‘We’re at rock bottom.’ Downtown Columbia businesses damaged from violence
At least five Vista businesses were damaged in the violence that engulfed downtown Columbia on Saturday.
Protesters smashed windows in the Blue Marlin restaurant, shattered windows and a side entrance in the Aloft Hotel on Lady Street, damaged a Lady Street pub and attempted to break into a jewelry store on Lincoln Street.
They also broke into an office office building next door to Sandler’s Diamond and Time and attempted to set it on fire, said Merritt McNeely, president of the Vista Guild. Smoke could be seen still rising from building — the old Palmetto Candy and Tobacco store — at 1229 Lincoln an hour or so after the crowd was dispersed.
“it is bad,” McNeely said. “But it could have been much much worse. We’re thankful that the police were able to deescalate the situation and move people out before more damage was done.”
She noted that the Vista Guild van was one of the cars burned in the Washington Street garage across from the Columbia Police Department headquarters, where protests of the death of George Floyd by Minneapolis police became centered.
Raj Champaneri, owner of Aloft, was at the hotel when protesters began to smash windows.
“They came and busted down the side entry door and some of the exterior of the building,” he said. “I was worried for my staff. When it happened we asked them to go to the basement and we hung out in the back.”
Champaneri said the 107-room boutique hotel was about a quarter full, but that was the most guests they had had since the coronavirus hit.
“This happening is not good for us,” he said . “We’re at rock bottom.”
The Blue Marlin restaurant on Lincoln Street was also badly damaged.
Blue Marlin co-owner Ryan Dukes said the restaurant was spray painted and windows were knocked out.
“Probably the hardest part was wanting to keep the staff safe,” he said. “The police department helped get customers out. Probably had 20, 30 customers.”
Dukes said the restaurant is closed and will not reopen on Sunday.
“We’re going to relax,” Ryan Dukes said. “This, I don’t know how you put it, up close and personal with just chaos. I’m calling all the staff to make sure everybody is OK.”
Ryan’s father, Bill Dukes, told The State he spoke to his son on Saturday evening.
“Our employees were scared,” Bill Dukes said. “Ryan got down there, and before he got to the restaurant, said, ‘Dad, I’ve never seen anything like this in our town.’”
Bill Dukes noted Blue Marlin was closed for two weeks because of the virus. He wasn’t sure how much longer they would have to stay closed. “It’s a very tragic situation.”
David Erbacher said the Hyatt Hotel on Gervais Street, where he is sales manager, was not damaged, but it was barricaded Saturday night and no one was allowed to enter or leave unless they were employees.
Like Champaneri, he said the hotel was having the best night since the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We’re not taking any reservations now,” he said. “We’ll see how things look on Monday.”
Maayan Schechter contributed to this report.
This story was originally published May 30, 2020 at 9:28 PM.