Columbia, South Carolina, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina is expanding its culinary offerings with the upcoming Gather COLA, a multilevel dining hall in the BullStreet District. Expected to open between fall 2025 and New Year 2026, it will feature nine restaurants, including Bessie’s Burgers and Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles. The venue will enhance community engagement and bring diverse food options, reflecting the blend of local and international flavors. This development aims to boost the local economy and create shared culinary experiences for residents and visitors.
Columbia, South Carolina, often referred to as “Cola” by locals, is set to expand its vibrant culinary landscape with the introduction of Gather COLA, a multilevel dining hall located in the BullStreet District. Under construction and anticipating an opening between fall 2025 and New Year 2026, Gather COLA is significantly enhancing the city’s dining options with nine planned restaurants.
Currently, there are seven confirmed vendors for Gather COLA, with recently announced additions being Bessie’s Burgers and More and Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles. These new eateries promise to bring an array of flavors and experiences to the dining hall. Bessie’s Burgers and More, initially a food truck known as Bessie’s Sweet Delights, will feature a menu of burgers, sweets, and sides, developed by owners Tryus and VonGretchen DonaWald. Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles, known for its home-cooked meals, is focused on community engagement and will be able to reach a broader audience through this expanded venue.
The dining hall will include a two-story bar, where Remedy will provide craft cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere, catering to both diners and casual visitors. Other vendors, previously disclosed, include Bull and Bread, Coco Bowlz, Los Chicanos Jr. Food Truck, Smoke It Up Express, and Spicey VooDoo, which will operate as Big Easy Seafood Co. This diverse range of food options is expected to draw both locals and tourists, reflecting Columbia’s blend of local Southern fare with international flavors.
Additionally, the ghost kitchen concept is making waves in Columbia, with several restaurants emerging within existing establishments to reduce costs and improve visibility. Portions of this trend can be seen with establishments like Chickieboom’s Hot Chicken, which operates out of Publico Kitchen + Tap, specializing in a Nashville-style chicken menu. Granby Burger is another successful ghost kitchen located at Lucky’s bar, emphasizing delivery services through popular apps like DoorDash and GrubHub. Enzo’s Delicatessen has relocated to share space with Alimentari Don Luigi, combining their offerings into a single market and deli focused on Italian cuisine.
Several new eateries are either in the planning stage or under development, adding even more diversity to Columbia’s food scene. Notable mentions include Que! Bueno Mexican Bar & Grill and Coastal Crust, known for its wood-fired pizzas. Also, Vino Sabor is under construction as a new wine bar downtown, while Mother’s Oysters + Pies will provide seafood options alongside Neapolitan-style pizza. The ongoing expansion of food offerings in Columbia highlights the city’s effort to create a unique culinary identity and boost its reputation as a food destination.
As this new dining landscape develops, it aims not only to enhance the local economy by attracting visitors and food lovers but also aims to strengthen community ties through shared culinary experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gather COLA?
Gather COLA is a multilevel dining hall located in Columbia’s BullStreet District, featuring a variety of restaurants and a two-story bar aimed at enhancing the culinary scene of the city.
When is Gather COLA expected to open?
Gather COLA is scheduled to open between fall 2025 and New Year 2026.
Who are some of the vendors at Gather COLA?
Confirmed vendors include Bessie’s Burgers and More, Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles, Bull and Bread, Coco Bowlz, Los Chicanos Jr. Food Truck, Smoke It Up Express, and Spicey VooDoo as Big Easy Seafood Co.
What is a ghost kitchen?
A ghost kitchen is a restaurant that operates without a physical storefront for dining, often focusing on delivery services through various apps, allowing for lower operational costs.
Key Features of Columbia’s Culinary Expansion
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Gather COLA | A new multi-level dining hall with nine planned restaurants. |
| Opening Timeline | Scheduled to open between fall 2025 and New Year 2026. |
| Confirmed Vendors | Bessie’s Burgers and More, Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles, Bull and Bread, Coco Bowlz, Los Chicanos Jr. Food Truck, Smoke It Up Express, Spicey VooDoo as Big Easy Seafood Co. |
| Ghost Kitchen Trend | Restaurants operating within existing establishments to enhance visibility and reduce costs. |
| Additional New Eateries | Que! Bueno Mexican Bar & Grill, Coastal Crust, Vino Sabor, Mother’s Oysters + Pies. |
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Additional Resources
- Eater: Where to Eat in Columbia, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: Gather COLA Restaurant
- Cola Today: New and Coming Restaurants in Columbia
- The State: Columbia Food News
- Verdict Food Service: AW Restaurants Expansion
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- Google Search: Gather COLA
- Google Scholar: Columbia South Carolina food
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia, South Carolina
- Google News: Columbia restaurants
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