News Summary
Smoke It Up Express, an offshoot of the popular food truck, is set to open at the Gather COLA food hall in Columbia’s BullStreet District. Chef Stanley Livingston will bring Southern flavors, featuring dishes like pulled pork and peach cobbler. With nine vendor spaces, the food hall aims to promote a diverse culinary experience. The hall’s construction is on track for a Fall 2025 opening, and a preview event called “Taste of Gather” is planned to engage the community.
Columbia Welcomes Smoke It Up Express to Gather COLA Food Hall
Smoke It Up Express, the newly established offshoot of the popular Smoke It Up Food Truck, will soon take its place in the Gather COLA food hall set to open in Columbia’s BullStreet District. This announcement was made on social media by Gather on Thursday, generating excitement within the community.
Located at the intersection of Sabal and Freed streets, the Gather COLA food hall is part of a larger initiative led by Cason Development, Four Oaks Property Group, and Hughes Development. Once completed, the hall will feature nine restaurant and food vendor spaces aimed at showcasing a mix of local and international cuisine.
Signature Southern Flavors
Smoke It Up Express is spearheaded by Chef Stanley Livingston, who brings a rich Southern tradition to the menu, known for its low and slow smoked meats. The anticipated menu will include a variety of Southern classics such as pulled pork, creamy mac & cheese, and sweet peach cobbler. Alongside Smoke It Up Express, Gather COLA has also confirmed three other vendors, including Bull & Bread, which specializes in sandwiches, and Cocobowlz, a dessert-focused spot.
Furthermore, Smoke It Up Express becomes the fourth vendor to join Gather COLA and the second food truck from Columbia to secure a permanent spot in the food hall, following the announcement of Los Chicanos, a favorite serving Mexican fare.
A Vision for Gather COLA
Gather COLA is inspired by the successful model of Gather GVL located in downtown Greenville, offering a vibrant community space with diverse culinary options. The design of Gather COLA aims not only to provide a gathering place for food lovers but also includes additional features such as two bar areas, pop-up spaces for micro-retailers, and 8,500 square feet of office space. An outdoor area is also planned for seating and live entertainment, enhancing the community’s dining and social experience.
Construction Progress
Representatives involved in the Gather COLA development held a topping-out ceremony on July 10, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the construction process. Plans for the opening are set for Fall 2025, when the food hall is expected to become a vibrant hub for gastronomy in the BullStreet District.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
In preparation for the opening, a “Taste of Gather” event is slated for Thursday, offering a sneak peek of the forthcoming dining options while providing free food to attendees across from Segra Park. Smoke It Up Express aims to provide not only its classic offerings but also a reworked menu that includes lighter lunch meals, accommodating the preferences of a diverse customer base.
Continuing Operations
The original Smoke It Up Food Truck will continue its operations with a weekly stop at 10314 Farrow Road in Blythewood, ensuring that loyal patrons can still enjoy their favorite barbecue dishes while anticipating the new offerings at Gather COLA.
As the BullStreet District continues to evolve, the addition of Smoke It Up Express to Gather COLA is expected to further enrich the local culinary scene and promote communal dining experiences in Columbia.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Food Hall
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Gather COLA
- WISTV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Culinary Arts
- Rolling Stone
- Google News: Smoke It Up Express
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