@christrainorsc.bsky.social
Retail reporter at The State, contributing columnist at the Index-Journal. Charley's dad. Mack's Cash Grocery evangelist.
As the father of a Lexington High School student I can assure you this is going to be popular.
www.thestate.com/living/food-...
www.thestate.com/living/food-...
This growing area near Lexington High to get a new national restaurant location
A well-known chain is planning a spot on a high-traffic Lexington corridor that has seen commercial and residential growth.
www.thestate.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:59 PM
As the father of a Lexington High School student I can assure you this is going to be popular.
www.thestate.com/living/food-...
www.thestate.com/living/food-...
Reposted
The new spot for fruit-filled drinks and acai bowls is coming to a Lexington plaza that is home to a number of well-known businesses.
A popular Lexington shopping center is getting a new smoothie bar. Here’s where
The new spot for fruit-filled drinks and acai bowls is coming to a Lexington plaza that is home to a number of well-known businesses.
bit.ly
December 11, 2025 at 4:30 PM
The new spot for fruit-filled drinks and acai bowls is coming to a Lexington plaza that is home to a number of well-known businesses.
Smooth(ie) moves in one of the busiest retail corridors in Lexington.
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
A popular Lexington shopping center is getting a new smoothie bar. Here’s where
The new spot for fruit-filled drinks and acai bowls is coming to a Lexington plaza that is home to a number of well-known businesses.
www.thestate.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Smooth(ie) moves in one of the busiest retail corridors in Lexington.
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
Ice cream and tacos LIVE.
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
Sweet treat: West Columbia shop for ice cream, tacos to continue with new owners
The shop in West Columbia’s Three Fountains area recently announced plans to close. However, it now looks to continue with new proprietors.
www.thestate.com
December 10, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Ice cream and tacos LIVE.
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
Reposted
The event is billed as “A Conversation with Kamala Harris.”
Former VP Kamala Harris to bring book tour to South Carolina. Here’s what to know
The event is billed as “A Conversation with Kamala Harris.”
bit.ly
December 10, 2025 at 4:10 PM
The event is billed as “A Conversation with Kamala Harris.”
Going to see the Fireflies Holiday Lights or visiting the new Gather food hall at BullStreet? Maybe a bite at Tupelo Honey? You can get some free garage parking.
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
Going to BullStreet for Christmas lights or the new food hall? How to park free
The growing Columbia district continues to draw crowds with events and new food. Here’s how to get some free parking time in the garages.
www.thestate.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Going to see the Fireflies Holiday Lights or visiting the new Gather food hall at BullStreet? Maybe a bite at Tupelo Honey? You can get some free garage parking.
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
A new brew coming to downtown Cola.
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
New Columbia coffee shop offering specialty brew is coming to former jazz spot
The shop that plans to serve Yemeni coffee is planned for a space that once was home to The Aristocrat.
www.thestate.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:52 PM
A new brew coming to downtown Cola.
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
A new hotel in Columbia's Vista will soon start welcoming guests.
A new boutique hotel in Columbia’s Vista has an opening date. Here’s when
The new hotel will be located in the former Columbia Central Fire Station in one of the city’s busiest districts.
www.thestate.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:34 PM
A new hotel in Columbia's Vista will soon start welcoming guests.
Say What
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
A new Whataburger is opening in one of SC’s busiest retail areas. Check out when
The company has expanded its presence across South Carolina. Now it is set to debut its latest restaurant location.
www.thestate.com
December 9, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Say What
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
Reposted
The new Japanese restaurant is in the Columbia location that was formerly home to Yamato for decades.
A popular Columbia shopping area has a new Japanese steakhouse. Here’s where
The new Japanese restaurant is in the Columbia location that was formerly home to Yamato for decades.
bit.ly
December 8, 2025 at 5:10 PM
The new Japanese restaurant is in the Columbia location that was formerly home to Yamato for decades.
The hibachi grills are fired up once again in the former Yamato space out in the Harbison area.
A popular Columbia shopping area has a new Japanese steakhouse. Here’s where
The new Japanese restaurant is in the Columbia location that was formerly home to Yamato for decades.
www.thestate.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:09 PM
The hibachi grills are fired up once again in the former Yamato space out in the Harbison area.
Reposted
By the way, I was working today. Thanks John Monk!!
December 8, 2025 at 5:04 PM
By the way, I was working today. Thanks John Monk!!
Head's up for orange chicken, Lexington.
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
This high-traffic Lexington road has a new Chinese restaurant. Check out where
The new Lexington eatery offers a host of Asian flavors and is located in a busy area with a number of businesses.
www.thestate.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Head's up for orange chicken, Lexington.
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
www.thestate.com/news/local/a...
Reposted
The shop, which was first in Lexington and then moved to West Columbia, has offered sweet treats and more.
A West Columbia spot known for ice cream, tacos is set to close. What we know
The shop, which was first in Lexington and then moved to West Columbia, has offered sweet treats and more.
bit.ly
December 2, 2025 at 4:50 PM
The shop, which was first in Lexington and then moved to West Columbia, has offered sweet treats and more.
Food truck to brick-and-mortar incoming in NE Cola.
This bustling Columbia road is getting a new Filipino restaurant. Here’s where
The planned Columbia restaurant will be a brick-and-mortar offering from a popular local food truck.
www.thestate.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Food truck to brick-and-mortar incoming in NE Cola.
I wrote a column about lost seasons, dashed expectations and the ways a rivalry game can absolve at least a few sins. Also, this is the only Carolina-Clemson piece you will read this week that references German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche in the lead.
As Clemson game nears, bragging rights still on the line for Gamecocks faithful
A win over the Tigers wouldn’t erase all the season’s problems, but The State’s Chris Trainor says it would still lift USC fans’ hearts.
www.thestate.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:02 PM
I wrote a column about lost seasons, dashed expectations and the ways a rivalry game can absolve at least a few sins. Also, this is the only Carolina-Clemson piece you will read this week that references German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche in the lead.
Save the date and save me some waffle fries.
A new Chick-fil-A will open on a busy Columbia road. Here’s when it debuts
The popular sandwich chain is set to open a new Columbia location that will replace an older facility.
www.thestate.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Save the date and save me some waffle fries.
Sandhill/NE Cola alert.
A well-known Columbia shopping center has a new pizza place. Check out where
The northeast Columbia space used to be home to a Blaze Pizza. Now a new eatery has opened its doors there.
www.thestate.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Sandhill/NE Cola alert.
Extra cheese please, Lexington.
This busy Lexington road is getting a new national pizza restaurant location
The pizza shop will be coming to a Lexington area near a major interstate that has continued to see growth.
www.thestate.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Extra cheese please, Lexington.
That loaded omelet biscuit, though.
This well-known restaurant for burgers and more has opened in Lexington County
The company, which is also famous for biscuits and breakfast, recently debuted in an area in southern Lexington County.
www.thestate.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:57 PM
That loaded omelet biscuit, though.
Steakhouse plans are afoot in Red Bank.
A national steakhouse is planning a location in this busy Lexington County area
The eatery would go into a burgeoning Lexington County development that already features restaurants, a new grocery store and more.
www.thestate.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Steakhouse plans are afoot in Red Bank.
Reposted
The spot for sweet treats announced in October that it would close its doors. Now it is set to see new life.
A doughnut shop near Columbia plans to reopen after a brief closure. Here’s when
The spot for sweet treats announced in October that it would close its doors. Now it is set to see new life.
bit.ly
November 10, 2025 at 4:50 PM
The spot for sweet treats announced in October that it would close its doors. Now it is set to see new life.
Reposted
The Midlands restaurant attached to a gas station has been a fixture of the local food scene for more than 16 years.
A longtime Columbia-area cafe and grill plans to close its doors. Here’s when
The Midlands restaurant attached to a gas station has been a fixture of the local food scene for more than 16 years.
bit.ly
November 10, 2025 at 6:40 PM
The Midlands restaurant attached to a gas station has been a fixture of the local food scene for more than 16 years.
Columbiana chugs along.
This national retailer is prepping a new store in the Columbiana Centre mall
The store carries a host of well-known brands and will be a part of the mall that has remained popular in the Harbison shopping area.
www.thestate.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Columbiana chugs along.