July 9, 2025

Columbia and Midlands Burger Scene Highlights New Developments

News Summary

The burger scene in Columbia and the Midlands is dynamic with recent openings and closures. A Burger Poll invites residents to vote for local favorites, while Whataburger expands its presence, generating excitement and job opportunities. Unfortunately, Chubby’s Burgers has permanently closed its Forest Acres location. The community’s engagement with local dining and the competitive nature of the food industry continues to shape the burger culture in the region.

Columbia and the Midlands Burger Scene Buzzes with New Openings and Closures

Columbia, SC – The local burger scene is undergoing significant changes, with exciting new openings and unfortunate closures stirring up considerable interest among residents. As summertime approaches, a season popular for grilling and outdoor cookouts, the focus on burgers is at an all-time high in the Columbia and Midlands area.

In a bid to highlight the best burger joints in the region, the community is invited to participate in the 2025 Burger Poll. This poll features 34 locally owned restaurants, allowing residents to vote for their favorite burger spot until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 13. Notably, the poll excludes large national chains like Five Guys and McDonald’s, focusing solely on brick-and-mortar establishments that contribute to the local dining scene.

Among the recent news, Chubby’s Burgers has announced the permanent closure of its Forest Acres location at 106 Percival Road as of Thursday night. This establishment, which had been operating since August 2024, is located close to Fort Jackson, and the decision to close was made due to a combination of business and personal reasons. Although the Forest Acres location is shutting down, the Blythewood branch at 420 McNulty St. remains open and continues to perform well, offering its renowned smash-style burgers along with a range of menu options including Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and salads.

On a more positive note, the Texas-based fast food chain Whataburger has announced its entry into the Midlands with several new locations planned. A groundbreaking event for a new Whataburger at 202 Bridgeberry Lane in Columbia was held recently. This expansion is generating excitement for local job creation, as it is expected to generate around 3,600 jobs in the Midlands and Upstate area.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Whataburger’s President and CEO emphasized the company’s dedication to using fresh ingredients in their menu offerings. To celebrate the occasion, attendees were treated to samples from food trucks featuring Whataburger’s popular burgers. Besides the new Columbia location, the company aims to establish over 10 locations across South Carolina, further solidifying its presence in the region.

In an unrelated event, a couple from the Midlands recently experienced a stroke of luck while parked near a Burger King. The husband went inside a nearby convenience store and purchased two scratch-off lottery tickets upon his wife’s request. Initially thinking she had won $1,000 after scratching off a $3 Lady Jumbo Bucks Crossword ticket, she later realized the ticket was actually worth $100,000. The couple plans to use their winnings towards home improvements.

The backdrop of these developments highlights Columbia and the Midlands as a vibrant locale for burger enthusiasts. With the ongoing Burger Poll and the anticipation surrounding new establishments like Whataburger, the local burger culture is more dynamic than ever. Meanwhile, the bittersweet closing of Chubby’s Burgers in Forest Acres serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the food industry, where resident tastes evolve over time and new opportunities arise.

As the summer grilling season nears, the burger scene in Columbia and the Midlands promises to remain a focal point for community engagement and local dining experiences, keeping both residents and visitors excited about the multitude of options available.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Chubby’s Burgers Closes Columbia Location
Columbia Welcomes Whataburger This Summer
Dining by the Waterfront: Lake Murray Summer Highlight
Lexington School District Offers Free Summer Meals
Lexington County School District Launches Summer Meals Program
Midlands Business Landscape Faces Significant Changes
University Students Discover Columbia’s Walk-Up Eateries
Columbia Sets New Record with $9.25 Million Estate Sale
Columbia to Open New Whataburger Location This Summer
Mo’s Dairy Bar Set to Open in Forest Acres

Additional Resources

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.

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