Hey there, Columbia food lovers! I’ve got some tasty news that’ll make your mouth water. Metro Diner is setting up shop at Jackson Square shopping center on 106 Percival Road, right near Forest Drive and Forest Acres. This popular breakfast and comfort food spot is bringing their delicious all-day breakfast and hearty meals to our neighborhood. Let me fill you in on what makes this new addition so exciting!
1. Comfort Food Paradise Coming Soon
Metro Diner isn’t just another restaurant chain – it’s a comfort food institution! Founded in Jacksonville, Florida, this diner has been serving up massive portions of home-style cooking that’ll make your grandma jealous. Their menu features everything from fried chicken and waffles to meatloaf that’ll transport you straight to Sunday dinner at mom’s house.
What makes my heart skip a beat is their Charleston Shrimp & Grits – a Southern classic with a Metro twist. Though the exact opening date hasn’t been announced yet, construction is already underway at the Percival Road location.
If you’ve never experienced Metro Diner before, prepare your stretchy pants! Their portions are legendary, and doggy bags are practically mandatory. The restaurant will occupy about 3,500 square feet in the shopping center.
2. Jackson Square’s Exciting Transformation
Have you noticed how Jackson Square is totally upping its game lately? The addition of Metro Diner marks another milestone in this shopping center’s impressive revival. Located at the busy intersection near Forest Drive, this once-quiet retail space has been attracting more exciting businesses.
Where once stood empty storefronts, now thrives a growing community hub. The shopping center recently underwent significant renovations, making it more appealing to both shoppers and business owners.
Many locals (myself included!) remember when this area was struggling to keep tenants. Now, with Metro Diner joining the mix, we’re seeing a real renaissance. The restaurant’s arrival is expected to increase foot traffic substantially, benefiting all the surrounding businesses and creating that buzzing community vibe we’ve been missing.
3. What Metro Diner Brings to Our Community
Beyond just delicious food, Metro Diner is bringing approximately 80 new jobs to our area! From servers and cooks to hosts and managers, this restaurant will create opportunities for Columbia residents. As someone who’s always rooting for our local economy, I’m thrilled about this development.
Metro Diner is also known for becoming part of the fabric of communities they enter. Their restaurants often serve as gathering spots where neighbors connect over coffee and pie. The chain has a reputation for supporting local events and fundraisers too.
When I visited their Charleston location last year, I was impressed by how many regulars the staff knew by name. The restaurant’s hours (typically 7am-8pm) will fill a need for quality breakfast and lunch options in the Forest Acres area, particularly on weekends when brunch seekers are out in force.
4. New Dining Options Coming to Columbia
Columbia’s dining scene continues to expand with new concepts opening around the city. As people increasingly seek out unique and innovative flavor combinations, there has been a growing interest in diverse and fusion cuisines.
Several local eateries are blending global flavors with Southern ingredients, reflecting the city’s evolving palate. Food trucks and pop-ups offering creative dishes have also become popular, allowing chefs to experiment with new menus before settling into permanent locations. Many new restaurants focus on accommodating dietary preferences, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to meet customer demand.
This trend reflects a broader movement across South Carolina towards culinary innovation while honoring traditional Southern hospitality. Food lovers can look forward to more varied dining experiences in the coming months as the city’s restaurant scene grows and diversifies.
5. Emphasis on Local and Seasonal Ingredients
Farm-to-table dining has become a significant trend in Columbia, with many chefs emphasizing locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
These restaurants highlight dishes made with fresh produce, meats, and dairy from within a 50-mile radius, supporting the regional agricultural economy. Seasonal menus change regularly to reflect what’s available, offering diners an authentic taste of South Carolina’s rich farming heritage.
Some venues host special events such as “meet the farmer” dinners, where guests can connect directly with producers and learn about sustainable agriculture. This focus on local sourcing helps strengthen community ties and encourages sustainable dining practices in South Carolina.
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