Chris Trainor

Lexington

Retail reporter for @TheState. Columnist for the @ijindexjournal. Alum: Free Times & @PCColumbia. Charley's dad. Pizza Inn evangelist. https://t.co/DAaeKkdVZi

Featured in: Favicon

postandcourier.com Favicon

thestate.com Favicon

yahoo.com (+9) Favicon

usnews.com Favicon

flipboard.com Favicon

charlotteobserver.com Favicon

newsobserver.com Favicon

govtech.com Favicon

stripes.com Favicon

govexec.com + 40 more

Articles

Chris Trainor: Howling at the lightning

4 days ago | indexjournal.com | Chris Trainor

The Kansas City Dog is a creature of habit. Those who have read this column with any regularity through the years — all seven of you — know that the Kansas City Dog is, of course, my family’s beloved morkipoo Ollie. He gained his nickname nine years ago, when my wife and daughter bought him against my wishes while I was away in Kansas City for a ballgame. Despite the subterfuge involved with his acquisition, Ollie has been a steadfast family friend for nearly a decade.
Popular bakery near Columbia smashed by car. When will it reopen?

5 days ago | thestate.com | Chris Trainor

A car crashed through the storefront at Lita’s Treats bakery at 800 Lake Murray Blvd. on May 8, 2025. Photo from Irmo Police Department's Facebook A popular bakery in Irmo was damaged Thursday after a car crashed through the front of the store. The incident happened Thursday afternoon at the Lita’s Treats location at 800 Lake Murray Blvd in Irmo. The shop is known for its baked goods and sweet treats, particularly cupcakes.
Which Columbia area restaurant is your favorite for hot dogs? Vote in our poll

6 days ago | thestate.com | Chris Trainor

Vote today in The State’s 2025 Hot Dog Poll. File photo As the weather warms and summer nears, the dog days are nearly upon us. Hot dog days, that is. The hot dog has long been an American culinary staple, particularly in the warmer months, when cookouts proliferate in backyards and on patios, with whisps of smoke rising from grills and mustard, relish and more being layered onto the franks.
Tender Loving: Examining Columbia’s ever expanding chicken tender scene

1 week ago | thestate.com | Chris Trainor

Clockwise from top left, Cash’s Chicken, Dave’s Hot Chicken and Guthrie’s Chicken. Chris Trainor [email protected] There are many facts of life in Columbia and the Midlands. Columbia serves as the seat of state government, is home to South Carolina’s flagship university and hosts the nation’s leading Army training installation in Fort Jackson.
Tender Loving: Examining Columbia’s ever expanding chicken tender scene

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Chris Trainor

There are many facts of life in Columbia and the Midlands. Columbia serves as the seat of state government, is home to South Carolina’s flagship university and hosts the nation’s leading Army training installation in Fort Jackson. The Midlands, in general, has a steadily growing population, an accelerating business climate, and an abundance of natural resources, highlighted by Lake Murray and numerous scenic rivers and streams. And, by God, we love some chicken tenders.
A former West Columbia church building is becoming a wine bar. Take a look

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Chris Trainor

In our Inside Look stories, The State's journalists take you inside places around South Carolina that you maybe haven't seen before. Read more. Story idea? [email protected]. A new wine and cocktail bar is headed to West Columbia, bringing with it comfortable vibes and a nod to the popular jazz cafes of Japan. Ikie Lu Record Club is currently being prepped at 601 N. Lucas St. in West Columbia.
Chris Trainor: I need my glasses to find my glasses

2 weeks ago | indexjournal.com | Chris Trainor

When you do something daily for three decades, it simply becomes a completely ingrained part of your life. One such thing, for me, is wearing glasses. I first started wearing them in the spring of 1993. I was in the eighth grade. I can remember sitting in Mr. Newton’s science class at Wright Middle School, and asking him about something that was written on the chalkboard at the front of the room. “You can’t see that?” Mr. Newton asked.
Steakhouse taking prime spot in downtown Lexington announces name, eyes opening

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Chris Trainor

A new steakhouse is getting close to opening in the heart of downtown Lexington. Ember, which restaurant officials referred to in a release as a “modern, upscale steakhouse,” plans to open in late May at 101 W. Main St. That’s at the corner of W. Main and Church streets, right next to Barrio taco restaurant and just in front of Lexington’s popular Icehouse Amphitheater. Ember is going into the space formerly occupied by Alodia’s Italian restaurant, which closed in April 2024.
Restaurant Roundup: Lexington bakery’s new lunch + Columbia BBQ event is moving

4 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Chris Trainor

Welcome to the Restaurant Roundup, an occasional series where we take a look at news bits and items of interest in the food and restaurant scene in Columbia and across the Midlands. This week’s entry includes the launch of a new lunch menu at a local bakery, the introduction of a new beer at a Columbia-based brewery, and a new location for a regional barbecue event. O’Hara’s Bakery Cafe, located at 121 E. Main St., launched its new lunch on Monday.
Well-known convenience store brand coming to this Lexington area. Here’s where

1 month ago | thestate.com | Chris Trainor

A popular convenience store chain is prepping a new location in Lexington County. Circle K, which has locations across the the U.S. and many stores in the Midlands, is planning a new location in the 5904 Platt Springs Road, at the corner of Platt Springs and Kyzer roads. That’s about a mile southwest of White Knoll High School. Lexington County property tax records indicate that Circle K bought the property at 5904 Platt Springs Road in December. Earlier this month Circle K Stores Inc.