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Viral TikTok food reviewer Keith Lee came to Columbia

3 days ago | colatoday.6amcity.com | Allie Remhof |Samantha Robertson |Danielle Johnson

9 out of 10. That’s a bar-setting rating from Keith Lee, a viral restaurant critic with 17 million followers on TikTok, after tasting local Bernard Hardison’s fried chicken. In case you haven’t heard of him, Lee and his family have traveled the country in search of the best food around, especially from Black-owned and family-operated restaurants, and his videos garner millions of views.
River Drive Creative brings two Columbia music brands together

3 days ago | colatoday.6amcity.com | David Stringer

Two mainstays of Columbia’s music community are now located under one roof. Caroline Guitar Company, a boutique guitar pedal maker, and Archer Avenue Studio now share space at 3504 River Dr., inside the newly branded River Drive Creative building. Archer Avenue Studio is up and running in the new space, now featuring two professionally built recording rooms: Studio A, led by founder Kenny McWilliams, and Studio Z, operated by musician and producer Todd Mathis.
Global brunch crawl hits Uptown Columbia

3 days ago | colatoday.6amcity.com | David Stringer

Prepare your tastebuds — Brunch Around the World hits Uptown Columbia on Sunday, June 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free-to-attend, walkable event transforms neighborhood favorites into global brunch destinations with themed dishes, drinks, and tastings. Pick up a passport, sample international bites + sips, and collect stamps at each stop. Complete your passport for a chance to win a raffle with prizes from Uptown businesses.
How to park in Columbia

1 week ago | colatoday.6amcity.com | Samantha Robertson |David Stringer

If you live in a city, you’re going to use parking, lots. Eh? Get it? Ok, we may be bad at parking puns, but we are good at parking in Columbia. Here’s a quick go-to parking guide that will help you avoid tickets within city limits. Parking rates in Columbia have recently changed, marking the first rate increase in 18 years. City Council approved major updates to parking rates and policies that took effect on Saturday, March 1. The changes aim to generate $12 million over five years.
What makes Columbia’s small business scene special?

1 week ago | colatoday.6amcity.com | David Stringer

What makes Columbia’s small business scene unique? We posed that question to local biz owners, and their responses painted a picture of collaboration, creativity, and genuine community connection. From the buzz of Soda City Market to word-of-mouth support, here’s what they few of them had to say:“Columbia’s small business scene thrives on a mix of innovation, local pride, and community support.
Four new local businesses to try in Columbia

1 week ago | colatoday.6amcity.com | Samantha Robertson

To celebrate Small Business Week, our team garnered information about local businesses, and out of the ~80 businesses that participated, four of them opened this year. Today, we’re highlighting the new businesses on the block. Rest & Replenish Bodywork | Opened in February, Rest & Replenish Bodywork is owned + operated by Jazmine Jones, who blends clinical expertise with intentional touch to restore balance and enhance overall well-being.
Local owners shout out their favorite spots

1 week ago | colatoday.6amcity.com | David Stringer

As part of Small Business Week, we asked participating local businesses to name another local business everyone should know about — and they delivered. The result? A community-powered list of must-visit shops, cafés, creatives, and hidden gems, straight from the folks who know the small business scene best. Below, you’ll find the business names in bold, followed by their local recommendations. A Little Happy is a fan of its whole Five Points community.
Graduation week in Columbia

1 week ago | colatoday.6amcity.com | David Stringer

More than 8,300 USC grads will walk the stage Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, with ceremonies on campus. They’re not alone — graduation season is in full swing across Columbia. Consider this your graduation cheat sheet. Midlands Tech: Wednesday, May 7, Colonial Life Arena: Friday, May 9–10, Colonial Life Arena + Koger CenterBenedict College: Friday, May 9, 7 p.m., Charlie W.
Local home improvement and service companies in Columbia

1 week ago | colatoday.6amcity.com | Samantha Robertson

They say home is where the heart is — so it’s probably a good idea to have your house serviced now and again. With a hot SC summer coming up + spring cleaning in full swing, we’re highlighting a few local businesses that are pros at taking the stress out of building, moving, cleaning, improving, servicing, and more. Bald Cypress Builders | Local, residential remodeling and build team, taking our clients from pre-construction to project completion.
Small Business Week has arrived in Columbia

1 week ago | colatoday.6amcity.com | David Stringer

Small Business Week is here, and we’re gearing up to spread the local love. We’ve partnered with some of Columbia’s small businesses to celebrate the folks who make up the backbone of our local economy. Through Saturday, May 10, you can expect Q+A’s with local entrepreneurs and features on local businesses that shine a light on what it’s like being a part of Cola’s small business community. We have something special for our readers, too.