Columbia, September 6, 2025

News Summary

Gather COLA, a new food hall in Columbia’s BullStreet District, will feature Session Taproom and various local food vendors. With plans to open in late 2025, it aims to be a vibrant community hub with ample dining options, entertainment, and social spaces, showcasing culinary talents and promoting social interactions.

Columbia

Session Taproom is set to become a part of the new Gather COLA food hall located in the BullStreet District of Columbia, with plans for an opening later this year. This innovative food hall will be situated at the intersection of Sabal and Freed streets, in proximity to the REI outdoor store.

Gather COLA is designed to be a vibrant community hub that offers a variety of dining options and social interactions. It will feature multiple local food trucks making permanent locations, including Bessie’s Burgers and More, Spicy Voodoo’s Big Easy Seafood, Los Chicanos, and Smoke It Up. Additionally, two bars will be available, including a cocktail bar named Remedy, which will be located upstairs and will provide views of the nearby amphitheater. Other confirmed vendors include Bull & Bread, a sandwich shop, and Cocobowlz, which specializes in sweet treats.

One of the standout participants in the food hall will be Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles, a restaurant that has received acclaim from the James Beard Award Foundation. The total space for Gather COLA will encompass approximately 32,286 square feet, accommodating ten food vendor and restaurant spaces along with pop-up areas for local micro-retailers. Notably, the venue will also include 8,500 square feet of office space spread across multiple levels. An outdoor area is included in the design to host live entertainment and seasonal events, further enhancing the community aspect of this new destination.

Carl Cross, a seasoned organizer from Wilmington, NC, will supervise Session Taproom. Cross has a rich background in the beer industry, including studies in England, working in Colorado breweries, and running brewery operations in both Vietnam and Wilmington, NC. The concept of “session” beer that will be featured at Session Taproom refers to low-alcohol by volume (ABV) brews designed for long, enjoyable sipping with friends, promoting camaraderie and the joy of socializing.

Construction on Gather COLA has already commenced, with the anticipated opening scheduled for late 2025. This project is being led by a collaborative effort from Four Oaks Property Group, Cason Development, and Hughes Development, focusing on creating a diverse environment for dining, shopping, and social interactions.

Key Features of Gather COLA

• Location: Intersection of Sabal and Freed streets, Columbia
• Size: 32,286 square feet
• Office Space: 8,500 square feet across multiple levels
• Number of Vendors: 10 food vendor and restaurant spaces, including local food trucks
• Entertainment: Outdoor area for live events
• Leadership: Carl Cross overseeing Session Taproom
• Opening Date: Late 2025

Conclusion

As Columbia prepares for the arrival of Gather COLA, including Session Taproom, the area anticipates a new community gathering spot that celebrates both local culinary talents and social engagement.

FAQ

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Columbia, S.C. Hosts Variety of Community Events
Bessie’s Burgers and More to Open in New Gather COLA Food Hall

Additional Resources

• Colatoday: Gather COLA Coming to BullStreet District
• WIS TV: Taste Gather Event Gives Sneak Peek
• Post and Courier: Gather COLA Restaurant in Columbia
• WLTX: Food Hall Project Underway in BullStreet District
• WIS TV: First Vendor Announced for Columbia’s New Food Hall
• Wikipedia: Food Hall
• Google Search: Columbia South Carolina
• Google Scholar: Food Hall Development
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Hall
• Google News: Gather COLA

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.