Columbia Closings   What's not in Columbia anymore

This is the third Qdoba in Columbia to close fairly recently, the other two being on Garners Ferry and Two Notch. WLTX has the story here.

I think the chain may be having troubles in general as google finds a number of closings nationally, and I have also noticed the Surfside location close. I will say that the few times I have tried Qdoba in general (I did not try any of the Columbia stores), I have not been too impressed. In particular, my burrito always fell apart.

I'm not sure whether the architecture of this building is meant to suggest Southwest or Brick Train Station...

(Hat tip to commenter Justin)

UPDATE 26 August 2015 -- As mentioned by commenter James R, Salsarita's is now open in this location:

This KFC was gone as early as the February 1997 phonebook, which is the earliest I have at home. As you can see from the ad in the 1976 phonebook, at one time this was store #7 for Kentucky Fried Chicken in Columbia, and at this remove, it's easy to forget that the picture in the ad was that of a living man who still toured the country promoting Kentucky Fried Chicken, despite being unhappy with what corporate had done with his gravy.

(Hat tips to commenters Andrew & Sidney)

I've written about this building before here and here, though sometimes the address is given as 6303 Shakespeare instead of 6301 Shakespeare.

Driving by the other week, I noticed it was vacant again. I'm not sure when Shakespeare Fish Market closed, but there are reviews posted up through October 2014, so I'm erring on the side of caution and saying early 2015.

According to those reviews and this WLTX Golden Spoon video profile, the place was a takeout seafood operation, sourcing fresh seafood from Georgetown.

Well, I was sorry to see this. Hooligan's has been a long-time presence at Trenholm Plaza, and has continued the ice cream tradition that started in that location with Edisto Farms Dairy.

I didn't go to Hooligan's that often, but they were dependable, and had excellent ice (the chewy kind) for the drinks. At one time, when my eldest niece was in her terrible twos, Hooligan's was the only place my sister could take her out as it was kid friendly, and cranky-kid friendly.

(Hat tip to commenter mamarose)

UPDATE 29 January 2018: According to The State, this is to be BLD Diner

a hip version of the American classic diner, offering everything from omelets and fresh squeezed juice in the morning to a full prime rib dinner in the evenings

UPDATE 14 May 2018 -- The sign for BLD Diner is up:

UPDATE 6 August 2018 -- BLD Diner is now open in this slot:

Well, I don't know why this Pizza Hut closed, but just having visited once, to take these pictures, I can hazard a guess as to a contributing factor: The exit to St. Andrews Road is terrible. I drove around the building on the old drive-through route, and found that when I came out in front of the building again, there was not enough room to get my car pointed to the right and exit onto SAR headed for Tram Street. Granted some cars have a better turning radius, but still it's not well designed, and due to space constraints probably cannot be well designed.

I think it's interesting that the building is of the current generation of Pizza Hut designs. I'm more used to seeing the old style ones (like this and this) closed.

(Hat tip to commenter Andrew)

UPDATE 16 February 2016 -- As mentioned in the comments, the Domino's in this location is now open, and has been for a while:

This follow-on operation to Bojangles seems to be undergoing some sort of remodeling, which is a little odd since I think a lot of work was done after Bojangles moved out.

UPDATE 22 June 2016 -- Closed again:

UPDATE 25 September 2016 -- As mentioned in the comments, this is to become a Nick's:

I wondered at the time about Nick's opening in this old Taco Bell as it seemed quite close to their flagship location on Two Notch.

In the event, it appears the Decker location is now independant (though seemingly with a similar menu). Feel Goods is the new name.

UPDATE 16 April 2015: Added first two pictures of Nick's in operation.

I wondered at the time about Nick's opening in this old Taco Bell as it seemed quite close to their flagship location on Two Notch.

In the event, it appears the Decker location is now independant (though seemingly with a similar menu). Feel Goods is the new name.

UPDATE 16 April 2015: Added first two pictures of Nick's in operation.

Commenter Megan reports this Lexington Hibachi spot as closed around the start of the month.

But you can still get some dogs..

(Hat tip to commenter Megan)

UPDATE 8 September 2016 -- It appears the follow-on operation, Clean Eatz is now in operation:

Commenter Jason reports this Beef 'O' Brady's location on Hard Scrabble has been closed since January.

I believe the only BOB I have ever been in was the Pawleys Island location (which is now DeRoma's pizza), and I thought it wasn't bad. It did strike me as somewhat like the lamented Bennigan's chain though, in that it was hard to see anything you could really characterize as "Irish".

(Hat tip to commmenter Jason)

UPDATE 11 January 2016 -- As mentioned in the comments, this place is open again:

UPDATE 11 March 2025: As mentioned by commenter badger, this Beef O' Brady was closed again for an ownership change, but as of yesterday, should be back. The State has the story here and here.

(Also adding the map icon)