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COLUMBIA — The popular fast-casual brand Cousins Maine Lobster announced the launch of its first permanent food truck in South Carolina, which will park in Columbia.

The brand aims to “introduce authentic Maine lobster to the Midlands community,” a press release says.

The Columbia truck will serve Cousins Maine Lobster’s signature menu, including chilled Maine lobster rolls with mayo on a New England-style roll, warm butter lobster rolls, lobster tacos, lobster grilled cheese, and classic whoopie pies.

The food truck will celebrate its official Columbia debut with a two-day grand opening event, kicking off Friday, Feb. 27, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Finlay Fridays at Finlay Park on 930 Laurel St. and continuing Saturday, Feb. 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Battle at BullStreet in Segra Park on 1640 Freed St.

Its expansion into the Palmetto State was spearheaded by business partners Dave Blosser and Matt Cobb.

“Seeing an authentic Maine lobster roll served in the heart of South Carolina is something really special,” Cobb and Blosser said in a press release. “We want guests to feel transported to the Maine coast …”

The Columbia market entrance is part of a three-city expansion spearheaded by Blosser and Cobb. The other cities are Charleston and Birmingham, Ala.

The truck will be present at events across the state in the coming months, including stops in Aiken and Anderson, according to its Facebook page. A second truck is slated to launch in Charleston soon, according to the brand’s website. A second Columbia truck is slated for launch in 2027, the release says.

Cousins Maine got its start in 2012 on the popular investment show “Shark Tank,” when Barbara Corcoran invested $55,000 in the company. The fast-casual seafood brand, founded by cousins Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis, has grown to include several food trucks, restaurants and a “shore-to-door” online shop. It has locations across the eastern U.S. and is expanding in the Southeast.

Emma Bliss brought a lot of love with her when she came to Columbia in 1898. You can tell by the great big valentine she left behind – a collection of photos of the people and places she saw exploring the city with her beribboned young daughter and Kodak box camera. A cute child and a camera? Strangers would smile; strangers would pose. And Emma, from Rhode Island, would snap her machine and move on.

“She was interested in absorbing this strange place of Columbia,” said Margaret Dunlap, manager of the Walker Local History and Family Center at Richland Library, where the Emma Bliss photo collection is archived. “To her it was a big adventure.”

And so different from Gilded Age Newport, with its super-wealthy families and grand mansions on Narragansett Bay. Columbia was humming with railroads and industry, even the first hydroelectric mill in the country. Thirty-four years after the Civil War and 27 past Reconstruction, South Carolina’s capital city was pushing aside its ruined past. Soon it would be the fastest-growing city in the Carolinas.

Still, pockets of poverty were conspicuous and perhaps to Emma, a White woman from a White area, dire. She didn’t shy away from them. Her photos show Black Columbians in various settings – students in front of their schoolhouses, mothers with young children, a woman outside her crumbling cabin with washpots out front, boys with their dog. She also got a photo of her daughter with Hattie Jones, a little Black girl whose mother was a cook. Like Richard Samuel Roberts would do about 20 years later, Emma captured the mundane in Columbia, allowing an extraordinary lens into their lives.

“Photographs of Black Columbians from this time period are rare, and photos showing White and Black children together – I can’t think of another one,” Dunlap said. As she put it, Emma Bliss had an “inquisitive and compassionate eye.” A new mother, she may have been drawn to scenes of mothers and children.

But she also nabbed photos of men – lots of them. They’re on horseback, firing a cannon, posing for her Kodak at Camp Fornance, a new “winter readiness” camp on the bluffs of the Broad River. Here was where the volunteers of the First Rhode Island and Second Tennessee infantries were training for duty in the Spanish-American War. This was where Maj. Herbert Bliss was stationed as their daily officer in command. And he is why this unexpected collection of seemingly unrelated photos even exist: Maj. Bliss’ wife, Emma, 30, their daughter, Hope, two-and-a half, and her doll, name and age unknown, joined him in this unknown world.

It’s easy to imagine how it all could have happened. Winter was coming. Why stay in New England? See the sights, bring the camera, get visual souvenirs. Or maybe it was more emotional, more fraught. If Maj. Bliss were sent to Cuba or the Philippines, would he come back? Hope was so young, would she remember her father if the worst happened? Bring the camera, get visual souvenirs, hope for the best. Emma and Hope trained down. Where they stayed is unknown.

What is known can be pieced together through public records, obituaries and news of that time. Emma and Hope didn’t escape a bad winter. The St. Valentine’s Day Blizzard of 1899 brought Columbia minus-2 degree weather and 11 inches of snow. (Emma dutifully got a photo of a horse-drawn sleigh.) And Maj. Bliss didn’t go to war – it ended in December 1898. But the men at Camp Fornance didn’t muster out until March 1899, and Emma kept roaming Columbia, most likely by streetcar, getting photos of scenes that drew her.

There’s the Columbia Canal on the Broad River, an unassuming elbow of water in a grassy field. There’s the rarely photographed 1872 Richland County Courthouse, razed and replaced in 1935, bicycles parked in front. When Dunlap saw the photo of the Statehouse columns lying on the ground waiting to be erected, she froze.

“I thought, ‘Wow, that’s really interesting,’ “ Dunlap explained. “To my knowledge, there is no other image of the columns lying on the ground.”

The events Emma Bliss documented are just as important, not only in Columbia’s timeline but the country’s. She was nearby – it’s not certain where – when rows of Black women paraded together, perhaps in celebration of Emancipation Day. And though she didn’t leave a photo behind of it, she probably witnessed the men of Camp Fornance, northern and southern, marching together on a now-unrecognizable Main Street.

“This was the first unifying American war since the Civil War and the first time for Confederate and Union officers to fight together for a common cause,” Dunlap noted, explaining that feelings of bitterness and notions of vengeance were put aside to defend a shared nation.

Not to be dismissed were the economic opportunities war presented. Columbia’s prescient mayor, Col. J.T. Lipscomb, sent a committee to Washington, DC, to offer free land for a training camp to the U.S. War Dept. Already in place were modern modes of transportation, clean and plentiful water, an easy climate. Once the offer was accepted, the 2,500 men who’d come to Camp Fornance would need services. Columbia’s small businesses would jump to their needs. Lipscomb’s foresight yielded rich dividends. Camp Fornance led to the building of Camp Jackson during World War I and to today’s Fort Jackson.

It’s possible those economic maneuverings explain the biggest mystery of the Emma Bliss Collection: Why are there so many photos of the house at 1315 Marion St.? If photos don’t lie, then there was a strong connection, even a friendship, between the Bliss family of Newport and the T.H. Gibbes family of Columbia. A city alderman and future mayor, Gibbes was a banker and treasurer of the Columbia, Newberry and Laurens Railroad. He would have been tending Columbia’s economic forecast. Dunlap figures he may have welcomed Maj. Bliss to Columbia. Maybe in the inexplicable way of people, they took a liking to each other. Maybe T. H. Gibbes, a son of the physician-scientist-university professor Robert Gibbes, had long moved past how his family’s home, with his father’s invaluable collections of fossils and minerals, had famously been destroyed by Union troops in February 1865. T. H. would have been a teenager at the time.

But in the interval between November 1898 and March 1899, when Camp Fornance operated as a training center and then a demobilization center, the present superseded the past. The Bliss and Gibbes families would gather on the wide porch of the Marion Street house, little Hope the centerpiece in her ribbons and bonnets and fur-trimmed capes. On the one occasion when her mother was in the photo instead of taking it, her hands were on her own camera and she was staring straight ahead. It seems Emma Bliss was always focused on what she saw.

WEST COLUMBIA — The highly anticipated Ikie Lu Record Club is set to open in West Columbia on Feb. 19 with plans to combine a champagne and cocktail bar, a restaurant and a jazz kissa to create a unique new dining experience in the River District.

The restaurant’s opening comes after years of planning by owner Matt Catchpole, who first announced the restaurant would be coming to the former Spanish-language church off of Sunset Boulevard in March 2025.

Since then, Catchpole has hosted an occasional event at the space, including a dinner for the 2025 Columbia Food and Wine Festival and a New Year’s event, but he’s mostly focused on creating a food and drink menu and completely reimagining the building with a mid-century modern vibe.

When a Free Times reporter visited the space in late 2025, vintage records filled a shelf against the wall, sleek furniture featuring plenty of natural wood was spread across the seating area and a unique monkey light hung from the ceiling.

Catchpole said he was partially inspired by a Japanese jazz kissa, a café or bar focused on listening to recorded jazz music, and hopes Ikie Lu can be a space where people enjoy listening to vinyl records and be immersed in the restaurant experience.

“As you're listening to music, as you're eating food, as you're drinking wine, as you're having a cocktail, we wanted to help you in that immersion by having this sort of vaguely mid-century design and furniture. And we wanted it to feel almost coastal, but definitely not this coast,” Catchpole said. “And the question is, is it West Coast, or is it East Coast Asia, or is it British West Indies or whatever?”

Catchpole said he wants Ikie Lu to be a place where people leave the rest of the world behind.

“Forget about all the headaches that they've got,” Catchpole said. “Relax and let the worries leave. That's one of the major reasons for restaurants existing in the first place.”

Catchpole’s dedication to creating an immersive environment is reflected in much of Ikie Lu, with the vintage-style speakers incorporated into the décor, the hand-curated vinyl collection, the mid-century modern furniture and wine — which Catchpole said he took care to select based on what companies were working to “showcase their artistry.”

In addition to selling wine by the bottle and the glass, Ikie Lu will open with a limited cocktail menu featuring “really well executed, fresh, well made, very precise versions of classic cocktails.” Catchpole said guests can look forward to drinks like an old fashioned, a Negroni Bianco, a Black Manhattan and a Jack Rudy Tonic Syrup Lime Gin (which is shaken and served like a lime daiquiri).

There will also be a few drinks inspired by his grandmother, the namesake of the restaurant, like a simple Tom Collins and a Miller High Life, which his grandmother would drink just the top layer of when Catchpole’s grandfather opened a new bottle.

And while Catchpole said he wants to create a unique environment, he’s also put a lot of time into ensuring it is approachable and affordable.

“I'm excited about it, because it's the thing that we really enjoy when we travel, is finding a space like this that you feel comfortable and feel relaxed and feel like you can enjoy yourself and appreciate some of the nicer things, without having to spend thousands of dollars to do that,” Catchpole said.

Ikie Lu will look to creatively combine upscale tastes in laid-back styles, particularly with its food menu, which will feature items like specialty hot dogs served with caviar, shrimp rolls and crab dip.

The food options, served on everything from boards to buns, also make it easy to eat throughout the restaurant, which has minimal tables, instead opting for chairs and couches for lounging and conversation.

Catchpole’s hope is that the restaurant will become will become a dinner spot, or a stop for pre- or post-dinner drinks, and an opportunity to enjoy music and relaxed time with friends new and old.

The goal is to “make these things super fun and approachable for everybody,” Catchpole said. “To also take the thing that you really enjoy and love and sort of make that accessible and share it with people.”

Ikie Lu Record Club is located at 601 N Lucas St. in West Columbia and will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 3:30 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

From the scenic waterfront views in "The Friendliest City in South Carolina" to lakeside camping in a quiet state park, South Carolina might be best known for its stunning Atlantic coastline access, but the state's many lakes are nothing to scoff at, either. Nestled between the cities of Columbia and Greenville, you'll find a prime example of a South Carolina lake city — the delightfully named town of Prosperity. Situated on the banks of Lake Murray, Prosperity offers small-town charm, along with a rich history and even award-winning food.

Located about a 40-minute drive from Columbia and about a 75-minute drive from Greenville, Prosperity is easily accessible for a relaxing weekend getaway — or even a day trip or special meal out if you're coming from one of these metropolises. To get here from further away, the nearest commercial airport is Columbia Metropolitan Airport, 39 miles away, which is serviced by several major airlines providing flights throughout the southeast U.S.

Enjoy delicious cuisine in Prosperity

South Carolina is known as "The Birthplace of Barbecue," and it wouldn't be a trip to the Palmetto State without sampling some. Don't skip out on a visit to Hawg Heaven Barbecue while you're in Prosperity — and come ready for a feast. At this family-owned barbecue joint, you'll find fall-off-the-bone-tender ribs, pulled pork, and quintessential barbecue side dishes like potato salad, mac and cheese, and slaw. Come for the lunch buffet deal, but know before you go that Sundays (post-church) can get busy. Thankfully, there is also a carry-out option.

If barbecue isn't your thing, grab a table at Roma's House of Pizza, where you can order Italian and Greek dishes, along with other American classics like wings and subs. Roma's is a local gem known for friendly and helpful service in addition to tasty cuisine and competitive prices. If you've got a sweet tooth (or a hankering for caffeine), you'll want to be sure to visit The Blend, a charming and welcoming coffee shop where you can sip on a cup of freshly brewed joe or indulge in a cookie, cinnamon roll, scone, cheesecake, or other sweet delight. (Time your visit on a Saturday, when there are also delectable doughnuts available.)

Explore this charming lake city's history

For a small town with a population barely over 1,000 people, Prosperity nonetheless has a vibrant history that remains a source of much local pride today. Originally, the town was named Frog Level, with this unusual moniker's provenance being a source of many myths. It likely comes from the town's size, low elevation, and large nearby frog population, but one urban legend tells a far stranger tale of a very intoxicated man, a frog infestation, and a big misunderstanding. Since 1873, it's been known as Prosperity — but relics of the town's early days are still standing.

Take a walk through the town square, where you'll see an independent drugstore that was first built in 1895, an antique gazebo and clock, and other historic structures. Plus, don't miss the opportunity to wander through the town's residential streets, where you'll spy numerous gorgeous 100-year-old houses that have been lovingly maintained. After your time in Prosperity, if you still haven't gotten enough of charming towns in the greater Lake Murray vicinity, you can always extend your trip with a pit stop in nearby Irmo, a Columbia suburb full of cafes and trails on the banks of Lake Murray.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins revealed the cause of an apartment fire that displaced 38 people on Tuesday.

Jenkins said the fire was accidental and started after a resident reportedly placed a towel in the oven for “medical purposes”. When the resident opened the oven door, the towel inside was on fire, and he was unable to extinguish it.

Fire alarms continued going off after the blaze ripped through an apartment building in the Broad River Trace complex on Tuesday afternoon. Crews worked on Wednesday to put out the remaining hot spots.

“I was absolutely devastated,” said Shandrea Foster, one of 38 people now without a home.

The fire broke out around 3 p.m. Tuesday, prompting nearly 65 firefighters to respond to the blaze. No injuries were reported.

Fire crews rescued three dogs and two cats, but Foster said she lost her turtle in the fire and believes her two cats are still trapped inside.

“Everything I have is in that building, including my cats that they cannot get to. So, I’m struggling right now,” Foster said.

The building remains in a fragile state, too dangerous for even firefighters to go inside and search. Crews are facing a new challenge with hidden hot spots that could reignite flames. Instead of water, they have been using fire-retardant foam to try to knock them out, dousing household items and mementos that hold precious memories for residents.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Latrice Bond, who lives in the building next door. She said the heat was so intense that it left evidence of melting on her building.

“It was getting ready to leap over. It could have done more damage,” Bond said.

Nick Gibson with the American Red Cross said they are providing support for 32 families.

“This is very devastating. We’re helping these families with their immediate needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, and any financial assistance they may need in this situation,” Gibson said.

Apartment management said they are helping to relocate residents to new units. Fire crews will continue to monitor hot spots throughout the building.

WIS talked to another resident who was also displaced.

The Columbia Fire Marshal is still investigating. Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins spoke to the media at the scene on Wednesday about the fire.

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