Every time we look around, it seems like something new is popping up in Cola. Whether you’re looking for your next go-to brunch destination or a new public park to stretch your legs, we’re rounding up a few things coming soon to the Soda City.
Business
Richland Mall | Phase one ~2028 + Phase two ~2033| City officials and legislators announced a $3 million allocation for the redevelopment of the former Richland Mall site, marking the beginning of a transformative project in Forest Acres.
Scout Motors, Blythewood area | Opening 2026 | Volkswagen is entering the electric off-road vehicle arena under the Scout Motors nameplate and building those cars at a new facility under construction in Blythewood.
Dining
Drake’s Duck-In | 1544 Main St. | The door says “so close, but not yet!” | The beloved lunchtime chicken spot will soon return to its freshly renovated Main Street location.
Molto Vino, 514 E Main St., Lexington | Opening in 2024 | The semi-private boutique wine bar offers members special events + you sample any of the 32 wines on tap and/or purchase bottles.
Mission BBQ, 275 Harbison Blvd. | TBD | Mission BBQ offers a patriotic-themed dining experience with a menu full of BBQ staples.
Scoop of Heaven Homemade Ice Cream, 565 Spears Creek Church Rd., Elgin | Spring 2024 | Scoop of Heaven Homemade Ice Cream is a new local ice cream concept founded by Suzanne Pucci and Bill McDaniels.
Slim Chickens, 2089 N Beltline Blvd. | Spring 2024 | From chicken tenders, wings, and fries to waffles and family meals, this new casual chicken chain has a wide selection of options.
Tacos Nayarit, 1100 Knox Abbott Dr. + | TBD | Rated by Yelpers as one of the top taco spots in the state, the former food truck is opening a second location.
TakoSushi, 4711 Forest Dr. + 514 E Main St., Lexington | Opening 2024 | After opening last year in downtown Columbia, the Asian and Latin-inspired restaurant is opening two more locations in the Midlands.
Tupelo Honey, BullStreet District | Winter 2024 | Founded in 2000 to revive Southern food and traditions in Asheville, the restaurant has since expanded across the country, focusing on scratch-made recipes with responsibly sourced ingredients to celebrate every season.
Vicious Biscuit, 3246 Forest Dr. | TBD | Specializing in biscuits and brunch, Vicious Biscuit is set to open its seventh location in the country in the former Pizza Joint on Forest Drive.
Voodoo Brewing, 514 E Main St., Lexington | Expected in 2024 | Founded in 2005, Voodoo Brewing Co. is opening its first Midlands locations after opening multiple taprooms across Pennsylvania, and continuing to expand production to meet the demand for their award-winning beer.
Healthcare
Lexington Medical Center (LMC), 5143 and 5133 Forest Dr. | TBD | Plans are underway to build a 20,000-sqft medical facility that will house a family practice and an OB-GYN practice
USC School of Medicine, BullStreet District | Coming 2027 | The new, 300,000-sqft School of Medicine and research building will serve as a hub for innovation, research, clinical experience, and more.
USC College of Nursing and Lexington Medical Center | Coming 2024 | The 52,000-sqft state-of-the-art nursing simulation center and teaching space will be built on the hospital’s campus to provide clinical training for the USC’s growing nursing student population.
Recreation
PickleGarden on the River, 680 Candi Ln. | Late 2024 | The new pickleball facility is set to become the city’s only riverfront Micro-Restaurant Food Lot, the largest Biergarten, and offer a family-friendly atmosphere, all set against the backdrop of the Saluda River.
The Flip Factory, 5496 Forest Dr. | Late 2024 | The all-indoor Flip Factory Zone will feature trampolines, arcade games, laser tag, rock climbing, miniature golf, rope courses, bumper cars, a sky coaster ride, and food + beverage vendors.
Finlay Park, 930 Laurel St. | Fall 2025 | Design plans to revitalize Finlay Park in downtown Columbia include an improved event stage, playground, climbing wall, splash pad, and pathways to enhance a pedestrian-friendly environment.
Retail
Pvolve, Bennett at BullStreet | May 2024 | The fitness franchise touted by Jennifer Aniston — is opening its first SC studio on the ground level of Bennett at BullStreet. The new studio will offer Pvolve’s low-impact fitness method with professional trainers.
Lowes Foods, Northeast corner of South Lake Dr. and Platt Springs Rd., Lexington| TBD | This will be the North Carolina-based grocery chain’s fifth Midlands area location.
Queer Haven Books, Arcade Mall | Spring 2024 | SC’s only independent, queer bookstore offers books and “a place of safety and refuge” for the queer community.
Residential
Midtown at BullStreet, BullStreet District | TBD | Located across from Segra Park, the new homes will consist of 18 two-bedroom townhouse units and 72 one-, two-, and three-bedroom garden-style units.
The Bennett at BullStreet, Bullstreet District | Now leasing| The new luxury apartment community will bring over 500 residents to the BullStreet District — known as the largest urban redevelopment project on the East Coast.
Benton Crossing, 2637 River Dr. | Spring 2024 | The 56-unit, five-story, multi-family community features one to three-bedroom units, a multipurpose room, exercise and computer rooms, a playground, and exterior green wall panels with seven art panels created by a local artist in collaboration with the community, funded as a 9% low-income housing tax credit project.
Now open
If there’s one thing we love even more than looking ahead to the future, it’s enjoying the present at one of Cola’s newest spots. Check out this list of Cola’s nickname’s recently opened establishments.
24-Hour Pickleball, 4590 Augusta Rd., Lexington | Now open | Play Pickleball ‘round the clock at this new spot in Lexington that will also connect players in the community through our custom-designed app.
Barrio Tacos + Tequila, 4420 Devine St. | Offering specialty tacos, and cocktails, this is the second Midlands location for the Ohio-based chain.
Biscuitville, 2715 Clemson Rd. | With one location already open, the NC biscuit restaurant which was founded in 1975 is opening a second location on Tuesday, March 12 at 7924 Garners Ferry Rd.
Chicken Salad Chick, 4840 Forest Dr., Suite 26 | Located in the former BLD Diner location, locals lined up down the block for the recent grand opening of the chicken salad chain.
The Flutter Wing, 1544 Main St. | One of two new projects from the Hotel Trundle group, the Flutter Wing is now open above Drake’s Duckin’ on Main Street.
The Hollow, 823 Gervais St. | The “forest to table” restaurant serves fresh game, wild vegetables, and botanical cocktails.
Masa Mexican Street Food, 2811-A Rosewood Dr. | Located next door to Rosewood Market, it offers cuisine inspired by Oaxaca and Jalisco + a focus on tequila and mezcal cocktails.
Piecewise Coffee, 2824 Devine St. | The Cayce-based coffee shop opened its second Midlands location when it took over the Blūm Coffee spot on Devine Street.
Sub Station II, 928 Main St. | The locally owned and operated sandwich franchise is now open in the former Which Wich location behind the State House.
Sully’s Steamers, 5580 Sunset Blvd., Suite C3, Lexington | After opening on Devine Street last year, the regional steamed bagel chain opened its first location in Lexington County this week.
Signature Catering and Market, 509 Meeting St., West Columbia | Located in the former Subway location, the market features a mix of local and unique grocery items, fresh and frozen to-go foods, and a select beer and wine assortment.
