News Summary
Columbia’s BullStreet District is set to debut its first open-air food hall, Gather COLA, later this year. Featuring nine vendor spaces, the 32,000 square-foot venue aims to showcase a mix of local and international cuisine. Notable vendors like Bull and Bread and Cocobowlz are already on board, promising a vibrant culinary experience. With two bar areas, pop-up spaces, and a community-focused atmosphere, Gather COLA is expected to redefine dining and entertainment in the area, inspired by its successful counterpart in Greenville.
Columbia is set to welcome its first open-air food hall, Gather COLA, located in the BullStreet District. This highly anticipated venue, currently under construction, is a collaborative effort between Cason Development, Four Oaks Property Group from Greenville, and Hughes Development Corporation. It is slated to open later this year, marking a significant addition to the local culinary scene.
Gather COLA will cover approximately 32,000 square feet across multiple levels, featuring nine restaurant and food vendor spaces that will highlight both local and international flavors. The food hall is strategically situated at the corner of Sabal and Freed streets, conveniently located near the REI outdoors store and co-op.
The first vendor confirmed for Gather COLA is Bull and Bread, a sandwich shop that was announced via an Instagram post on June 20. Bull and Bread is an initiative from the owners of The Half, a well-known sandwich establishment in Wilmington, North Carolina. Their aim is to contribute to the welcoming atmosphere of Gather COLA, making it a special place for everyone to enjoy.
Another vendor highlighted at Gather COLA is Cocobowlz, recognized for its acai bowls and smoothies. This vendor was announced on June 29 and has multiple locations across South Carolina, including in Columbia’s Five Points and Irmo. The leadership at Cocobowlz sees Gather COLA as the perfect environment to foster moments of joy through nutritious offerings.
Gather COLA will also include two bar areas, pop-up spaces designed for local micro-retailers, and 8,500 square feet of flexible office space distributed over two floors. An outdoor gathering area will provide ample seating, space for live entertainment, and opportunities for seasonal events, enhancing the community’s engagement and social interactions.
The concept of Gather COLA takes inspiration from the successful Gather GVL food hall in Greenville, which has been recognized as one of the best food halls in the United States according to various publications. The project aims to elevate the culinary and social atmosphere within Columbia and is anticipated to resonate well with both locals and visitors alike.
Construction for Gather COLA is scheduled to begin this month, paving the way for a grand opening later in 2023. As Columbia’s first endeavor into open-air food hall experiences, there is a growing excitement surrounding the facility’s potential to redefine gathering spaces for dining and entertainment.
In summary, Gather COLA promises to be a unique venue that combines diverse culinary options with community-focused spaces, aiming to enrich the local food culture and provide a welcoming atmosphere for all. With esteemed vendors such as Bull and Bread and Cocobowlz already aligned to join, the food hall is expected to be a significant addition to Columbia’s vibrant food landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia Animal Services Faces Overcrowding Crisis
B Mac’s Southern Buffet to Open New Location in Columbia
Sarah Kay Wrenn Crowned Miss South Carolina 2025
Columbia, SC Weekend Events: Family Fun and Community Spirit
Ember Restaurant Opens in Downtown Lexington
New High-End Steakhouse Opens in Downtown Lexington
City Limits Barbeque Finalist at James Beard Awards
Columbia’s Lizard’s Thicket: A Family Legacy of Comfort Food
Upcoming Community Events in Columbia
Hooters Permanently Closes Over 30 Locations Amid Bankruptcy
Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Food hall
- WIS TV
- Google Search: Gather COLA
- Cola Today
- Google Scholar: open-air food halls
- Cola Daily
- Encyclopedia Britannica: open-air food halls
- WACH
- Google News: Columbia food hall
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.
