Owner Derrick Hayes welcomes Columbia to its new location. | Photo by COLAtoday
Columbia’s food scene just got a little cheesier — Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks opens Saturday in Five Points, bringing authentic Philly flavor to the city.
Owner Derrick Hayes, a West Philadelphia native, started Big Dave’s after moving to Atlanta and realizing the cheesesteaks there just weren’t the same. Named in honor of his late father, “Big Dave”, the brand began as a small shop in a Georgia gas station and has since grown into a well-known franchise across the Southeast.
Derrick Hayes chopping up a cheesesteak at Big Dave’s in Columbia. | Video by COLAtoday
David here — when I visited, the team was still training, but Hayes personally cooked me a Big Dave’s Way cheesesteak — his signature 18-inch sandwich stacked with three cheeses, onions, peppers, and mushrooms on an Amoroso roll. It was huge, definitely a two-meal sandwich.
With the Harden Street block across from Food Lion evolving, Hayes is excited to be part of the revitalization: “I’ve been hearing great things about the area, it just felt like the right place.”
Big Dave’s is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., perfect for lunch or dinner. If it’s your first visit, Hayes suggests ordering it Big Dave’s Way.
“Chicago” | Thursday, March 6-Sunday, March 16 | Times vary | Chapin Branch Library, Chapin | $20+ | In 1920s Chicago, two women on death row use fame and scandal to fight for acquittal in this satirical musical.
DJ Pauly D | 8 p.m. | The Senate | $35+ | Beat up the beat as the “Jersey Shore” star spins his set filled with electronic and dance music.
Friday, March 7
Femme Film Fest at The Nickelodeon | Friday, March 7-Sunday, March 9 | Times vary | Columbia | $25+ | Celebrate International Women’s Day at this weekend-long celebration of women’s contributions to film and the arts.
Steep Canyon Rangers | 8 p.m. | Newberry Opera House, Newberry | $45+ | Joined by singer-songwriter Aaron Burdett, the Rangers craft songs that honor their NC mountain music’s heritage
Saturday, March 8
Cottontown Art Crawl | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Historic Cottontown Neighborhood | Free | This beloved family-friendly event will feature nearly 200 artists, live music, and food trucks.
March for Meals 5K and 1-Mile Senior Walk | 9 a.m. | Strictly Running | $15 | Run or walk in support of Meals on Wheels and senior nutrition programs at Senior Resources.
✈️ Here’s how to score a $196 flight deal to San Diego (or Key West, or Las Vegas)
Presented by Going
$196. That’s the average deal Going finds for its members to fly round-trip to San Diego. | Photo by Griffin Wooldridge via Pixabay
Psst — the secret to feeling amazing when you book this year’s vacation? Signing up for free flight tracking, so you’ll be notified when flights you have your eye on are seriously discounted.
A Weather Impact Alert is in effect today as a strong storm system moves through the Midlands, bringing wind gusts over 65 mph, heavy rain, and possible power outages. The eastern Midlands face a severe risk (Level 3), with storms arriving early morning and clearing by the afternoon. (WLTX)
Development
The State newspaper’s former Shop Road offices, vacant since 2020, are slated for redevelopment into high-density apartments. Richland County’s Planning Commission has recommended rezoning the 23-acre site to accommodate 402 housing units. County Council’s initial vote is set for Tuesday, March 25.
Shop
The Spring Flea Market returns to the Shoppes of Pontiac on Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This outdoor event features 30+ vendors offering antiques, vintage clothing, artisan crafts, and food trucks, alongside 90 vendor booths inside the mall.
Small Biz
Calling all small biz owners. We’re gearing up for Small Business Week, a celebration of local enterprises from Sunday, May 4 to Saturday, May 10. If you own a local small business, let us highlight you by filling out this form by Sunday, March 16.
Community
Nominations are open for the Forty Under 40 Awards, recognizing young professionals making an impact through career success, mentoring, and community involvement. If you know a rising leader under 40 who’s shaping the future, nominate them by Monday, April 21.
Learn
Applications are open for the SC Youth Leadership Forum (YLF), a free four-day, three-night leadership workshop for youth with disabilities. Held in July at Presbyterian College, participants build advocacy skills, enjoy campus life, and connect with peers.
Cause
Lace up for heart health at the Midlands Heart Walk on Saturday, March 29 at Segra Park. Hosted by Lexington Medical Center, participants can choose a 1-mile or 3-mile walk starting at 9 a.m. Your $20 donation benefits the American Heart Association.
Sports
Did Clemson baseball just make a statement with their sweep of the Gamecocks? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Clemson Tigers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and it may be time for you to get screened. Learn about the available screening options to help you stay proactive about your health. And remember — early detection saves lives.*
Category
Try This
A blooming good time
Gardens will be in full bloom at this annual event. | Photo provided by Columbia Green
Ever wondered how your neighbors’ gardens grow? Columbia Green’s 32nd annual Festival of Gardens returns Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, featuring eight private residential gardens in the King’s Grant neighborhood. The self-guided tour supports community grants for nonprofit projects that enhance Columbia’s green spaces.
Visitors can also explore the community nature trail and attend a special presentation by Tom Bruce of Carolina Daylilies on Deer-Resistant Gardens. The event runs Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Registration is at the King’s Grant Clubhouse, 200 N. Kings Grant Dr.
Advance tickets are $40 for the garden tour and $10 for the presentation, with day-of tickets available for an additional $10. All tickets include a free Columbia Green membership.
The Buy
The Buy
A women’s tennis dress made from stretchy, soft fabric that’s perfect for workouts or casual wear on sunny days.
Just like Big Dave’s started in a gas station, my favorite Philly cheesesteak in town comes from Roy’s Grill in Irmo. Chef Chris Williams first launched Roy’s Grill in a Lexington gas station before moving to Irmo. Fun fact — he also named the restaurant after a family influence, his grandfather Leroy Carter.
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