Publix to open new downtown Columbia location

A national grocery chain is opening a new location in the Midlands.

Supermarket retailer Publix Super Markets will open its next downtown Columbia location in the BullStreet District. Located next to REI Co-Op, at Bull Street and Colonial Drive, the new store will enhance walkable access to groceries and everyday essentials for thousands of people who live, work and visit downtown Columbia, a news release stated.

“The addition of Publix to the BullStreet District is another big step in the transformation of BullStreet into a destination that serves the entire region,” said Robert Hughes, president of Hughes Development Corp., the master developer behind the transformation of the historic 181-acre South Carolina State Hospital site in downtown Columbia. “Having a major supermarket within walking distance is the essence of our vision to make BullStreet a truly vibrant, walkable community.”

The new 50,325-square-foot Publix will not only serve the more than 1,000 residents living in the BullStreet District, but also thousands more within walking distance, either in the surrounding neighborhoods or in new developments planned in the area over the next few years, the release stated.

“This has been the number one request of Columbia residents for BullStreet since its inception,” said City Councilman Tyler Bailey, head of the city’s BullStreet Commission. “It is exciting to see BullStreet take shape and meet the needs of the Columbia community, especially given the lack of access to grocery stores for many of the surrounding neighborhoods. They have long advocated for a grocery store in this area and now we’ll have one.”

Publix joins a growing list of local and national businesses who now call the BullStreet District home, including Segra Park, REI Co-Op, Starbucks, Scout Motors, Pvolve Columbia, Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar, Methodical Coffee, and Publico Kitchen and Tap. Additionally, several projects are underway, including Columbia’s first food hall: Gather COLA, Coastal Crust, Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, and the University of South Carolina’s Health Sciences Campus.

“We are thrilled to continue our growth across Columbia with a new location in the BullStreet Distrct,” said Jared Glover, media relations manager for Publix Super Markets, in the release. “We look forward to welcoming customers to their new Publix and providing them with the premier service and quality products they know and love.”

Publix was founded in 1930 and is the largest employee-owned company in the United States. Publix has more than 1,400 stores across eight states in the Southeast, including more than 70 locations in South Carolina.

Groundbreaking for the new Publix is slated for Summer 2026.