Columbia Residents Face Multiple Business Closures in 2024

News Summary

In 2024, Columbia sees a wave of business closures affecting cherished local establishments, leaving residents nostalgic about former favorites. Iconic venues like Rockaway Athletic Club and Hunter-Gatherer Brewery are among those shutting down, prompting community reflection on the changing landscape and its impact on the local dining and recreational scene.

Columbia Residents Face Multiple Business Closures in 2024

The city of Columbia is experiencing quite a mixed bag of emotions as we move through 2024, with numerous businesses shutting their doors and leaving shoppers and foodies alike feeling a little bit blue. Major establishments that have been part of the fabric of this vibrant community are either closing down or moving on, leaving residents to feel a sense of loss for what once was.

Dining Scene Dramatically Changes

In January, Columbia’s beloved Rockaway Athletic Club on Rosewood Drive, known for its legendary pimento cheeseburgers, closed after more than 40 years of service. It was a local favorite that had a special place in the hearts of many. Not long before that, the salad and wrap hot spot, Verde, in Trenholm Plaza closed its doors on December 15, 2024. This was another tasty option off the menu that many will miss.

But the closures don’t stop there. After nearly three decades of serving craft beers and delicious bites, Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Ales plans to shut down its downtown location on December 28, 2024, although its Hangar spot will remain open. It’s such a mixed bag, as many locals will have to adjust to their favorite hangout disappearing from the scene.

Just when diners were settling into the idea of new taco options, Barrio Tacos + Tequila at its Columbia location ceased operations in December 2024, only ten months after making its debut. Fortunately, the Lexington location is still up and running, but it won’t quite be the same for Columbia residents.

A Wave of Change in Fast Casual and More

Other popular hangouts also fell victim to this wave of business closures. The Harbison area saw Uberrito, a fresh Mex restaurant, close its doors in November 2024. However, there’s a silver lining on the horizon with the anticipated opening of a new Asian restaurant, Bibimbox, in 2025 right in the same space.

Moving over to Irmo, Bart’s Crazy Good Coffee shut down one of its two locations, leaving its Dutch Fork Road venue still in business. Many regulars gathered their caffeine fix there, and the news has hit hard. Over in Forest Acres, even the local Zesto ice cream parlor announced it would close by the end of December 2024.

Familiar Spots Say Goodbye

It’s not just eateries getting the ax; familiar financial institutions are also altering the landscape. The Wells Fargo branch downtown closed in October 2024, forcing customers to redirect their banking needs to a different location.

Even recreational spots faced changes. The popular bowling alley, JC’s Lexington Bowl, reports permanent closure after an impressive run since 1989. And in June 2024, Hooters on Two Notch Road joined the ranks of departed establishments.

Community Changes Keep Coming

Residents bidding farewell to beloved restaurants will also have to adjust to the closure of Cracker Barrel in April 2024 and Poogan’s Southern Kitchen earlier in May. While it was once the perfect spot to grab comfort food, fans of the Southern eatery can still enjoy its presence at another location.

Old favorites aren’t just limited to restaurants. In February 2024, Compton’s Kitchen, serving a rich selection of Southern dishes, closed its doors after an impressive 47-year run, and two well-loved flower shops, DeLoache Flowers and Branham Florist Supply, announced their retirement after nearly 80 years of community service.

Reflections on a Changing Landscape

As these and many more businesses close their doors in Columbia and the surrounding Midlands area, the community faces an uncertain future filled with nostalgia for what was once a bustling local scene. Understanding that change is inevitable is part of small-town life, but every closure brings with it a change that will resonate in the hearts of residents and patrons alike. While some establishments fade away, new opportunities always loom on the horizon, suggesting that what goes may yet return in different forms.