A Season for Supporting Local

We caught up with City Manager, Teresa Wilson, who shares the importance of shopping local and uplifting the small businesses here in Columbia.


A Message from the City Manager

Columbia’s small businesses are the heart of our City. They are the dreamers, risk-takers, and community builders who give our neighborhoods their character and our local economy its strength. From family-owned restaurants and retailers to hobby-turned-business models and service providers, our small businesses help define what makes Columbia such a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

As we move into spring, I want to personally thank our small business community for their resilience, innovation, and continued investment in our City, especially during the first quarter of the year, which can often be one of the most challenging. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and the City of Columbia remains committed to creating an environment where local businesses can grow and thrive.

I also encourage our residents and visitors to be intentional about shopping local. Every purchase made at a small business is an investment in our community. It supports local jobs, strengthens our neighborhoods, and helps ensure that the unique spirit of Columbia continues to flourish.

Together, we uplift our small businesses and ensure they remain a cornerstone of Columbia’s success. Thank you for choosing local and for supporting the entrepreneurs who make our City extraordinary.

Warm regards,

Teresa Wilson
City Manager, City of Columbia


New in Town

Everywhere you look in Columbia, new small businesses are opening their doors and starting a journey that not only breathes new life into their neighborhood, but to the entire city. From the Vista, Main Street, and NOMA to Five Points and Devine Street, step into spring with a tour of Columbia’s newest businesses. Grab breakfast on the go from one of the city’s latest and greatest cafés before launching into a day of self-care, exercise, and adventure. Browse these businesses to see the newest additions to our Columbia community!

Cat Daddy’s Cat Café

The purrfect destination for the cat person in your life.

@catdaddyscatcafe

Master’s Touch Massage Therapy

A self-care experience you won’t want to miss.

@masterstouchmassage

New Vision Med Spa


Your go-to for all things wellness and beauty.

@newvisionmedspa_

Lips By You Lab

Your guide to making your own dream lipstick.

@lipsbyyoulabllc

Toasty Hot Spot

The breakfast café you won’t stop raving about.

@thetoastyhotspotsc

Got Milk Cereal Bar

For when you’re craving something sweet.

@gotmilkcerealbar

Spa Obsessed

The location of your next manicure obsession.

@spaobsessed1

Studio Pilates

The home of your next favorite fitness class.

@studiopilates_spearscreek

Bodyworks Technologies

Coaching you on your wellness journey.

@bodyworx_traci

Gather Cola

An open-air food court for your next family day or group hangout.

@gathercola


Tried & True

Columbia’s charm isn’t just in its new businesses—it’s also in the long-standing town favorites that have helped shape our city’s personality over the years. From beloved restaurants to treasured local shops, these establishments are woven into the fabric of the Soda City community, offering both longtime residents and newcomers a comforting sense of familiarity and the joy of discovering a new local business to love.

Adluh Flour Mill
Adluh’s Gervais Street mill has been in operation since 1900, delivering some of the state’s tastiest biscuit and muffin mixes.

King’s Jewelers
Where craftsmanship and personal service have been hallmarks for decades.

Motor Supply Co. Bistro
A true Columbia favorite for fine dining, serving delicious meals out of their restored 19th-century engine supply building.

Arcade Mall
Its charming architecture and mix of long-standing and local vendors create a shopping experience you won’t find anywhere else in Columbia.

The Nickelodeon Theater
A charming theater that’s stood the test of time, perfect for an afternoon flick or date night out.

Villa Tronco
South Carolina’s oldest restaurant that’s been serving up delicious Italian cuisine since 1940.

Five Points
Columbia’s oldest village neighborhood known for its unique assortment of boutiques, restaurants, and unmistakable local character.

Devine Street
A go-to destination for iconic boutiques, charming storefronts, and leisurely weekend shopping at its finest.

Main Street
The heart of downtown, where shopping, dining, events, and walkability come together in the center of the city.

The Vista
A vibrant arts and entertainment district filled with galleries, restaurants, nightlife, and some of Columbia’s most beloved destinations.

NOMA
An eclectic, arts-driven neighborhood with coffee shops, specialty restaurants, and close-knit community.

Get moving this spring and discover all that Columbia has to offer by visiting choosecolumbiasc.com.

Want to discover more local? Follow Fig on Facebook and Instagram for inspiration.

More from Fig

Local Services

Spruce Up Your Home for Fall

Sometime this season, pay a visit to any of these local businesses to see all they have in store for your home.

Local Services

Selling made sweet

The Sweeten Group @ RE/MAX At The Lake has been making waves in the Columbia real estate community for the last 13 years.

Your Weekly Guide to Columbia

Delivered right to your inbox for free, Fig Weekly features local stories, small business features, and upcoming events you won’t want to miss.

By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Fresh Figs Delivered to You

Designed and produced four times a year, Fig Columbia magazine is filled with the latest in Columbia including local shopping, dining, arts, events, and community.