The Woody to reopen on Main Street, Columbia

August 21, 2019

SC Radio Icon Brings Local Favorite to Historic Space

Beloved local restaurant and bar The Woody is set to reopen at 1649 Main Street this fall. Formerly located in the Vista, The Woody will occupy the ground floor and garden level of the historic building at the corner of Main and Blanding Streets. The Woody’s lively dance classes and vibrant social spirit provide a great counterpoint to upstairs restaurant Hendrix, which opened in the building’s second level and rooftop in November 2018.

The Woody has been a staple of the local dining and entertainment scene since it opened in the Vista in March 2011. Owned and operated by the Windham family, The Woody takes its name from patriarch Woody Windham, an iconic South Carolina radio personality with 61 years on air. Daughters and co-owners Jennifer Windham and MacKenzie Winn grew up working with their father and spearheaded the search for The Woody’s new home when it left its space at 808 Lady Street at the end of June 2019.

“1649 Main Street is about twice the size of our old space. It’s going to be fantastic,” said Woody Windham. “The building sets up perfectly for us.” Jennifer Windham noted the building’s high ceilings and history of family-owned businesses make it an obvious fit.

“The Woody will be a great new tenant for 1649 Main Street,” said Scott Garvin, the building’s developer and architect for the upfit. “And they’ll be a great complement to Hendrix.”

The Woody’s managing partners are working with local architecture and interiors firm Garvin Design Group and general contractor Hood Construction to upfit the two lower levels for its new use. Colliers International brokered The Woody’s lease on the space. Their move continues the commercial revitalization of Main Street. The new tenant is targeting a late fall opening date, with possible pop-up parties off-site until then. For ongoing updates, follow The Woody on Main on Facebook, The Woody on Snapchat, and The Woody on Main on Instagram.