Here’s where and (roughly) when the first Midlands Scooter’s Coffee shop will open

A Richland County councilman who plans to open a host of Scooter’s Coffee shops has identified the location of the first Columbia shop.

Councilman Joe Walker III and business partner Andrew Reed have a deal to bring more than two dozen Scooter’s Coffee locations to the Midlands and other parts of South Carolina. Walker told The State the first Columbia location will be opened at the Killian’s Crossing development off Killian Road in northeast Columbia, near the Kroger grocery store. The councilman said the Scooter’s at that location is aiming for a March or April 2023 opening.

Walker, who currently represents District 6 on County Council but did not seek reelection this year, said he and Reed plan to open more than two dozen Scooter’s locations, with probably 15 of those being in the Midlands.

The Scooter’s off Killian Road will be a 700-square-foot facility, Walker said, and will be drive-thru only.

Scooter’s was founded in 1998 and is based in Nebraska. There are more than 300 Scooter’s locations across 21 states. The company says on its website that its keys to success are to “find a great location and stay committed to high-quality drinks, speed of service, and a big smile.”

The coffee market has continued to hum along in the Columbia area. Industry leader Starbucks has a host of stores in the Columbia area, including a recently opened location on Rosewood Drive and a coming location at 650 Lincoln in the Vista.

Meanwhile, there are plans for a 7Brew coffee spot in Forest Acres near the Richland Mall, as well as a Clutch Coffee Bar on Devine Street.

Walker is no stranger to restaurant franchising. At one point he owned 23 Marco’s Pizza locations across South Carolina and Virginia but has since sold those businesses.

Richland County Councilman Joe Walker III and business partner Andrew Reed are bringing a number of Scooter’s Coffee locations to the Midlands. The first will be in northeast Columbia.
Richland County Councilman Joe Walker III and business partner Andrew Reed are bringing a number of Scooter’s Coffee locations to the Midlands. The first will be in northeast Columbia.