Columbia Closings   What's not in Columbia anymore

I posted on The Mouse Trap in the spring of 2018 when they closed for remodeling, and again in early 2019 when I noted that they were open again.

Now it seems that, unfortunately, that didn't last. I did finally make it over there for lunch one day last year, and had a good burger. Although it didn't impact my experience as I was the only one in the place, my impression was that they were a bit understaffed at the time.

Commenter Mr. BO sends this link to their 13 January Facebook page announcing the closing and mentions that The Mouse Trap took over from a place I was unaware of, Picasso's in the early 1980s. (Or 1979 as the Facebook mentions).

The State has home more details.

(Hat tip to commenter Mr. BO)

I have tried to go to The Mouse Trap three times, but in the event only managed it once.

The first time was years ago, probably the early 80s, and I just could not find the place. I had seen it once at that point, and knew it was in the office complex off Forest Drive, but after driving around twenty minutes or so, I gave it up as a bad job and went somewhere else. (Was it originally at a different location in this plaza? Because I have no problem now).

The second time was with some folks from the CS department at USC during a homecoming event. No problem finding it this time (I may have been following someone) and the food was fine, though I have very little memory of it.

The third time was a year or two ago when I decided, Hey, it's been 10 or 15 years; time for another visit!, but it turned out to be one of those places that close between "lunch" & "dinner".

Anway, they are now closed for remodeling. The inside looks a bit torn up and there is a storage container out back, so I think work has started, though the sign doesn't give any ETA.

(Hat tip to commenter Midnight Rambler)

UPDATE 30 January 2019 -- As reported in the comments, this is open again: