A Columbia Five Points restaurant has closed, but another will take its place
A dual-restaurant in Columbia Five Points recently closed its doors, but a new eatery plans to open in the space soon.
Gong Cha and Kremo Ice Cream, which served boba tea, rolled ice cream and more at 701-B Santee Ave., closed its doors in late June, according to a letter posted on the door. Gong Cha and Kremo originally opened there in November 2021.
“We started Gong Cha and Kremo almost five years ago with two goals: to bring great boba to UofSC and Columbia, and to provide an enjoyable space for the community,” read the letter on the door, which was still posted as of July 16. “We strived to bring the best quality drinks and desserts to every customer. As our five-year lease and franchise agreements come to an end, we made the difficult decision not to renew them.”
The note indicated the last day for Gong Cha and Kremo at the Santee Ave space was June 28.
However, the note on the door indicated that new tenants plan to bring a restaurant with “Asian-inspired street foods and an extensive line of drink offerings” to the Santee Avenue space.
There are posters in the windows at 701-B Santee touting that the next restaurant will be called GotCha, and will feature milk tea, boba tea and street food. The posters tout that GotCha will offer fresh ingredients, handcrafted drinks and “crave-worthy bites.”
An opening date for GotCha has not been announced.
