Columbia eatery said they were closing for a day but never reopened. Here’s why
A Columbia eatery known for its wings, burgers and live music was evicted from its Blythewood location, according to court filings.
A Blythewood magistrate Wednesday ordered MJ’s Grill to vacate a building located at 5 Lake Carolina Way after an eviction notice was posted on the establishment’s door in November.
On Nov. 15, 2025, the restaurant, which is owned by J-n-J Businesses, LLC, posted on its Facebook account that it would closing for a day without acknowledging that an eviction notice had been posted to its door.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances we will be closed tomorrow. We are so sorry,” the eatery said in the post.
The eviction was ordered Jan. 7 by Associate Chief Magistrate, Judge Diedra Wilson Hightower, and was in favor of Hogback South Carolina, LLC and Zimlina, LLC — a commercial landlord with Colliers International — after the eatery fell behind on rent by $14,863.
The State was unable to reach anyone associated the restaurant following Wednesday’s order.
The order was forwarded to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department for service on Thursday, according to court records.
Sam Patel, part owner and manager of ABC Liquor — located next door to MJ’s — also rents from Hogback and Zimlina, and said he can expect a 3% rent increase every year following a two-year rate lock.
Patel, who moved his business into the building September 2025, said he pays $18 per square feet for his 1,500 square feet store, totalling around $2,250 a month in rent.
At that same rate, MJ’s, which is listed at 2,560 square feet, rented the location at $4,320 a month, according to multiple commercial real estate listings.
While its unclear when the establishment opened the Blythewood location, J-n-J Businesses, LLC was incorporated in South Carolina Oct. 2023.
It is also unclear whether the eatery, which regularly featured music bingo night and live music performances, will reopen elsewhere in Columbia.
Meanwhile, the establishment’s website remains active with options to view its menu and order online — though a page redirect says online ordering is currently unavailable.
As of Thursday afternoon, MJ’s continues to bear a sign outside its doors, saying “Closed today ... sorry for the inconvenience.”
