News Summary
Los Chicanos, a popular Mexican food truck, is opening Los Chicanos Jr., a brick-and-mortar location within Gather COLA food hall in Columbia’s BullStreet District. The restaurant aims to replicate the food truck’s cuisine and enhance the local culinary scene. The original food truck will continue operations at events, while the new establishment will offer a community dining experience alongside additional vendors. Gather COLA focuses on diverse flavors to attract food enthusiasts and create a vibrant gathering space.
Columbia, South Carolina – Los Chicanos, a beloved Mexican food truck known for its savory street-style dishes, will launch a new dining concept named Los Chicanos Jr. This brick-and-mortar location will be part of the upcoming food hall, Gather COLA, situated in Columbia’s BullStreet District, aiming to enhance the area’s culinary landscape.
The confirmation of this partnership was shared on social media channels by both Los Chicanos and Gather COLA. The food hall, which is currently under construction, is designed to host diverse food vendors and provide a communal eating experience for residents and visitors alike. Los Chicanos Jr. is expected to operate as a mini version of its food truck, mirroring the original’s popular menu offerings in a smaller and more accessible setting.
Los Chicanos has been actively pursuing the opportunity for a physical restaurant location for the past two years. The founders expressed enthusiasm about creating a permanent home for their culinary creations, continuing to provide customers with their classic favorites. Despite the new restaurant opening, the original food truck will remain in operation, participating in various local festivals, weddings, and events, ensuring that fans of the food truck can still enjoy their offerings.
This announcement marks Los Chicanos as the third food vendor confirmed for Gather COLA. The food hall is shaping up to include additional vendors like Bull & Bread, a sandwich shop, and Cocobowlz, which will serve desserts. The goal for Gather COLA is to feature a total of nine restaurant and food vendor spaces that highlight both local and international flavors, along with two bar areas, micro-retailer pop-up spaces, and a robust outdoor area designed for gatherings, seating, and live entertainment.
The development of Gather COLA is spearheaded by Cason Development in partnership with Four Oaks Property Group from Greenville and Hughes Development, the master developer of the BullStreet District. This project seeks inspiration from the success of Gather GVL, a vibrant food hall located near Fluor Field baseball stadium in Greenville, showcasing a variety of food vendors.
As construction progresses in the BullStreet District, expectations are high for Gather COLA to become a bustling hub for food enthusiasts. By bringing together diverse culinary offerings, it aims to create an inviting atmosphere for both dining and community engagement. The project promises to revitalize the area, contributing to its overall growth and appeal.
Gather COLA’s dynamic approach and focus on local flavors aim to attract a wide audience, providing citizens of Columbia and beyond with exciting dining options. The anticipated opening of Los Chicanos Jr. brings additional excitement, especially for loyal customers who have enjoyed the food truck’s offerings over the years. The official announcement was released on July 6, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the development of this new food hall.
In sum, Los Chicanos Jr. is not only an expansion of a popular food truck but also a significant addition to Columbia’s growing food scene with Gather COLA at its heart, promising a unique gastronomic adventure for all who visit.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Los Chicanos Opens Location
- The State: New Food Hall in Columbia
- Cola Daily: Popular Food Truck Joins New Food Hall
- History: Chicano Student Walkouts
- Barr Price: Ronald Edward Cunningham II Obituary
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
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