GATHER COLA will be located next door to REI on Bull Street. | Rendering by Garvin Design Group
Columbia’s first open-air food hall is on the horizon. GATHER COLA, modeled after Greenville’s Gather GVL — ranked No. 5 on USA Today’s 10Best food halls — promises to bring a fresh mix of dining, shopping, and gathering spaces to The BullStreet District.
Here’s what to expect:
Nine food vendors offering local + international flavors
Two bars — one on the ground floor and one on the rooftop with city views
Pop-up retail spaces featuring local micro-retailers
8,500 sqft of flexible office space over two floors
Outdoor gathering area with seating, live entertainment, and seasonal events
A view of the GATHER COLA site with downtown Columbia in the backdrop.
Photo by COLAtoday
Located at the corner of Sabal and Freed streets, directly across from REI, GATHER COLA will sit adjacent to The Lawn, BullStreet’s central hub for recreation and cultural events.
“This project will bring a diversity of food offerings and a vibrant energy to the already active BullStreet project,” said Frank Cason, president of Cason Development Group.
Construction begins this month, with an opening slated for late 2025.
Asked
Asked
What local shops and restaurants would you like to see open in the new GATHER COLA food hall?
Behind-the-Scenes Tour | 5:30-7 p.m. | Olympia Armory | $25+ | Take a deep dive into the history of the building constructed in 1937 that’s undergoing renovation in Columbia’s historic Mill Village district.
“Andy and Friends” | 7:30 p.m. | Harbison Theatre, Irmo | $35+ | The SC Philharmonic presents acclaimed pianist Andrew Armstrong with violinist Grace Park + pianist Orion Weiss.
Wednesday, Feb. 12
Read to a Therapy Dog | Wednesday, Feb. 12-Thursday, Feb. 13 | Times vary | Richland Library | Free | Practice reading with a furry friend.
Dexter and The Moonrocks | 6:30 p.m. | The Senate | $25 | This Texas band plays a blend of Southern alternative, red-dirt country, and alternative rock.
Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: The Last Encores | 7:30 p.m. | The Township Auditorium | $58+ | This tour celebrates the career of Frankie Valli and his band with hit songs like “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
Monday, April 14
EdVenture Spring Break Camp | Monday, April 14-Friday, April 18 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | EdVenture Children’s Museum | $168+ | If you have a curious kid, they’ll love this camp (registration is now open + save the date for Sumer Camp Preview Day on March 1).*
How often do you take a moment to consider the state of your heart health? | Photo provided by Lexington Medical Center
February is American Heart Month, so now’s the perfect time to show yours some extra love. This vital organ plays a central role in keeping you moving, thriving, and living your best life.
Mungo Homes has started construction on Astoria Townhomes, a ~300-unit community in Elgin, near Exit 82 off I-20. Priced from the high $100,000s, the townhomes will feature amenities like a pool, cabana, and playground. Growth in the area is fueled by easy interstate access and the upcoming Scout Motors plant. (Cola Daily)
Outdoors
The Post and Courier shared an update on seven greenway projects underway in the Midlands. Funded by Richland County’s penny tax and other sources, these trails will further connect our rivers, neighborhoods, and business districts.
Real Estate
Order up — the former Compton’s Kitchen at 1118 B Ave. in West Columbia is on the market. This 2,294-sqft space is ready for its next chapter, whether that’s a restaurant, cafe, or something entirely new.
Traffic
Hardscrabble Road at the Clemson Road intersection will close nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting today for the Hardscrabble Road Widening Project. The closure will last three nights, with a detour via Clemson Road, Longtown Road, and Lee Road. Work wraps up by Friday, Feb. 14 at 6 a.m.
Ranked
Newberry’s charm isn’t going unnoticed — HGTV just named it one of America’s most charming small towns. The town is recognized for its historic architecture, small businesses, and venues like the Newberry Opera House. (WLTX)
Answered
Who did you pick? We asked who would win the Super Bowl, and 50.7% chose the Eagles while 49.3% picked the Chiefs. The Eagles delivered, defeating the Chiefs 40-22 to claim their second Super Bowl title.
Listen
LaMelo Ball was snubbed again for the All-Star team. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Charlotte Hornetswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Concert
Fresh off his recent Grammy win (his 19th, at that), Béla Fleck is coming to the Koger Center next Saturday, February 22 to perform with the South Carolina Philharmonic alongside fellow banjo extraordinaire Abigail Washburn. We recently got to pick his brain — check it out.*
Eat
When life gives you lemons (and oranges), you can boost your health with them. Citrus fruits are in season and packed with immunity-boosting vitamins. Discover their benefits + a tasty dinner recipe.*
Community
Thousands of engaged subscribers are reading this right now — just like you. So why not make it about your business? With our easy-to-use self-service ad portal, promoting your business, event, or brand has never been simpler. Get premium visibility in our trusted local newsletter.
Wellness
Say you can’t sleep? Baby, I know... that’s anxiety. Luckily, Beam Dream’s Brownie Batter hot cocoa improves sleep for 93% of users, helping them fall asleep faster + stay asleep longer. (And it’s only 15 calories; zero added sugar.) Grab yours for up to 40% off before it sells out.*
Category
Civic
Time’s really almost up
You can use the SCDMV website to see wait times at each location. | Photo via WLTX
After years of delayed deadlines, it’s finally getting real — the official deadline to obtain a REAL ID is coming up on May 7, 2025.
Why do I need one?
You’ll need a REAL ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter secure federal or military facilities starting May 7. If you don’t have one by that time, you’ll still be able to vote, drive, apply for benefits, purchase alcohol or cigarettes, and access federal courts with a standard state license.
Take this 30-second quiz to find out if you need a REAL ID.
How can I get one?
If you currently have a SC driver’s license or ID, you can apply for a REAL ID at a SCDMV location.
Make sure to bring the following(originals, not copies):
Proof of US citizenship or legal presence (Ex: passport or birth certificate)
Two proofs of SC residency (Ex: utility bill + bank statement)
Proof of your full Social Security Number
The Buy
The Buy
Fun fact: Nordstrom Rack gets new arrivals every day that are marked down up to 60%. Here are some we have our eye on:
Columbia has watched the old State Hospital campus on Bull Street transform over the past decade, with recent developments picking up pace. The next big milestone is a groundbreaking at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, for USC’s state-of-the-art School of Medical set to open in August 2027.
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