Shop Around: NewStarbucks, barbecue eatery to open in Columbia

Every time I see the phrase “Shop Around,” I start to hear the melodic voices of Smokey Robinson and The Miracles in my head.

That then leads me to my first job, as a 16-year-old sales clerk/shake maker at my hometown Mayberry-ish drug store in Carnesville, Ga., where oldies played nonstop on the radio.

Those afternoons and weekends in that drugstore taught me a lot about retail that has stuck with me through the years: the irreplaceable value retail businesses have in a community; the importance of true customer service; and the necessity of those sweat and tears shed in the business after hours. These are concepts Columbia-area businesses seem to value, as well.

I’ll do my best to bring you the latest news on businesses that are coming and going around town. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me with any news, information or suggestions you might have at jjkendall@thestate.com. Look for my column every Tuesday and Friday on The State’s Business page.

Starbucks to open in Sheraton downtown: The long-awaited new-model Starbucks coffee shop is scheduled to open Sept. 5 in the Sheraton Columbia downtown. Housed in the hotel’s former basement bar, this special Starbucks Evening brand is ready to party with a menu that will include beer and wine as well as heavy hors d’oeuvres and an expanded breakfast menu.

The War Mouth to bring barbecue to Cottontown: A joint project of chef Rhett Elliott and Porter Barron Jr., The War Mouth is slated to open in a former auto repair shop at 1209 Franklin St., just off North Main Street, later this fall. According to a news release from Columbia-based Cason Development Group, which has partnered with the duo on the project, total investment for the project, including the property’s purchase price, is $400,000.

Fabrizio joins Brittons: Leonard Fabrizio has joined Devine Street’s upscale clothing speciality store Brittons as a men’s clothing consultant. With more than 50 years of experience in better men’s clothing, Fabrizio will be available to customers in Brittons Monday through Friday, as well as by appointment for personal off-site consultations.

This story was originally published August 27, 2015 at 4:56 PM with the headline "Shop Around: NewStarbucks, barbecue eatery to open in Columbia."