Columbia Closings   What's not in Columbia anymore

This Zoe's Kitchen hung on longer than all the others in the Midlands, which all converted to Cava stores over the last few months, but it has finally spun its cocoon as well.

I was able to eat at a Cava recently, and found it to be almost exactly like Kairos, but with a more industrial and less welcoming feel.

(Hat tip to commenter Tom)

I was not really aware of this restaurant as I go out that way so seldom. Apparently it was rather new, and started just in time to be hit by the pandemic. It probably didn't help either that a San Jose was just around one corner, and El Charro around the other.

According to their Facebook they do still have a location in Swansea.

(Hat tip to commenter Heath)

This is a nice little building on Lake Murray Boulevard, though I'm guessing it had a better setback when the road was two lanes. They are still in business, but moving (presumably after they sell the building).

(Hat tip to commenter Gypsie)

Irmo Lunch spot Fire and Spice on Woodrow Street has closed. They were the follow-on operation in this storefront to China Pearl and, looking at their Facebook, it seems they will be succeeded by Roy's Grille, which is moving here from Lexington.

(Hat tip to commenter Heath)

Well, here's another bank branch closure. This one is at the corner of Saint Andrews Road and Old Bush River Road in Irmo. The real estate listing is here.

About the only other thing I know about it is that it was robbed in early 2018.

(Hat tip to commenter Gypsie)

UPDATE 21 May 2024 -- Razed and on the way to being rebuilt as a Murphy's:

I've noticed this mid-century ranch house in Seven Oaks a number of times over the last year or so, but saw lately that there was a for-sale sign on the property. From what I can tell, Drigger's Photography has moved, or perhaps gone to a primarily online presence.

Given the location I would not be at all surprised to see this place razed after it sells with some sort of professional building going in, but time will tell.

UPDATE 20 October 2022 -- As mentioned in the comments, this is now Modern Roofing:

If you look closely at the first picture, you can, barely, see the Fuji Cafe signage still on the marquee of Suite G at Kennerly Crossing back in September of 2018. As nearly as I can tell from the Google reviews, it closed around 2019, and the suite is still empty.

Here's another Hardee's closed, this one on Dutch Fork Road. I'm starting to think there is something going on with the chain, as it seems quite a few have gone dark over the last year or two.

I see they just named a new CEO last week, but it's a press release, so there is no analysis there. (I will note that the corporate-speak is so thick there, that they think a paragraph like:

"We are excited to welcome Brandon to our talented Leadership Team. His entrepreneurial spirit, strong finance focus and results orientation will be perfect complements to our team," says Chief Executive Officer Ned Lyerly. "Brandon's proven track record in dynamic, multi-unit food service environments will be on display as we build on our momentum and create value for stakeholders in our business."

sounds reasonable..)

(Hat tip to commenter Heath)

C & J Automotive is nestled on a narrow strip of land in between the train tracks and Saint Andrews Road in the Seven Oaks section of Irmo. It is not too far past Sno Biz.

It appears to me that the lot remains in business while they are looking for a buyer, so I am just putting an indifinite "2022" as the closing date.

(Hat tip to commenter Gypsie)

Commenter Tom mentioned that this Irmo Corner Pantry Exxon at the I-26 Peak exit had been torn down for the ongoing road work in the area. By the time I got to the area, there was really nothing left to see, but you can view the old building at this LoopNet listing and by clicking through to old images in Google Streetview.

(Hat tip to commenter Tom)