Kera Indian Kitchen
Kera Indian Kitchen is an Indian restaurant coming soon to a small shopping center on Sunset Blvd in Lexington, SC. The project is listed as ‘under construction’ in the town’s planning and zoning report. Signage is up, a building permit is posted in the window, and a ‘coming soon’ poster is displayed. No opening date […]
The Lowline Hotel
The Lowline Hotel is a full renovation and reimagination of the former Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District, located along King Street corridor. It will be one of the first properties in the southeastern US to join JdV by Hyatt (Hyatt’s independent lifestyle collection). Developed by Highline Hospitality. Opening summer 2026.
Home2 Suites by Hilton North Augusta
Extended-stay hotel Home2 Suites by Hilton approved by North Augusta planning commissioners on May 20, 2026. Site plan approved; hotel will be located near Exit 5, adjacent to the existing Tru Hotel. Two variances from the Board of Zoning Appeals were previously obtained. No opening date specified.
Aura Kitchen & Bar
Aura Kitchen & Bar is taking over the former Boku space at 916 Gervais St in Columbia’s Vista district. The restaurant will offer Pan-Asian fusion cuisine combining Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and Korean flavors, along with drinks and late night vibes. No opening date has been publicly announced yet.
LongHorn Steakhouse
New LongHorn Steakhouse location planned for Platt Springs Road in Lexington County, SC. Will be the 4th Midlands location. Permits for land disturbance and landscaping were issued in April 2026 by Lexington County Planning Commission. Exact address and opening date not yet confirmed.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
New 2,723 sq ft Tropical Smoothie Cafe opening in Aston’s Verdae Village shopping center. This is the ninth location for Upstate franchisees Bill Ruby and Greg Powell, who have been operating in the Greenville-Spartanburg market since 2017. Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-9pm, Sat-Sun 8am-9pm.
QDOBA Mexican Eats
New QDOBA Mexican Eats location opening at 1000 Gervais Street in Columbia, SC. Set to open May 20, 2026. Will offer Mexican-style food with create-your-own meal options, online ordering, and is expected to create 25+ new jobs. Hours: 10:30am-10pm daily.
Lou Lou’s Tavern on the Tracks
Lou Lou’s Tavern on the Tracks is set to open this month (May 2026) at the Refinery in Charleston, SC. The restaurant will feature a curated art wall with approximately 20 pieces from Charleston-based artists.
Philosophia
A new Philosophia location (Greek restaurant concept co-owned by Justin Hunt and Dimitri Hatgidimitriou) is set to open on Clements Ferry later this summer of 2026. Philosophia is a casual Greek dining concept featuring shared plates, gyros, bowls, and classic Greek spreads.
Senor Fork
Trendy restaurant near USC campus focused on croffles (croissant-waffle hybrids), walking tacos, cheesecakes, and rotating TikTok-inspired specials. Plans to stay open late (2-3am on weekends). Targeting college students with affordable, fun food. Soft opening planned for end of May 2026.