Gather COLA food hall reveals full vendor lineup

A new food hall that leaders say will transform downtown Columbia has revealed its lineup of vendors.

Gather COLA,vlocated at 2191 Pickens St. in Columbia’s BullStreet District, has announced that the full food, beverage, and retail lineup is complete ahead of its late fall 2025 opening.

Inspired by the success of Gather GVL in Greenville, where the concept has become a hub for dining and community connection, Gather COLA will build on that model while tailoring it specifically to Columbia, a news release stated. Guests can expect a diverse mix of eateries, from classic Southern to innovative 80s-inspired Asian cuisine, along with live entertainment, an expansive private event space, and new additions unique to Columbia, including dedicated office and retail space designed to serve the community.

Gather COLA’s lineup was handpicked to represent both Columbia’s local flavor and international influences, creating a diverse experience under one roof, the release stated. Guests can look forward to local restaurants, three retail vendors, two bars, live entertainment, and flexible office and event space. The concept is designed to bring people together in meaningful ways.

The confirmed retail vendors include Ageless SC, a vintage clothing shop, Crumbl Cookies, a national cookie and dessert brand, and The Avenue Flower Pop-Up, offering build-your-own flower arrangements. These additions will complement the culinary lineup and add an interactive retail element to the Gather COLA experience, the release stated.

The confirmed restaurant lineup at Gather COLA offers an extensive taste of flavors and options for those with specific dietary preferences, the release stated. From Wilmington, N.C., Bahn Sai offers Thai and Asian fusion, while Bull and Bread, also originating from Wilmington, N.C., serves up creative sandwiches. Other options include Bessie’s Burgers and More with classic American fare, Big Easy Seafood with bold Cajun dishes, Coco Bowlz for refreshing acai bowls, Gyromania Grille Express with Greek classics, Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles with comforting soul food, Los Chicanos Jr. with authentic Mexican flavors, Smoke It Up Express for smoky barbecue, and Melt Cheesesteaks & More, a new concept at Gather COLA specializing in a cheesesteaks and hot sandwiches.

“Columbia deserves a lineup that reflects its warmth, grit and creativity,” said Mack Cross, co-founder of Gather COLA. “These vendors have proven talent and a commitment to serving people well, and Gather COLA gives them a platform to grow. We built variety in on purpose so groups and families can enjoy dining together. Family-friendly, welcoming, and distinctly Columbia– that’s the kitchen table we’re setting.”

In addition to the food stalls, Gather COLA will feature two standout beverage concepts: Session Taproom, located on the first floor, is curated by Carl Cross of The Half in Wilmington alongside Columbia’s own Mark Martinho. It will feature a rotating lineup of craft beers and easy-drinking sippers, including a signature beer brewed exclusively for Gather COLA. Remedy, Gather COLA’s upstairs bar led by Martinho, will deliver craft cocktails, local flavor, and a spirit of connection.

The team behind Gather COLA intentionally chose this mix of vendors to strike a balance between local favorites and fresh talent, offering both comfort and adventure in food, drink and retail, the release stated.

“Our approach to leasing Gather COLA focused on more than filling space, it was about building a community,” said Holly Buxton, development associate at Cason Development. “We met with operators face-to-face to ensure they shared the vision and passion behind the project, taste-tested their food to confirm quality and balance across the lineup and listened to community feedback to make sure each concept would be embraced and celebrated locally.”

While the food and beverage programs are at the center, Gather COLA is designed to be a dynamic community hub, the release stated. The space will host weekly entertainment, including Trivia Tuesdays, Music Bingo Wednesdays, and live music twice a week, as well as seasonal celebrations. Beyond dining and entertainment, Gather COLA’s retail spaces will invite guests to shop and engage with local and national brands, adding another layer of experience to the community setting. Gather COLA also includes private event spaces ranging from VIP nooks to full buyouts.

The project is on track to open later this fall with its full lineup of food, beverage, and retail vendors, as well as new private office and co-working spaces created in partnership with a trusted local workspace team.