As part of Small Business Week, we asked participating local businesses to name another local business everyone should know about — and they delivered. The result? A community-powered list of must-visit shops, cafés, creatives, and hidden gems, straight from the folks who know the small business scene best.
Below, you’ll find the business names in bold, followed by their local recommendations.
Retail favorites
A Little Happy is a fan of its whole Five Points community.
Break Point Cola shouted out Uniquely MC, Anton and Maxine, A Little Happy Shop, Turner and Moss, Sunrise, 2Gs, and Gentlemen’s Closet.
Coplon’s loves Level, Nonesuch, Duck Duck Goose, and Takosushi for their style and community contribution.
Curiosity Coffee Bar — “Oh, just too many great Columbia spots to name,” it said, before listing: Transmission Arcade, Bluetile, Rosewood Market, Ratio, Gardener’s Outpost, The War Mouth, and Dragon Room.
Elizabeth Cole Bridal gave a sweet nod to Fern Flower Studio and Bella Bridesmaids — “the peas to my carrots.”
Hammered Daisy lifted up Cobble & Vine Candles, Seminole Candle Company, Ageless Vintage, Bee Bottom Art, and My Cheesecake Lady: “Sooo many of the Soda City vendors!”
Jackie’s Workstyles gave high praise to Tacos El Puebla: “I’m guilty of having lunch and dinner there on the same day.”
January Remingtonn shouted out The Garden Soapary and Brown Sisters — both regulars at Soda City.
Loose Lucy’s loves its neighbor A Little Happy, saying, “Even though our merchandise is different, we have each other’s backs.”
LT Toys LLC gave a shout to Jack Brown’s in Five Points, calling it a “fantastic burger” spot.
Palmer Street Market appreciates Azalea Coffee Bar for its community involvement.
State Street Trading Company praised West Point Coins for offering thoughtful, family-owned service to collectors.
Turner & Moss Curated Goods praised McIntosh Cottage and Fern, calling them true hidden treasures.
Food + beverage shoutouts
Bierkeller Columbia says Goat’s has the best espresso martini in town.
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks listed a whole lineup: AliSan’s, Nick’s Tailoring, OTG Athleisure, and Plush Puppies.
Eddie’s Calzones kept it short and sweet: “Arroyo.”
Flying Biscuit Café loves Sully’s Steamers, Cantina 76, and Barre3 for food + fitness.
Market on Main recognized its neighbor across the street, Moa Korean BBQ, for top-notch food, concept, and service.
Palmetto Wine Sellers praised Gourmet Rose Fine Catering and Loosh Culinaire as “two amazing catering companies.”
Sweet Cream Company returned the love to Curiosity Coffee: “Amazing people and coffee!”
The Arepa Chef recommends Sour & Salt Bakery for its freshly-baked goods.
The Hollow highlighted Lula Drake Wine Parlour for its role in driving hospitality forward.
Health + wellness highlights
Affordable Healthcare of SC called Columbia Ballet School the “hidden gem” of dance in Columbia.
Avodah Massage Therapy named Peche Skin Co. its go-to for skincare — “the only person I trust.”
Carolina CrossFit says Shvaa Spa is the best recovery spot after a tough workout.
Faces by Etosh called out Sophisticated Wellness and Beauty for its dynamic IV hydration services.
Flawless Face by Faith shared its go-tos: Tatas Tips (nail tech) and The Face Fairy (esthetician and lash artist).
Peche Skin Co. shouted out Dynamic Chiropractic, calling their approach patient-first and deeply personal.
Pilates of Forest Acres recommended Shvaas Spa as “a wonderful space to unwind.”
PowerHouse Cycle rattled off faves including: Ice Box, Azalea Coffee Bar, and OTG Athletic — “super passionate owners, all involved and present.”
Rest & Replenish Bodywork praised Stabor Studios — “Shayla is a phenomenal photographer and a true artist.”
S Watson Solutions highlighted the Hendrix Brew Bus in Five Points and EQ Fitness, which offers free childcare and a welcoming culture.
Vista Vision Optometric Center gave a double shoutout to Life Expressions Health and Wellness Center and Clark & KO Studio.
Fiddlefig Day Spa says Spa Obsessed is home to “the best nail tech I know.”
Phase One shouted out Aston Moody Interiors and neighbor The Hoot for great food and design.
Spa Obsessed recommends More Vegan Café for its raw, plant-based meals.
The Coveted Copy Studio lifted up Powerhouse Pilates, calling it a beautiful new space in Lexington.
Tech, trades, and other essentials
1902 The Vineyard mentioned Chayz Lounge, The Landing Event Space, and Exec. Limo Service.
Bald Cypress Builders mentioned Lazy Creek Pet Food Center, Hazelwood Brewing, and Tent Coffee.
Calhoun Events Co. gave love to Sweets and Treats by Eb and Shot by Shante.
Central Carolina Cooling gave a nod to Michael Oana, Retirement Planning Specialist.
Dumpster+ called Rennison Roofing amazing partners.
Hotel Trundle listed a long roster of local partners — Loveland Coffee, Steel Hands Brewing, Crepes & Croissants, and more.
Monetta Drive-in Theatre shouted out Poore House Furnishings in Irmo.
ProHelp Moving and Storage recommends Local Boy Outfitters.
ProLift Garage Doors of Lake Murray recommended Carolina Curb Pros for all things concrete.
Rise & Shine Cleaning Agency lifted Glo Skin Workz & Wellness, saying they “empower women with essential skincare knowledge.”
Safety Plus highlighted Threads in Triangle City, Health Carolina Chiropractic, and WL Lawn and Landscape.
Shear Renew, LLC praised Goat’s for its staff, food, ambiance, and pricing.
Snaply Sites says the Blythewood Farmers Market is the best place to connect with local makers.
South Carolina Embroidery recommended Barron’s Outfitters for everything outdoors.
Stabor Studios gave shoutouts to Piecewise Coffee, Cola Stacks, The Hollow, Hampton Street Vineyard, Spence & Daves, and All Good Books.
The Healing Bar recommended Mill Creek Pet Store.
