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Check out 8 new eateries that have opened across the Midlands

Stories by The State journalists, with AI summarization

Several new eateries have opened across the Midlands, offering diverse food options.

Eatery 117 launched in Elgin, where a bar once operated — the owners shifted from the bar scene to a breakfast and lunch model. Ember joins downtown Lexington's dining scene as a high-end steakhouse, offering steaks, pasta and seafood. Mel's Dairy Bar has opened in Forest Acres at a site that was previously home to a longstanding Zesto restaurant. And Dulce Losa Ice Cream Factory enters the Columbia market with over two dozen flavors.

Check out The State's reporting on these openings and others.

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Thai Delicacies opened June 2 in West Columbia. By Jordan Lawrence

NO. 1: WEST COLUMBIA GETS NEW RESTAURANT PROMISING ‘THAI DELICACIES’

The menu at the new West Columbia spot features Thai entrees spanning noodles, stir fry, curry, soups and salads. | Published June 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordan Lawrence

Eatery 117 had a soft opening on June 10 at 117 Spears Creek Church Road in Elgin near northeast Columbia. By Photo from Eatery 117's Facebook page

NO. 2: A NEW EATERY OPENS NEAR NORTHEAST COLUMBIA WHERE A LONGTIME BAR USED TO BE

It formerly was a popular Midlands spot for craft beer. Now it’s a restaurant focused on breakfast and lunch. | Published June 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Trainor

The dining room at Ember, a high-end steakhouse at 101 W. Main St. in Lexington. By Photo from Ember Lexington's Instagram.

NO. 3: A NEW DOWNTOWN LEXINGTON STEAKHOUSE OPENS ITS DOORS. CHECK OUT THE MENU

The restaurant is the latest piece in an increasingly busy corridor in the heart of Lexington. | Published June 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Trainor

Scones and other pastries are available at JJ’s Place, a new bakery on Meeting Street in West Columbia, SC. By Chris Trainor

NO. 4: A SODA CITY STALWART HAS OPENED A NEW BAKERY IN WEST COLUMBIA. TAKE A LOOK

Their breads have been a hit at Columbia’s popular weekend market. Now they are baking lots of treats at a new storefront. | Published June 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Trainor

Firehouse Subs recently opened a new location in Orangeburg, SC.

NO. 5: THE MIDLANDS HAS ITS FIRST FIREHOUSE SUBS WITH FRENCH FRIES. HERE’S WHERE

The sandwich shop has several locations in the Midlands. Now a new one has debuted in a busy area. | Published June 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Trainor

Mel’s Dairy Bar is now open at 3239 Forest Drive in Forest Acres where Zesto used to be. By Chris Trainor

NO. 6: A NEW DAIRY BAR IS OPEN WHERE A ZESTO NEAR COLUMBIA USED TO BE. WHAT TO KNOW

The recently opened Midlands spot has burgers, ice cream, chicken and more in a familiar setting. | Published June 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Trainor

A new Sonic Drive-In has opened at 2207 Airport Boulevard in Cayce, SC. By Photo provided

NO. 7: A HIGH-TRAFFIC MIDLANDS AREA HAS A NEW SONIC RESTAURANT LOCATION. HERE’S WHERE

The company has long had a presence in the Midlands. Now it has a new spot near major roadways. | Published July 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Trainor

Dulce Losa Ice Cream Factory has opened at 1400 Summit Parkway in northeast Columbia, SC. By Chris Trainor

NO. 8: THIS BUSY COLUMBIA AREA HAS A NEW PLACE FOR ICE CREAM TREATS. CHECK OUT WHERE

The new Midlands spot has more than two-dozen ice cream flavors, offering cups, cones, shakes and more. | Published July 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Trainor

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.