Cason Development Group, in partnership with Four Oaks Property Group and Hughes Development Corp., is bringing a dynamic addition to the BullStreet District that promises to elevate Columbia’s social and culinary scene. GATHER COLA will be an exciting open-air food hall and community hub where exceptional dining, entertainment and energetic experiences converge in one space. GATHER COLA will offer a mix of eating, drinking and retail spots, and flexible office and community space.

“We could not be more excited about our partnership to bring the GATHER concept to Columbia,” said Frank Cason, president of Cason Development Group. “There is nothing like GATHER in the market today. This project will bring a diversity of food offerings and a vibrant energy to the already active BullStreet project. This is a project for all of Columbia to enjoy!”

Site work is already underway, and construction is set to start this month paving the way for the grand opening of GATHER COLA late this year. Garvin Design Group is the architect for the project and Hood Construction Inc. is the contractor.

Patterned after GATHER GVL, an outdoor food hall in Greenville, South Carolina, created and developed by Four Oaks Property Group, GATHER COLA will offer a curated blend of local flavors, unique retail offerings and inviting social spaces. Situated on just under half an acre at the corner of Sabal and Freed streets — directly across from REI — this highly anticipated venue is set to become a focal point for the city.

“This project holds a special place in my heart. Back in 2011, the recently announced BullStreet District was the focus of my graduate school capstone project. It’s truly a full-circle moment and a tremendous privilege to now contribute the GATHER concept to this transformative district and the dynamic city of Columbia,” said Mack Cross, co-founder of Four Oaks Property Group.

Spanning 32,286 square feet across multiple levels, GATHER COLA will feature:

Nine diverse restaurant and food vendor spaces showcasing local and international flavors.

• A dynamic outdoor gathering area equipped with ample seating, space for live entertainment and seasonal programming to bring the space to life.
• Unique pop-up retail spaces highlighting Columbia’s top micro-retailers.
• Two lively bar areas — one on the ground floor and another offering stunning rooftop views.
• A private event space for special gatherings.
• 8,500 square feet of versatile office space spanning two floors. Designed to adapt to various needs, the space can accommodate multiple users or be leased as a single unit.
• A dynamic outdoor gathering area equipped with ample seating, space for live entertainment and seasonal programming to bring the space to life.

Food vendors, retailers, and businesses interested in being a part of GATHER COLA are encouraged to contact Holly Buxton with Cason Development Group at 803- 550-3145 for more information.

“The GATHER concept has evolved,” Cross said, “and we wanted to be more intentional about some retail space and some office space alongside the food and beverage. We think there’s a great opportunity for that. We host pop-up retailers all the time in Greenville, but we don’t have a designated space for retailers, and we will in Columbia.”

“Everyone who has visited GATHER GVL knows what a special concept the Cross family at Four Oaks Property Group has created. We are honored that they chose BullStreet for their second location and believe their partnership with Cason Development is going to create something spectacular,” said Robert Hughes, president and CEO of Hughes Development Corp. “GATHER COLA will be the ultimate gathering spot for families and friends – the perfect place for co-workers to eat when everyone wants something different, and the perfect place for friends and families to get together on nights and weekends. We are excited that Columbia’s first food hall will be at BullStreet, and even more excited that it’s GATHER.”

GATHER COLA will complement The Lawn, The BullStreet District’s central hub for dining, recreation, and cultural engagement, featuring a 3,750-square-foot artificial turf play area, an event stage, and café-style seating, creating a vibrant synergy with GATHER COLA. GATHER COLA will sit adjacent to The Lawn, which will be flanked by the Bennet at BullStreet apartments and the WestLawn office building along Freed Street.

About Cason Development Group Cason Development Group is a commercial real estate development firm located in Columbia, South Carolina, focused on projects in the Columbia area as well as tenant- focused development outside Columbia.