Playa Bowls
Playa Bowls, a growing acai bowl and smoothie chain, is set to open its first Midlands location in downtown Columbia at 737 Gadsden St, Unit 103, neighboring Colonial Life Arena. City of Columbia records confirm the planned opening.
Coastal Crust
Charleston-born wood-fired pizza concept opening its first Midlands/Columbia location in the historic Williams Building at BullStreet District. Grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony planned for Aug. 4, 2026 at 11 a.m. Menu features Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas, salads, small plates, desserts, and local pasta options. Owner is Brian Piesner.
Pizza A Modo Mio (fast-casual concept)
Chef Michael Pitera of Pizza A Modo Mio is preparing to launch a fast-casual sister concept at the Citadel Mall food court. The concept features build-your-own Roman-style personal pizzas (ready in 2-3 minutes), chopped salads, pastas with four sauce options, and desserts like gelato ice cream sandwiches and cannoli. The location is inspired by proximity […]
Alteño
Denver-based Michelin-recognized Mexican restaurant Alteño, from Fonda Fine Hospitality (Chef/Owner Johnny and Kasie Curiel), is expanding to Charleston, SC. The new location will open on the ground floor of the Charlee on Cannon at 89 Cannon St. The restaurant focuses on cuisine inspired by Los Altos de Jalisco, Mexico. Targeting an Early Fall 2026 opening […]
The Press Room
Watterson Brands / Moon King Entertainment Group is converting the old Island Packet newspaper building on Buck Island Road into a large entertainment destination called The Press Room. Phase One includes Side Hustle Brewing taproom restaurant (~200 seats), 15,000 sq ft beer garden with jumbo screen, 5,500 sq ft arcade/family entertainment, coffee shop, ice cream […]
Hampton Inn and Suites Surfside Beach
127-room Hampton Inn and Suites being developed by family-owned OM Hotel Group for approximately $25 million. Construction began July 29, 2026. Groundbreaking ceremony held with Mayor Robert Krouse in attendance. Hotel is located along U.S. Highway 17 Business in Surfside Beach, SC. Expected to open spring 2028.
Untitled Pizza Co.
Untitled Pizza Co. is a wood-fired pizzeria concept by Jalen Reeves, featuring Neapolitan-inspired dough with a New York-style finish and seasonal toppings. It will be a tenant at the new Blackwells Corner mixed-use development in Hanahan, SC, expected to open in 2027. A preview pop-up called Blackwells Outpost will launch in September 2026 on Yeamans […]
Cook Out
Cook Out is opening its first Moncks Corner, SC location at 646 Rembert C Dennis Blvd, near Food Lion. Construction is underway as of March 2026, with completion originally expected in June 2026. As of article date (July 23, 2026), no confirmation of completion yet, but opening described as ‘coming quite soon.’ The location has […]
The Velvet Pony
LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant concept from owners Cat Forrester and Lazer Kotowich. Will serve creative cocktails, wines, local beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and a food menu. Space includes bar seating, two-top and four-top tables, fenced patio, non-gendered ADA-accessible bathrooms. Funding via Indiegogo. Post and Courier coverage states the bar will open before end of 2026.
A Taste of Rome by Pizza A Modo Mio
New concept from Pizza a Modo Mio owner Michael Pitera opening in the food court at The Citadel Mall in West Ashley. Will offer 12-inch Roman pizzas, chopped salads, pasta, appetizers, authentic New York bagels, specialty coffees and desserts. Opening announced as ‘early this fall’ on July 23, 2026. MUSC purchased part of the mall […]