You can’t beat a Soda City sunset. | Photo via Main Street District
Forget the franchises — this time, we asked readers what kinds of local businesses they’d like to see more of in the Midlands. The answers? Everything from a French bakery and an Ethiopian restaurant to a mid-sized music venue and a cozy stationery shop.
Dining
Global dining options | Readers called for more international cuisine in Columbia, including an Ethiopian restaurant (“Ethiopian food!!” wrote Robin C.) and a French bakery serving fresh pastries and coffee.
Healthy lunch spots | Virginia J. suggested “healthy lunches like Asian bowls,” and another reader echoed the call for a Just Salad-style café.
Shops, boutiques, and retail
Locally owned stationery store | Caroline E. said she’d love a locally owned stationery shop, not a big-box craft store, but a cozy place where people could browse, journal, and gather to create together.
Entertainment and nightlife
Music venue | “All the bands I want to see go to Charlotte, Charleston, or Asheville,” wrote Matt O. A midsize venue would be a great addition to our live music venues.
Local businesses, adapting to meet the needs of an empowered, vibrant generation
Healthcare, expanding to provide specialized and preventive services
With their numbers and purchasing power, 55+ movers are driving Columbia’s transformation, redefining retirement, and inspiring innovation across industries.
Manhattan Pie is now open in the Vista. The NY-style pizzeria, across the street from Mellow Mushroom, serves slices and whole pies plus wings, garlic knots, and salads. Local foodie David McNamara shared his Pepperoni Pinwheel.
Sports
Black Friday football? The latest USC-Clemson contract includes a clause allowing South Carolina to move its 2027 home game to Friday, Nov. 26 or stick with Saturday, Nov. 27. It’s the first time the rivalry includes this flexibility. (The State)
Arts
Gather COLA is seeking local artists to create murals and installations for its new space. If you’re interested in collaborating on this community-focused project, email Christine for details.
Tech
One Columbia launched a new website and is calling on local artists, venues, and organizations to update their profiles. That includes resetting your password, refreshing your info, and uploading new images to stand out in the city’s creative directory.
Cause
Want to learn to lead a nonprofit board? United Way of the Midlands is now accepting applications for Blueprint for Leadership, an eight-week training program starting in February. Applications close Friday, Dec. 5.
Seasonal
The City of Columbia’s leaf collection containers return Friday, Oct. 31 through Thursday, Nov. 6. Drop off bagged leaves only (no debris) at one of five park locations, including Hyatt Park, MLK Park, and Heathwood Park.
Edu
Whether you’re leveling up your leadership skills or pivoting to something new, this flexible hybrid program makes it simple. Think: online coursework, Charleston residencies, and executive coaching. Applications close Saturday, Nov. 1 — don’t miss it.*
Announced
We crunched the numbers and compiled your official COLAtoday’s Best nominees. Now comes the fun part: voting. Now through Friday, Nov. 28, you can vote for your favorites in each category. Winners will be announced Monday, Dec. 8.
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
Cold and rainy day = warm soup
Pair your soup with one of the many sandwiches on Gourmet Shop’s menu. | Photo by The Gourmet Shop
The cold and rainy start to this week is calling for a warm bowl of soup. Grab a spoon and some saltines, and explore Cola’s rich soup scene:
Backstreets | A local favorite, Backstreets offers daily homemade soups. Enjoy them in a bread bowl or paired with a Caesar or garden salad.
Mr. Friendly’s | Warm up with one of the rotating soups, like the BBQ pork and tomatillo chili or the Provencal Seafood Bouillabaisse.
No Name Deli, multiple locations | Try the rotating soup du jour or the classic vegetable soup, perfectly paired with a side of cornbread.
Soundbites Eatery | You know what pairs well with the Notorious B.L.T.? A homemade soup like Spicy Tomato Bisque or the Loaded Potato soup.
The Other Store | One of Cola’s hidden gems, where you’ll find a variety of soups like corn chowder, chicken noodle, and chicken bog.
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.
If you’re craving French toast or shrimp and grits this morning, Breakfast at Ruiz just opened its new location in the former Ratio space on Spears Creek Church Road in Elgin. If that’s not your side of town, the West Columbia location on State Street has you covered.
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