weren't done. I was really glad when the left turn restrictions were removed.
Matt
28 Sep 21 at 12:10 pm
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They put a no left turn at Greene Street & Assembly Street for reasons that don't make sense to me...I noticed several people disregarding it anyway and it doesn't make sense why it was put in place in the first place...just like you can't turn left on Gervais Street (coming from Vista/downtown) onto Harden Street (direction opposite of Five Points towards Benedict/Allen) and that's another one that doesn't make sense to me, either.
I myself haven't kept up with the Main Street renovations as I am too young to remember shopping downtown and am even too young to remember life pre-Columbiana. The only beef I have with Main Street is that it seems like the traffic signal at Main & Gervais has a cycle that is inefficient. I do recall that the no left turn signage Matt referenced was 7-6 on weekdays.
I do have a feeling that Main Street is like many other downtowns around that were designed before multiple cars per household was the norm and there weren't as many light trucks (pickup trucks, SUVs, minivans, etc.) as we have now...
Andrew
28 Sep 21 at 1:12 pm
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There is heavy equipment at 4418 to 4424 Devine near Beltline. The veterinarian's office, tattoo parlor and barbershop are all closed.
Frank Mancuso
28 Sep 21 at 6:55 pm
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Frank Mancuso, I have heard a rumor that those buildings are being renovated as a nice steak house. I hope that turns out to be true.
59 Ford Wheelman
29 Sep 21 at 5:47 pm
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Daves Place in Elgin closed the first two weeks on Sept, they post for deep cleaning and time off for employees. They reopened on Sept 14th. Today, they posted they are permantly closing Sept 30th.
Jimmy Freeman
30 Sep 21 at 5:49 pm
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There was a Payless Shoe Source that used to be at 713 West Main Street in Lexington that I thought had already featured here but apparently hasn't yet...today I determined that such building is about to be the home of Palmetto Renovations...
Andrew
4 Oct 21 at 1:09 pm
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@Andrew - I wish that Payless was still around. At least it was a store that focused on shoes, and it wasn't bad quality for the prices. I went to Shoe Show on Augusta Road. Apparently they have such a bad problem with theft, they only keep one shoe in every box.
Robin L.
4 Oct 21 at 3:22 pm
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Folks, demolition of Allen Benedict is finally underway...
Andrew
6 Oct 21 at 8:50 am
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59 Ford Wheelman is correct, according to WLTX the tattoo spot on Devine St is to become a second location of Lexington’s Griffin Chophouse https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wltx.com/amp/article/news/local/griffin-chophouse-columbia-sc-devine-street/101-6e70d0c3-0d1e-43c1-b904-d05aa83bfdad
Larry
11 Oct 21 at 8:59 pm
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@ted - MOMs on Main, which was located at ill-fated 1736 Main Street is closed. The was the location Elite Epicurean.
Justn
14 Oct 21 at 7:03 am
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Are there still plans to build a Cook-Out on Knox Abbott Drive? Or was that stopped?
Robin
16 Oct 21 at 5:11 pm
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Graph-ittis has moved from the longtime Rosewood location to N. Main St.
Sidney
16 Oct 21 at 6:27 pm
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There is a pawn shop that is closing up shop on Beltline. If you are coming from Applebee's on Devine and turn left onto Beltline, it's in the the first set of shops on the left. Right next to my former auto insurance agent, Gus Sylvan.
Sidney
21 Oct 21 at 12:38 pm
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After reviewing the map, I've determined that the pawn shop Sidney mentioned is called Tri-City Pawn (612 Beltline Blvd)...
Andrew
22 Oct 21 at 9:01 am
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Not sure if it has been mentioned here already, but South of the Border is in the process of being demolished according to the photos in this Facebook post - https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=4354672827989169&set=gm.10159598095859555
James R.
24 Oct 21 at 9:46 pm
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I havent been to the State Fair in years. I miss the older rides like the Double Ferris wheel and the Mad Mouse and the Toboggan, Paratrooper and the Round Up to name a few. I also miss the junk food they used to have...now it's all "healthy" stuff for the most part. Does anyone remember the Drive-In Theater that used to be across the street from the entrance? This would have been in the 60's and 70's or maybe before.
Db
25 Oct 21 at 12:19 am
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Man, I'm glad I don't live in that "State Fair Is Healthy" parallel universe you seem to be posting from!
ted
25 Oct 21 at 12:31 am
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What happened to South of the Border? For as long as it's been around, I would have thought its demise would be fairly newsworthy. Anybody know anything?
Dillon County ain't 'zactly the best part of our state, but somehow they made it work for north of 30 years...
Lone Wolf
25 Oct 21 at 9:39 am
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@LW -- I don't have an answer,but just doing a bit of googling, I suspect it is more that they are taking down a few buildings than it is they are closing up shop.
ted
25 Oct 21 at 10:20 am
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Per SOB's Facebook page they are just "changing with the times." It's still owned by the original family and this isn't the first time it's gone through major changes since opening.
It's been ages since I've been there and I'm kind of sad about that now. While I'm sure what they are building now will be nice, I feel like it won't have the same quirky charm. :`(
Gypsie
25 Oct 21 at 8:29 pm
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Florence is getting a Buc-ee’s. Perhaps that might be a factor in SOB "changing with the times?"
Mitch
26 Oct 21 at 3:22 pm
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WIS had this article about the South of the Border construction. Anyone that has dealt with that stretch of I-95 on a regular basis recognizes it as an important landmark between the Carolinas...
Andrew
26 Oct 21 at 5:00 pm
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Folks I've encountered this article indicating that Drip on Columbia's Main Street is temporarily closing due to staffing issues...
Andrew
27 Oct 21 at 8:59 am
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The Rosewood Church is coming down. I was at Publix yesterday and they were tearing it down. @Ted, might want to go and get some pics.
Sidney
27 Oct 21 at 9:17 am
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I remember The State having an article about plans to redevelop that property. It was Rosewood Baptist Church for many years (dating back to 1937). Up the road Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (ELCA) (3707 Moss Avenue) closed in September 2018. After Resurrection closed, Rosewood Community Church moved into Resurrection's facilities and that's where they've been ever since. Changes people are experiencing in the way people are connecting with their churches and worshiping (which was discussed earlier in this Have Your Say thread) meant that Rosewood Community Church decided to downsize.
I have a Coladaily article detailing the plans for the future of the Rosewood church site.
During Eastertime, I found out that First Baptist Church of West Columbia was no more and it's now River District Church. Same thing happened with First Baptist Cayce which is now Mill City Church of Cayce and I have a feeling that those two changes were part of the same tide that is going on.
Andrew
27 Oct 21 at 9:44 am
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To reply to your comment on what I had said about the State Fair being "healthy". Compared to 20 years and more ago, it sure is without a doubt. What happened to the Polish Hot Dogs with all that came with it? What happened to all the greasy food that used to be around, plus there's not near as many vendors as there used to be. I wont comment on things anymore because I always seem to get chastised, or some snide comment or reply is made about me or what I say, and people always assume I don't know what I'm talking about.
Db
27 Oct 21 at 2:25 pm
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@Db -- my comment was meant entirely in fun and not at all as a personal jab.
ted
27 Oct 21 at 2:37 pm
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There was any and all manner of greasy food at the fair. If a anything there were more food vendors. Its expensive as all get out though.
Dan R
28 Oct 21 at 8:16 pm
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It looks like Newspapers.com added The State to its archive back to the turn of the century. Unfortunately, it's Publisher's Extra, but you can use the OER version (replace "image" with "newspage" in the URL) to extract information.
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7515 Two Notch Rd was most recently Atlantic Bedding & Furniture. I just saw a invitation to bid on a new Chick-Fil-A at this address, so I assume this building is about to be torn down.
Matt
3 Nov 21 at 11:04 am
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Not really a closing, but I noticed today that the property across the street from Costco, behind the motel, that someone wanted to build a strip club on, is now for sale.
Tom
5 Nov 21 at 5:35 pm
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Speaking of locations closing due to staff, I was told again that the Lizard's Thicket on Airport Boulevard, in West Columbia, is never opening again. According to an employee at another location. Previously, I was told that it would open again someday.
Robin
6 Nov 21 at 6:33 pm
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ColaDaily reports that The Pot Smoker BBQ restaurant in the Vista has closed. I ate there several times and always enjoyed it. Hate to see them go. https://www.coladaily.com/business/the-pot-smoker-bbq-closes-in-columbias-vista/article_8f550aea-3d9b-11ec-9ab6-832de754a0ab.html
Payne
8 Nov 21 at 8:36 am
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Airport Lizard's Thicket closed because there was not any drive through. All the others could deliver food without exposure to the driver and/or passengers.
The rumor of a flyover from I-26 is wrong, at least at this time.
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Can we get more information on this potential Chick-Fil-A for 7515 Two Notch Road?
Rashaad
8 Nov 21 at 9:18 am
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I haven't heard anything about the flyover on I-26 that Pat mentioned (idk where it would go and am puzzled by such). The only thing I can think of (given the area mentioned) was to try to connect the Columbia Airport Expressway (formerly the John Hardee Expressway) to I-26 directly but idk where the process stands on that project.
Andrew
8 Nov 21 at 10:02 am
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The Beltline Liz is closed again as well -- staffing issues.
ted
8 Nov 21 at 9:53 pm
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I heard Ten Ten is closed. It is in the same shopping center as Little Caesar Pizza at Clemson and Hardscrabble Rd. There was a post going around on social media a few weeks ago about roaches (at the front counter) and rats. This may have put them out of business.
Sidney
10 Nov 21 at 8:20 am
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Little Caesars was absent from the Columbia market for a number of years. When they made their way back (ca. 2005/06) the Magnolia Pointe one Sidney referenced was the very first and I remember going to get a pizza there since I had hoped they'd make their way back into Columbia. Not only that, I remember encountering a Kmart with a Little Caesars inside it in Lumberton, NC and hoping to try it (which I finally did a few years later) a couple of years prior to that (of course that Kmart is no more as it closed in the same batch as Camden's in Summer 2016). Of course I've enjoyed my share of pizzas from there over the course of the intervening years.
At the time the shopping center's anchor tenant was a Piggly Wiggly. That Piggly Wiggly closed (and featured here) and as I noted on that page that space is now a combination Family Dollar/Dollar Tree space.
Google reveals that Ten Ten has an address of 2000 Clemson Rd #7. I haven't been out there to see for myself what the situation is as I don't make it out that way much these days and plus I'm not one to eat at Asian places.
Andrew
10 Nov 21 at 11:21 am
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I have never eaten at Ten Ten although I worked with the owner (he was my supervisor) when he worked at PMSC from 89-91, Minh Van Giap was his name.
Sidney
11 Nov 21 at 8:47 am
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Hudson Brother's Used Cars is gone from 4779 Sunset Blvd. in Lexington. The BBQ Smokehouse down the road is still in operation.
JohnR
11 Nov 21 at 3:34 pm
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Not a closing, but I saw today that the building going up on Lake Murray Blvd across from First Citizens Bank is going to be another QT station. Those things are popping up EVERYWHERE. I'm actually kind of surprised it's taken this long for a gas station to be built in that area - it's always struck me as odd that there wasn't one nearby on either side of the interstate at that exit.
Speaking of the interstate, do we know if all of the businesses that will be affected by the Carolina Crossroads project have closed or if there are still more to come? I was reading over some of the specs for the project the other night and it seems like they are about to make a royal mess of the area. I still can't really picture how it's going to look though. Especially as it applies to Jamil Road. We used to have a storage unit at the U-Haul place, but were told the DOT had acquired the property as part of the Crossroads project so we had to move our stuff elsewhere. But so far it doesn't look like any other buildings in that area have been acquired and of course they are in the process of building the QT at the top of the hill so.... I just don't see the vision.
Gypsie
11 Nov 21 at 8:52 pm
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There’s actually a QT being built at both ends of Jamil, St. Andrews and Piney Grove intersections. I don’t believe that phase of Carolina Crossroads is going to being in the next 3-4 years so I don’t see why any businesses would need to leave this early.
Larry
11 Nov 21 at 9:09 pm
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@Larry... I wondered if they were also putting a QT on the Piney Grove end the other day when I saw a Now Hiring sign there, but the person I was with said it was probably for the location on the St. Andrews end. They are becoming like Dollar Generals and Waffle Houses. (Ha Ha)
As for the businesses closing, all I know is that in mid July we received a letter from U-Haul stating that the property had been acquired by the DOT as part of the Carolina Crossroads Project and that all units had to be vacated by the end of August. Adjusters were sent down from NC to meet with unit owners to determine moving costs which were to be paid by the state - I forget the exact wording, but I gather the funds are part of the project's budget.
Gypsie
11 Nov 21 at 10:54 pm
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I have no doubt that Jamil, Berryhill and Fernandina Roads (the 3 main frontage roads in the Carolina Crossroads corridor) will need to be shifted back to accommodate the widened interstate and that does mean that some properties will need to be acquired and the Uhaul Gypsie mentioned is going to be one of them (I'm sure the process is in the works on the other properties as well). Also, Giles Parkway (off of Saturn Parkway) will be removed in this part of the process. The one that I think will be the messiest to deal with is an apartment complex on Berryhill Road.
I'd also look for the Applebee's & Hooters on Fernandina Road to close up shop for all of this as the I-26 & Harbison interchange is reworked...the loop that exists now on that side will be reworked in favor of a 'traditional diamond' interchange.
Construction on the QT at Jamil and Piney Grove Road is about to get started and I would anticipate the building itself going up sometime in the coming weeks. The St. Andrews & Jamil road store will likely ready to come online in the coming weeks as well (and I think it'll be a nice upgrade for that intersection). Last time I was out that way they had one at I-26 and US 321 (near the USPS Dixana facility) under construction and supposedly Shop Road is about to get one as well.
Andrew
12 Nov 21 at 7:38 am
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I know the Motel 6 at St.Andrews was a business that was suppose to be bought and demolished by DOT for the project. I guess that’s a visible landmark to know when the businesses in the area are closing down due to road work.
Larry
13 Nov 21 at 11:15 am
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Main St Public House is closing to temporarily become a holiday pop up bar called Miracle on Main St and then permanently becoming Prohibition. Prohibition is a Charleston bar that will be opening a Columbia location.
Larry
16 Nov 21 at 6:54 pm
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The Starbucks on the corner of Gervais and Lincoln is closed.
Justin
17 Nov 21 at 7:18 am
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As the Carolina Crossroads project takes shape SCDOT has a visualization of phase 1 at https://youtu.be/jlsvE1qU0JA as the process of untangling Malfunction Junction gets underway...
Andrew
18 Nov 21 at 8:39 am
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After watching that video I think I'll just go ahead and ask Santa for a jet pack this year.
Gypsie
18 Nov 21 at 9:10 pm
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Sorry for the double post, I forgot to add that the signage for the Airport Lizard's Thicket has been taken down - both from the road sign and the building itself.
Gypsie
18 Nov 21 at 9:14 pm
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The razing of the building where Fire House subs was located on Sparkleberry was posted earlier. Construction is underway and it appears to be a gas station/convenience store.
Thomas
20 Nov 21 at 8:42 am
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Today I noticed that the Exxon station at the Peak exit off of I-26 had been torn down to make way for the interstate's exspansion.
Tom
22 Nov 21 at 7:46 pm
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I can confirm the building where Firehouse Subs was on Sparkleberry will be a Kroger gas station. I asked one of the employees a couple of weeks ago. They've been wanting one tied to that store for years and finally are getting it.
Carl
22 Nov 21 at 10:01 pm
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The former BB&T is to become a “Big Dan’s Car Wash” per documents filed with the City of Cola Planning Department.
Larry
24 Nov 21 at 1:02 pm
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Former BB&T on Harbison Blvd that is*
Larry
24 Nov 21 at 1:13 pm
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The building behind the old comedy club on Berryhill Rd. has been torn down. At one point it housed VPM Realty, another time is was something to do with the SC Student Loan Association, and I'm not sure what else it has been over the years.
I wonder if the old comedy building will come down as well? And hopefully that Red Roof Inn and Tokyo Buffet will follow suit.
Gypsie
25 Nov 21 at 9:22 pm
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Wonder if this has anything to do with the malfunction junction re-birth
26 Nov 21 at 11:12 am
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The Comedy house Gypsie mentioned has featured here with numerous different establishments that have passed through over the years and I do believe that this is part of the Carolina Crossroads project where Berryhill Road will need to be shifted back in order to accommodate the widened interstate. It remains to be seen how Red Roof Inn and the Tokyo Buffet (former Steak N Ale) will be impacted by all of this.
Last I knew the plan is for St. Andrews Road and I-26 to be overhauled into an interchange design called a SPUI (an example of a fully functioning SPUI can be found at 378 & I-26).
Andrew
26 Nov 21 at 5:47 pm
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I forgot about Pure Nightclub. I went there once. There was nothing "pure" about it. Ha! I do miss The Comedy House though. We used to go there fairly often and always enjoyed it.
Is that thing off I-20 near Lexington Hospital an SPUI as well? I sure hope not. That thing just seems dangerous to me and I've seen multiple near misses many a time. I live in the St. Andrews area so I'm not going to be happy if I have to deal with that type of intersection on a regular basis. My faith in the majority of my fellow drivers to put down their damn phones long enough to follow odd traffic patterns is pretty non-existent at this point.
I'm also a little concerned about all the talk of fly overs. The one from I-77 north to I-20 west is downright terrifying to me and I will go WAY out of my way if necessary to avoid using it.
Gypsie
26 Nov 21 at 7:53 pm
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I-20 and 378 is NOT a SPUI...the SPUI that is adjacent to Lexington Medical Center is at 378 and I-26. I-26 and St. Andrews as well as I-20 and Broad River are due to become SPUIs over the course of the Carolina Crossroads project.
The interchange of I-26 and I-20 is going to become something called a 'turbine' style interchange. Looking at the map, there is an interchange of I-85 and I-485 in Northeast Charlotte (near Stony Creek and shortly before getting to Concord) that looks close to what I think SCDOT has in mind for said interchange...
Andrew
26 Nov 21 at 9:35 pm
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Regardless of what's done or revamped or not done, it's still gonna be a mess. I don't see this area ever being fixed to the point of helping. The only time I remember that it wasn't a problem was the late 60's to mid 70's when it was a much more simple design. As the saying goes " If it ain't broke, don't fix it"...but someone had the bright idea of screwing up things when all this was added whatever year that was, and now it's all this. Only time will tell how bad or good it's gonna do things.
Db
27 Nov 21 at 6:45 pm
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Does anybody remember the old Dairy Bar on South Main Street, close to where Hunter-Gatherer is now?
John Nelson
29 Nov 21 at 12:56 am
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Yes, they had the really good pimento burger. Wasn't the last name of the family who owned it Dauth?
Thomas
29 Nov 21 at 8:05 am
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The Villa on Bush River Road announced that they will close forever on December 22. This is sad news for me as a regular since the 90s. They had a 45+ year run. I can only hope they'll share their minestrone soup recipe.
Heath
29 Nov 21 at 9:18 pm
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The Villa on Bush River Rd announced on their FB page that they would close permanently on Dec 22.
https://www.facebook.com/112615925458490/posts/4597974440255927/?d=n
ED
29 Nov 21 at 9:31 pm
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I have found this Coladaily article confirming the closing plans ED mentioned for the Villa. I had lunch there with a cousin of mine once a few years back and we were about the only ones there (granted it was at an odd time). It seemed like it was dark inside and the pizza I had was a thin crust one which isn't my favorite (it was fine, but not my favorite). To the best of my knowledge it's the only time I've eaten there.
Part of me wishes that Real Mexico would jump at this opportunity to have a better parking lot. I have friends I've been there with several times (before COVID) and that parking lot gives me the willies.
Andrew
30 Nov 21 at 2:43 pm
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Synovus has mailed letters to its 7851 Garners Ferry Road customers notifying that this location will permanently close on January 14, 2022.
"Our team is excited to welcome you at the 2401 Devine Street branch".
This branch is only a couple of blocks from 5 Points and creates quite a drive for those living beyond the I-77 overpass. In fact the distance between the two locations is 54 blocks.
As I recall the Garners Ferry location opened in the late 1990s as an NBSC.
Joe Shlabotnik
1 Dec 21 at 3:18 am
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Today's The State print edition (couldn't find it on thestate.com) mentioned the forthcoming Villa closing on December 22 and noted that it had been open since May 1977. It also spoke of a Five Points location that was around for over 2 decades before closing in 1993 leading me to wonder if anyone here remembers where the 5 Points location was...
Andrew
1 Dec 21 at 9:32 am
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This article says that the original location is now Pawley's Front Porch. Interesting read about the artwork and how it moved from 5 Points to Bush River. I agree that Real Mexico could use an upgrade, we've had to park across the street and play Frogger to eat there. I wonder if the Carolina Crossroads project changes will make The Villa location less desirable?
Heath
1 Dec 21 at 11:36 am
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The Villa’s closing announcement is apparently drawing a lot of business. A friend tried to have lunch there today, but they were closed as they sold out of food last night!
Alan
2 Dec 21 at 9:12 pm
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I know issues with the fountain at Finlay Park have been an issue discussed here at one point and now WIS published this article talking about plans to overhaul Finlay Park.
Andrew
7 Dec 21 at 11:22 am
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They can overhaul Finlay Park all they want, but until something is done about the homeless population downtown/those who make the park area their bed and toilet it's not going to be a place people want to visit.
Gypsie
8 Dec 21 at 10:34 pm
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I agree with Gypsie. I wonder if this is a waste of money.
Robin
9 Dec 21 at 12:54 am
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With Riverfont Park nearby - with a parking lot - there really isn’t a need for Finlay Park. Any festivals that were held there have been moved to other locations, like Main Street, where there are parking garages.
Alan
9 Dec 21 at 5:39 am
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City of Columbia (and/or Richland County) throwing money around like a drunken sailor, only to "cry poverty" shortly thereafter so they can (again) raise taxes? Surely, you jest...
@Gypsie & @ Robin, y'all are, of course, correct. Without fixing the root cause of Finlay Park's downfall, this project is already headed down the wrong path. But, elected officials have to be seen as "doing something", lest they have to actually work for a living...
Lone Wolf
9 Dec 21 at 8:33 am
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I can remember years ago my dad and I would have something to mail and we'd go to the main PO adjacent to Finlay Park when Finlay Park would have a festival or concert going on and they'd take up all the PO parking so we'd have a time finding somewhere to park since the festivalgoers/concertgoers had taken up all the spaces. That is the biggest beef I've had with Finlay Park.
Andrew
9 Dec 21 at 1:10 pm
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Before it was redone and named Finlay Park, it was Seaboard Park due to all the trains and tracks and things that used to be there through the 60's or even 70's. It looks better now than it did, but the homeless and drug dealers and others have just about ruined it for everyone. Columbia is Columbia..nothing more and nothing less. The City Council and others really don't give a flyin' flip about this place or taking care of the problem with the homeless and others...if they did, it would have happened by now. Talk is cheap..and that's all it is...just talk. I stay away from downtown as much as possible due to too many people in such a small area.
Db
9 Dec 21 at 1:51 pm
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Nostalgia Antiques at 500 Beltline Blvd. has gone out of business. A friend of mine and her husband opened the store about four years ago.
Gypsie
9 Dec 21 at 6:51 pm
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It was Seaboard, then Sidney, then Finlay Park.
Gypsie
9 Dec 21 at 6:55 pm
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The janky used tire lot on St. Andrews Rd. next to Dickson's Old Cobbler is for sale.
The Hills Construction building on Park Terrace Drive is also for sale.
Gypsie
10 Dec 21 at 12:32 pm
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Sorry if this was mentioned already. The "Lazy Llama" coffee shop in Cayce is now a business called the "Koffee Koala". Not sure if this is a totally new business with new owners; I've only driven past before. Located in the Cayce Crossing shopping center that used have a Piggly Wiggly.
Robin
11 Dec 21 at 3:26 pm
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C & J Automotive LLC is the name of the janky tire shop that is for sale on St. Andrews Rd. next to Dickson's Old Cobbler.
Gypsie
12 Dec 21 at 9:57 am
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The office building at 3630 Bush River Rd that used to be Gary Hodge Insurance has a for sale sign on it. (I think he moved to another oart if town.) When I looked it up online to get the exact address I saw on Loop Net that it was apparently listed in November 2019, but I drive by there pretty regularly though and I do not remember seeing a sign before this week. Maybe I missed it though. Stranger things have happened.
Gypsie
14 Dec 21 at 6:51 pm
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It appears that the Waffle House near the Two Notch and Trenholm Road Extension is being razed. It is on that strip of land in front of Texas Roadhouse and U-Haul. There is another Waffle House close to this one and is located towards town between I-77 and I-20.
Thomas
15 Dec 21 at 8:54 am
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The brick company off I-20 near the Broad River has changed ownership. Again.
Gypsie
15 Dec 21 at 1:03 pm
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The Wells Fargo ATM that was located in the New Spring Church parking lot on Bush River Road has been removed.
On a side note - and related to the recent discussion about more and more churches moving into former retail spaces - I spoke with a friend of mine the other night who's a pastor at one such church and he said that cost is absolutely the number one reason for it. The leases are usually cheaper than making a mortgage payment, the maintenance isn't their responsibility or on their dime, and it's much easier to change spaces due to congregation growth or shrinkage than it is to enlarge a traditional church structure or to be paying for one that is bigger than what is needed.
Gypsie
25 Dec 21 at 5:11 pm
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It was posted earlier that the Atlantic Furniture/Haverty's on Two Notch near the intersection with Nates Road was closing. Another post indicated that Chik Fil A would locate there. The Building now appears to be empty and the "sale" has ended. Chik Fil A will begin construction. As soon as this one is completed, the Decker Blvd Chik Fil A is scheduled to close.
Thomas
26 Dec 21 at 10:40 am
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I didn't realize that the new Chick-Fil-A was replacing the Decker location. But the Decker location is the poster-child of everything that is wrong with the new and improved CFA business model so hopefully the new location will be more improved.
My problem is that Decker doesn't have any order online pickup spots. When you drive a work truck like I do, it is nearly impossible to get under the tent that they use without fear of bringing the whole thing down. The last time we got something from there, they forgot straws and there is no way to get into the building so I had to walk up to the drive through window.
Matt
26 Dec 21 at 8:31 pm
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@Matt CFA Decker only forgets straws? Seems I need to roadtrip for my CFA fix.
CFA Ballentine drive-thru now forgets sandwiches and sides as part of the new and improved CFA business model. CFA Ballentine has gotten so bad we only order delivery, as delivery seems to go through more order checks.
At least CFA has chicken more regularly than Bojangles Chapin, Bojangles Irmo-Kennerly Rd, and Popeyes anywhere.Mitch
26 Dec 21 at 8:45 pm
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@Gypsie
I always got a chuckle out of the ATM in a church parking lot. I could picture "Let's take a 5 minute intermission for you guys to take a stroll in the parking lot before we pass the collection plate."
Heath
27 Dec 21 at 12:00 pm
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During a recent bike ride around downtown, I noticed a number of closings/moves: Regal Prints @ 1307 Calhoun St., Knights of Columbus @ 1623 Marion (appears to have moved to 3600 Devine), and the Marion St. Highrise is closed and empty now.
Justin
27 Dec 21 at 4:07 pm
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Wings and Ale at the dam (Lexington) has closed suddenly and the word is the closure is permanent. That location has gone through several different owners and appears to do great business but none of them have stuck.
Steve
28 Dec 21 at 3:40 pm
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I have noticed the last several of times I've ridden by the Wings & Ale Steve mentioned that there is property next door that appears to have sold so perhaps this closure has something to do with what is coming soon to that property...
Andrew
28 Dec 21 at 4:44 pm
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Vacuum Center on Knox Abbott Drive has relocated to Charleston Hwy next to Arby's. The old location has been purchased by Fire House Subs
Thomas
29 Dec 21 at 3:18 pm
World Market is closing January (i think) 25th in Sandhills. Everything is on sale now.