Business stories in Columbia, SC

Research indicates that employees are leaving their jobs not for higher pay but for opportunities for growth and purpose. Leaders are encouraged to focus on employee development to enhance engagement and retention.

South Main Social, a new venue in downtown Greenville, will open on April 28, blending a vinyl Hi-Fi listening room with a craft cocktail bar. The menu features a mix of Southern, Asian, and global cuisines, aiming to create a space for connection and enjoyment.

Starting May 11, Starbucks will allow customers to schedule mobile orders up to an hour in advance. This service, tested at select locations, aims to enhance convenience during busy hours.

President Trump is considering a taxpayer-funded takeover of Spirit Airlines, aiming to resell the airline after oil prices decline. This comes as Spirit seeks financial assistance to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Party City is reviving its brand by partnering with Staples to sell party supplies in 700 locations and online. This collaboration follows the company's bankruptcy and store closures last year.

Wendy's is launching seven new menu items nationwide on April 27, featuring sweet and spicy flavors for spring. Highlights include the Cookie Dough Frosty Fusion and a range of jalapeño-infused dishes.

Kept Companies is hosting walk-in interviews for pressure washing technicians in Spartanburg, SC, offering $20-$25 per hour. Candidates can receive on-the-spot job offers during the event.

hi everyone! i am moving to columbia in july and am looking for a bartending job. anyone know of places that might be hiring?

Melrose Market has appointed Josh Rogerson as executive chef for its upcoming American brasserie in Melrose Heights. The restaurant will showcase a menu of approachable classics and debut at the Columbia Food & Wine Festival on April 26.

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders have overwhelmingly approved the $81 billion acquisition by Paramount, which could reshape the media landscape. The deal, valued at nearly $111 billion including debt, still faces regulatory reviews but marks a significant shift in Hollywood's corporate structure.

Ferrara Candy Company has announced a $675 million investment to establish its first South Carolina operation in Orangeburg County, projected to create 1,000 jobs over the next decade. The new facility will include manufacturing, processing, and administrative offices, with production expected to start in early 2029.

Amazon is set to build a delivery station in the Ninety Six Business Park, creating dozens of jobs and enhancing last-mile delivery across Greenwood County. The facility will serve as a crucial hub for package distribution in the region.

Kellogg's is reintroducing toys in cereal boxes for a limited time to celebrate Disney and Pixar's 'Toy Story 5.' Starting April 26, select cereal boxes will include collectible items and classic toys.

Chef Michael Sibert of White Wine and Butter in Greer has gained significant recognition, including winning Chopped and being named South Carolina Chef Ambassador. His culinary approach blends Southern tradition with global influences, emphasizing community impact and team development.

A federal judge has approved a $425 million class action settlement for Capital One customers misled about savings account interest rates. Eligible customers will receive payouts automatically, reflecting lost interest earnings.

South Carolina's workforce has expanded by over 8,000 workers, reaching a total of more than 2.5 million. However, the state's unemployment rate has increased to 5%, attributed to the growth in the labor force.

Party City is making a comeback by partnering with Staples to open sections in over 700 stores across the U.S. This collaboration aims to enhance customer convenience by offering party supplies alongside office products.

Leaders from South Carolina's hospitality sector convened at the State House for the 15th annual Hospitality Day, emphasizing the industry's significant economic impact and advocating for legislative support on pressing issues. Despite inflation challenges, the demand for dining and travel remains robust.

Since March, more than 1,300 workers in South Carolina have been impacted by layoffs and plant closures, with significant losses reported in Charleston and Union County. Major companies like Milliken and International Paper are among those making cuts, highlighting ongoing challenges in the logistics and manufacturing sectors.

Lorrayne Mavromatis, a former employee of MrBeast's media company, has filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and wrongful termination after returning from maternity leave. The company denies the allegations, claiming her position was eliminated during a reorganization.

Iran has fired on and seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in a crucial shipping lane. This incident follows a U.S. blockade and ongoing ceasefire negotiations, impacting global oil prices and maritime security.

Matt Finlayson, PE, has returned to Weston & Sampson, bringing over six years of wastewater design experience. He will focus on water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.