News Summary
The Midlands area is experiencing a wave of closures in the retail and restaurant sectors, with iconic establishments such as Rockaway Athletic Club and Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Ale House shutting down after decades of service. The closures reflect changing consumer preferences and economic challenges that are reshaping the local business landscape. As old favorites close their doors, new businesses prepare to emerge, hinting at a transformative phase for the Midlands economy.
Columbia, South Carolina – The Midlands business landscape faced significant changes in 2024 as a series of closures swept through the region, impacting both retail and restaurant sectors. Key establishments that have shut down, some that had been in operation for decades, reflect a broader trend in shifting consumer preferences and economic challenges.
Among the notable closures was Rockaway Athletic Club, a beloved bar and grill famous for its pimento cheeseburgers, which closed its doors in January after more than 40 years of operation. The restaurant was a staple in the local dining scene, known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Verde, a salad and wraps restaurant in Trenholm Plaza, ended its operations on December 15, 2024. This closure adds to the list of eateries that have struggled to maintain their customer base in an increasingly competitive market.
Another significant loss for diners was the Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Ale House, located at 900 Main St. in downtown Columbia. After serving the community for 29 years, it closed on December 28, 2024. Nonetheless, its sister venue, the Hunter-Gatherer Hangar, continues to serve patrons.
In December, Barrio Tacos + Tequila also shuttered its location at 4420 Devine St., although the Lexington branch remains operational. Similarly, fresh Mexican food spot Uberrito, which opened in 2021 in Harbison, ceased operations in November, paving the way for an incoming Asian restaurant, Bibimbox, set to debut in 2025.
Continuing the trend, Bart’s Crazy Good Coffee closed its shop in Irmo at 7949 Broad River Road, while its Ballentine location at 1311 Dutch Fork Road remains functional. In the realm of health-conscious dining, the well-received Good Life Cafe specializing in vegan dishes ended operations on Taylor Street in October 2024 after relocating from Main Street.
Financial services also faced disruptions as the Wells Fargo branch at 1441 Main St. closed in October, redirecting customers to an alternative location at 930 Assembly St. The enduring effects of economic challenges were evident in retail as well, with businesses like Angell Bros. 1801 Grille near the USC Colonial Life Arena closing in September, followed by its replacement by The Golden Spur in December.
Numerous other closures signal a substantial shift in the Midlands food scene. Red Lobster at 1270 Knox Abbott Drive in Cayce closed its doors in August, leaving only one remaining location on Two Notch Road. The Zesto location on Forest Drive is also scheduled to close by the end of December, adding to the decline of local ice cream shops, while the Chapin Zesto had already shut down in May 2024 after 18 years.
Other long-standing establishments such as JC’s Lexington Bowl, which operated since 1989, closed in July 2024. The well-known restaurant Hooters at 7711 Two Notch Road also ceased operations in June, famous for its chicken wings.
The impact of changing dining preferences is felt widely as other restaurants such as Poogan’s Southern Kitchen at Cardinal Crossing shut down in May, with the owners thanking patrons for their support. Similarly, the Rush’s location in Lexington, which had been closed for nearly two years, announced permanent closure in May.
Fast-casual dining faced hurdles as well, with Cracker Barrel at 253 Forum Drive near Village at Sandhill closing in April 2024, leaving three other locations in operation. In the bakery sector, Carolina Keto Cakes shut its doors in March 2024, further exemplifying the challenging business climate.
The changes prompted by these closures suggest a transformative phase for the Midlands area, raising questions about future developments in the local economy. The evolving landscape will continue to attract new businesses, but the impact of these longstanding closures will be felt for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- The State: Local News Article
- Wikipedia: Economic Development
- Cola Daily: New Steakhouse
- Google Search: Midlands Business Landscape
- Columbia Business Report: Manufacturer to Enter SC Market
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retail
- Greenville Business Magazine: Business Narrative
- Google News: Restaurant Closures Midlands
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.
