News Summary
Banh Mi Boys, the beloved Vietnamese sandwich restaurant in Columbia, has closed its doors permanently. After just over two years of operation, the eatery, known for its grilled pork banh mi and diverse menu, has left a void in the local dining scene. The management shared their gratitude to customers via social media, acknowledging the challenges faced in the aftermath of the pandemic. While fans of the restaurant adjust to its closure, other Vietnamese dining options remain available in the area.
Columbia – Banh Mi Boys, a popular Vietnamese sandwich restaurant, has officially closed its doors at 625 Whaley St. in Columbia, effective immediately. The eatery, situated near The Mills — an apartment complex favored by University of South Carolina (USC) students — had been a local fixture since it opened in June 2021.
Operating for just over two years, Banh Mi Boys was part of a small restaurant chain originating from Louisiana, known for its diverse menu, which included traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, po’ boys, and crispy egg rolls. One of the standout items on their menu was the grilled pork banh mi, featuring a combination of char-grilled lemongrass pork, pickled carrots, jalapeños, cilantro, cucumber, and a rich buttery spread.
The closure announcement was made via an Instagram post, where the management expressed heartfelt gratitude towards its customers and reflected on their experiences throughout the restaurant’s journey. Despite the effort and dedication, it was noted that the closure had been on the horizon; the restaurant had hinted in December that it might close if a new buyer did not come forward. As of the time of the closure announcement, no buyer had yet been secured.
Community Impact
The restaurant’s closure leaves a gap for Vietnamese cuisine lovers in the Columbia area, as many fans now find themselves searching for alternatives. Though Banh Mi Boys will be missed, there are still several nearby options for those seeking authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Alternative dining choices include Paris Banh Mi, located in northeast Columbia, which offers a variety of banh mi sandwiches and other Vietnamese specialties. Additionally, Little Bee Bun Mee in Cayce provides similar offerings, and Pho & Banh Mi in West Columbia remains an option for those craving Vietnamese food.
Restaurant History
Banh Mi Boys was positioned in a prime location that attracted many USC students looking for quick and flavorful meal options. The restaurant quickly gained a dedicated following thanks to its commitment to quality and authenticity, combining traditional Vietnamese flavors with a fast-casual dining experience.
Despite the small chain’s efforts to expand its reach into South Carolina’s restaurant scene, the challenges of sustaining a business post-COVID-19 have proven formidable. Many eateries across the country similarly experienced difficulties, making it increasingly common to witness closures within the hospitality industry.
The loss of Banh Mi Boys represents not only the end of a local culinary experience but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges that small businesses face. As communities recover from the pandemic’s impact, the absence of beloved establishments highlights the need for ongoing support of local dining options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as fans of Banh Mi Boys adjust to the news of its closure, the local community continues to have access to vibrant Vietnamese dining options. The impact of Banh Mi Boys’ departure will be felt, but other establishments aim to fill that void and maintain the rich cultural food landscape that Columbia has to offer.
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Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
