The Foundry Group announces Slip 53, a new oyster bar and seafood concept coming to Five Points in mid-spring 2026

A fresh addition is coming to Columbia’s dining scene in mid-spring 2026 as The Foundry Group debuts Slip 53, its new oyster bar and seafood concept, at 732 Saluda Avenue, the former Pecknel Music Company location in Five Points.

Slip 53 will serve fresh, coastal-inspired flavors in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Guests can expect a dynamic raw bar, inventive hot and cold seafood preparations, as well as other creative menu options. A private dining suite, valet service and casual yet refined interiors will round out the guest experience.

“Five Points has been a gathering place that brings people together for a very long time, and we’re honored to build on that legacy,” says Steve Cook, executive vice president of The Foundry Group. “Slip 53 will bring innovative and modern coastal flavors and a welcoming, laid-back dining experience to the heart of Five Points.”

Slip 53 is a modern interpretation of the classic yacht club — coastal, refined and relaxed. It blends elevated dining with approachable hospitality and clean, contemporary design. The concept is led by Cook, who also owns Saluda’s Restaurant in Five Points, and Casey Peissel, owner of Backstreets Grill. Together, the two bring decades of expertise in developing restaurant brands that combine creativity and community connection.

“We’re taking everything we love about great seafood and hospitality and giving it a home in Five Points,” says Peissel. “We want Slip 53 to be a laid-back yet refined dining experience that feels fresh, relaxed and easy to enjoy.”

The property, home to the iconic Postcard Mural, is undergoing a full renovation that preserves its historic significance while introducing a coastal aesthetic — including a name inspired by the building’s past. The “53” in Slip 53 pays tribute to its history as the former Gasque’s Sport Shop, an outdoor sporting and boating goods store that opened in 1953.

Boyer Commercial Construction, a veteran-owned firm, is overseeing the project, while Garvin Design Group is serving as the architect and Cason Development Group is handling development management.

The restaurant is slated to open in mid-spring 2026. Additional details, including the grand opening date, menu offerings and design features, will be shared as renovations progress.

About The Foundry Group

The Foundry Group (formerly Foundry Hospitality Group) is a Columbia, S.C.-based diverse business group, specializing in restaurant concept development, operations, franchising and multi-unit acquisitions. With a growing portfolio of brands — in hospitality and beyond — across the Southeast, the company develops original local restaurant concepts and partners with emerging and established franchise brands to scale responsibly and sustainably. Guided by its core values of empowerment, integrity and a people-first philosophy, The Foundry Group invests in its team members, communities and partners to create memorable dining and other experiences that deliver lasting value. For more information, visit foundryhospitalitygroup.com.