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8 new eateries and drink spots transform Columbia's vibrant food scene

Stories by The State journalists, with AI summarization

Columbia's food scene evolves with vibrant new eateries, showcasing fusion flavors and innovative concepts. The articles highlight various unique dining and drinking experiences in Columbia. For example, Hibachi Wings in Lexington combines Japanese cuisine with Southern favorite wings, adding a unique twist to the dining options. Columbia sees the expansion of Bierkeller, a local brewery, as it prepares for statewide distribution, breathing new life into the former River Rat Brewery space.

Meanwhile, Granby Burger operates as a ghost kitchen within Lucky’s bar in Five Points, adapting to changing consumer preferences for delivery services. Lastly, the Hawaiian fusion restaurant Surfin Sumo has opened in the bustling Main Street District, offering distinct Hawaiian-Japanese flavors.

A banner announces that Sola Ramen & Sushi is coming soon at 185 Earth Road suite H in the Market at Spears Creek shopping center in Elgin near northeast Columbia. By Chris Trainor

NO. 1: QUICKLY GROWING SHOPPING CENTER NEAR COLUMBIA IS ADDING A SUSHI & RAMEN SPOT

A new Asian restaurant is set to be the latest tenant of a quickly growing shopping center near northeast Columbia.Sola Ramen & | Published July 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Trainor

Hibachi & Wings restaurant recently opened at 5594 Sunset Blvd suite B in Lexington, SC. By Chris Trainor

NO. 2: THIS BUSY SECTION OF LEXINGTON HAS A NEW RESTAURANT WITH ASIAN FLAVORS

A new Japanese restaurant has made its debut in a busy commercial area of Lexington. | Published August 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Trainor

Kipp Shives prepares an order for a food delivery service at his Granby Burger kitchen inside Lucky’s in Five Points on Thursday, August 14, 2025. By Tracy Glantz

NO. 3: THESE COLUMBIA RESTAURANTS OPERATE INSIDE OTHER LOCAL BUSINESSES. WHY?

Sometimes a new restaurant needs an extra revenue stream. | Published August 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Colin Elam

Surfin Sumo, a new Hawaiian fusion restaurant, will have a grand opening ceremony with city officials on Aug. 28, 2025 By Chris Trainor

NO. 4: SURF’S UP: THIS BUSY COLUMBIA AREA GETS A NEW HAWAIIAN FUSION RESTAURANT

A grand opening has been set for a new Columbia restaurant offering flavors of Hawaii and Japan. | Published August 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Trainor

Vibez Coffee has opened at 622 Canalside St. in Columbia. By Photo from Vibez Coffee’s Instagram

NO. 5: NEW COLUMBIA COFFEE SHOP DEBUTS IN A TRENDY DEVELOPMENT. HERE’S WHERE

A new coffee shop is debuting in a popular neighborhood in downtown Columbia. | Published August 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Trainor

Clutch Coffee Bar plans to open its store on Lake Murray Boulevard in Irmo in October, per the company’s social media. By Photo from Clutch Coffee's Facebook page

NO. 6: A GROWING COFFEE CHAIN’S NEW SHOP NEAR COLUMBIA GETS AN OPENING DATE

A growing coffee chain is set to open its newest store in the Midlands. | Published August 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Trainor

The can design for Bierkeller Columbia’s Kellerbier, which it soon plans to distribute statewide. By Provided

NO. 7: CLOSED COLUMBIA BREWERY TO SEE NEW LIFE, AS ANOTHER SC BREWERY GOES STATEWIDE

Where beer once flowed, it will soon flow once again. | Published September 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Hannah Wade

Que! Bueno Mexican Bar & Grill has opened a new location at 1467 Sumter St. in downtown Columbia. By Chris Trainor

NO. 8: A NEW RESTAURANT IN DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA OPENS ITS DOORS. HERE’S WHERE IT IS

A new Mexican restaurant has opened in the heart of downtown Columbia. | Published September 17, 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.