March 26, 2017 (Columbia, SC) - Patrons at Harpers in Five Points celebrate as the Gamecocks make their free throws and time winds down in the game. Photos by John A. Carlos II
As of Wednesday, April 19, Harper’s Restaurant in Five Points has shut its doors.
The Five Points staple has been in business for 27 years, and today is the first day that they are closed for business, says general manager Chris Ahlberg.
As for why the longtime favorite has ended its run, Ahlberg says, “We were just not generating enough sales, and the building is getting pretty old so repairs are quite large."
Fans of Harper’s can still enjoy a dinner from the same Charlotte-owned restaurant group here in town at the newly opened 1801 Grille at 700 Lincoln St., Suite 200. Harper’s is also still operating restaurants under the same name in Charlotte and Greensboro, North Carolina.
This closing adds to other major changes that have been happening on Harden Street in Five Points recently. A half-block of properties has been sold to a developer with unspecified plans to build parking and attract local and national retail. As part of the buy-up, El Burrito is closing this week, and the building that houses The Unexpected Joy has been sold.
In a statement, the Five Points Association said it is "disheartened to hear the news of long-time Five Points merchant, Harper's Restaurant, closing its doors. They were an active member of the Association and a beloved business in our village.
"Every district goes through change and not unlike the rest of downtown Columbia, Five Points is experiencing tremendous growth," the statement continued. "We are excited and optimistic for the future of our community."
In related news, Rise Bakeshop and Gourmet Goods, which is on the same block as the already-sold properties, plans to close May 7 and relocate downtown.
