The Hunter Gatherer Main Street building was originally constructed in 1913. | Photo by COLAtoday
Columbia’s craft beer scene is in a season of change. While new taprooms are popping up across the Midlands, several longtime favorites have called last call, including The Dales Biergarten, Columbia Craft, Hunter-Gatherer’s Main Street location, River Rat, and Lexington Tap House/Krafty Draft. The Dale’s final day will be Friday, Oct. 18 — stop by for trivia, live music, and a Halloween party finale.
The closures reflect a shifting local beer landscape, with rising costs and changing habits reshaping how and where people gather for a pint.
San Jose Jr is now open on Taylor Street across from the Robert Mills House. The new fast-casual concept from San Jose Mexican Restaurant offers tacos, margaritas, and classic dishes in a cozy setting.
Sports
Gamecock women’s basketball senior Chloe Kitts will miss the 2025-26 season with a torn ACL. The All-America honoree helped lead USC to the 2024 national title and was MVP of both the SEC Tournament and NCAA Regional. (GamecocksOnline)
Coming Soon
Dutch Bros Coffee is planning a new location on Garners Ferry Road near the VA Medical Center. The national drive-thru chain is known for its cold brews and energy drinks. No opening date has been announced. (The State)
Network
Founder Lanford Holloway will walk through how he took a startup from sketch to private equity exit at Tech on Tap this Thursday, Oct. 16, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Boyd Innovation Center. Stick around after the talk to meet others in Columbia’s tech scene.
Try This
You can now check out a ghost hunting kit, GoPro, Bundt cake set, and more from the new Library of Things at Richland Library Sandhills. Cardholders can reserve gear online to bring makerspace experiences home.
Concert
The Babcock Center’s Jingle Jam returns Sunday, Nov. 16 to Steel Hands Brewing, supporting individuals with disabilities. Expect local bands, a collaborative holiday album, a cornhole tourney, Santa photos, and a silent auction with prizes like Carolina vs. Clemson tickets.
Finance
Looking for a smart way to grow your money? AllSouth Federal Credit Union’s Certificates offer fixed rates from three to 60 months — perfect for saving ahead of the holidays or simply earning more over time. Learn more. Federally insured by NCUA.*
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
Category
Food
Treat yourself
Brb, drooling over this ice cream sandwich from The Baked Bear. | Photo by @foodjennaeats
Here are five over-the-top, can’t-miss desserts in Cola.
The Baked Bear | Build the craziest ice cream sandwich in four easy steps.
Choose your top and bottom cookies. Pro tip: Vegan + gluten-free cookie options are available.
Choose your ice cream — you won’t regret ordering the Blackberry Crumble.
Choose your toppings. Pick from 11 options + don’t sleep on Fruity Pebbles as a topping choice.
Get your sandwich hot pressed.
The Donut Guy | Think — a doughnut shop that isn’t just a doughnut shop. Order baked donuts, mini donuts, funnel cakes, fried Oreos, ice cream, and more.
Duck Donuts | Check out the fan-favorite doughnut options. You’ll be remiss if you don’t order: The Bacon in the Sun, Beach Ball, or Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Grill Marks| Start with a burger and finish with one of the freakshakes that are freaky good.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
The Gamecock men’s and women’s basketball teams are tipping off the season with Garnet and Black Madness in Colonial Life Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. The free event features skills challenges, fan games, and a live performance from Atlanta rapper Waka Flocka Flame.
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