Clowney to hold sneak preview of his Columbia vaporium

Former USC Gamecock Jadeveon Clowney will hold a sneak preview of his new KURE Columbia Vaporium and Lounge on Tuesday.

Clowney, who played at USC from 2011 to 2013, is an investor in the Gervais Street business, which will open later this month.

The sneak preview will be from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the store, located at 620 Gervais St. Suite B. A limited number of presale packages were being offered. The Pro Package costs $35 and includes a photo with Clowney, signed merchandise, and a 30 ml bottle of Clowney’s signature e-juice liquid “Clowney’s Hit.”

Clowney, a member of the NFL’s Houston Texans, has been involved in the design of the store, according to Marty Sumichrast, chairman of Charlotte-based KURE Corp. A line of products featuring Clowney is being planned, Sumichrast said.

Sumichrast told The State earlier this month that he has been a friend and confidante to Clowney since Clowney was a sophomore at South Pointe High in Rock Hill.

“This is like him sticking a little pinky into the water, to help him understand how a business works,” Sumichrast said.

Other investors in the Columbia business include attorney Bakari Sellers, who represented Bamberg, Barnwell and Colleton counties in the state House of Representatives from 2006 to 2014.

Clowney will be starting his third season with the Houston Texans in August. He holds USC’s single-season sack and tackles-for-loss records – 13 and 23.5 – both set in 2012. His first two seasons in the NFL have been hampered by injuries.

This story was originally published July 15, 2016 at 6:14 PM.