Columbia Closings   What's not in Columbia anymore

Going for the Chicken-Trifecta, here is the Slim Chickens on Killian Road, across from the Freddy's.

It appears now that the chain's move into the Midlands has failed, and the only stores left in South Carolina are in Florence, Myrtle Beach and Moncks Corner.

The State had the story, such as it is.

The reviews for this wingery which replaced Schlotzsky's which closed in 2024 look to be pretty good, however one of the last reviews which is from around July mentions that the hours are gettin erratic, which is One Of The Signs, so I'm going with July for a closing date. However arguing against that somewhat is the fact that the curb signage is still out which I wouldn't expect to last long past a closing.

Anyway, all I know about the place is that it as part of a chain which is still around, and actually has some non-chicken items I would order.

(Hat tip to commenter Mr. Bill)

I think Columbia may be over-chickened. At least this place (a Walmart outparcel) shared the parking lot with Popeye's, was a block away from Chick-Fil-A, and sat within a mile of a Bojangles. I'm sure that it didn't help that it was a new chain in the Midlands, and that its sister store had already closed.

Anyway, no sign on the door, but the place is locked up with the condiments still on the tables.

(Hat tip to commener Trevin)

Mel's (originally mooted to be Mo's) replaced Zesto in this location which closed in December of 2024. They got going in the summer of 2025, and so lasted about a year. I had not stopped since then, but was looking forward to a soft-serve chocolate dip to close out August. In the event, they have been closed several weeks, and a (mysterious) new concept is supposed to debut here in September.

You can read about it in The State, The Post & Courier or on WIS.

Slim Chickens replaced (after a hiatus) another chicken operation Golden Chick which closed in 2019. Slim Chickens opened here in March of 2024 giving them somewhat over two years in operation.

I'm not a chicken fan, but my sister & niece tried it once, were not impressed, and I don't believe went back.

None of the news stories give any reason for the closing though commenter John indicated that he witnessed staffing issues there. Personally, I think that being on the same block as Zaxby's can't have helped.

You can read about the closing at The State or at The Post & Courier.

(Hat tip to commenter John)

Spice Wing in the old Fort Jackon Kmart plaza, closed on 27 May according to this story in The State. However, it is already set to be replaced by another wing operation, Crazy Wings. Kind of makes me wonder if that wasn't the plan all along.

(Hat tip to my sister)

It appears that the Zaxby's out past Aldi on Garners Ferry Road is closed for some sort of remodeling. There are no details on the sign, but the sign is still branded Zaxby's, so I guess they plan to re-open in due course.

(Hat tip to commenter Badger)

The Bojangles at the corner of Elmwood and Park is closed for remodeling.

They have revamped a number of stores over the past few years, just reopening the one on Fort Jackson Boulevard.

The State has the story (to a very limited extent) here.

It's unclear to me whether this is a new operation or just a reflagging, but Chicki's Wings on Broad River in the old Taco Bell/Atlantic Seafood building is now Wings House.

Curiously, though the Grand Opening flags are out, the place was not open during their posted Saturday hours.

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I believe it is safe to borrow commenter Larry's phrase

Well the renovations are extensive

for this Knox Abbot Drive Zaxby's.

This also appears to have entailed knocking down the Sprint building at some point.