Here’s where Columbia’s Drake’s Duck-in will relocate during coming Main Street renovations
One of Columbia’s most famed fried chicken joints is about to spread its wings and move to another location, at least temporarily.
Drake’s Duck-in, which has long been a popular spot for fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, breakfast and more, is set to temporarily close its longtime location at 1544 Main St. in Columbia as it embarks on an extensive remodeling project. Co-owner Daniel Boan told The State on Monday that the Main Street space will likely close early in March.
It will then temporarily relocate, for the duration of the remodeling on Main Street, to 1840 Hampton St. That’s just less than a mile from the current Drake’s location. That space on Hampton Street has been home to a number of restaurants through the years, including Hampton Street Diner.
Boan said Drake’s will likely have takeout and dine-in options during its temporary stay on Hampton Street. He noted that once Drake’s on Main Street closes for renovations in early March, there would probably be a gap of a couple weeks before the temporary shop on Hampton is up and running.
Owners initially announced in November that the Drake’s space at 1544 Main would be getting a “full-scale renovation” in 2023 to give it a “completely new look.” Drake’s is collaborating with an interior designer who has worked on restaurants in Charleston, Boan said in November. The renovated Drake’s will have a vastly updated aesthetic but will still largely feature the menu staples people have come to love. Restaurant officials said the remodeling effort could take six months.
For generations, Drake’s has been a popular gathering spot, particularly at lunchtime, as downtown office workers, police officers, firefighters, journalists, workers from nearby hospitals and many others queue up for chicken, hot dogs, super sweet pink lemonade and more. The spot is particularly known for its chicken filet sandwiches, which are adorned with two hulking slabs of chicken.
The remodeling of the Drake’s space will coincide with the construction on The Flutter Wing, an extension of nearby Hotel Trundle that is going in on the top floor at 1544 Main.
Drake’s has been in Columbia since 1907 and has been at various locations through the years. The restaurant has been at 1544 Main St. for 26 years. The building at 1544 Main St. was built in the 1870s, according to Historic Columbia. Uses for the building through the years have included a bookstore, beauty salons, a cafe and more.
Boan and Matthew Bridges bought the Drake’s business and the Main Street building in 2015.
