Three local businesses have recently closed their doors in Lexington County, citing reasons ranging from a change of ownership to financial strain to insurance problems.

Cafe Strudel 

Cafe Strudel, located at 309 S. Lake Dr. in Lexington, known for its brunch items, has been purchased by the Foundry Hospitality Group and will be revamped under a new name. 

The hospitality group also owns Ember, downtown Lexington's new steakhouse. 

The Lexington Cafe Strudel location opened in 2018. 

The West Columbia location at 300 State St. will remain open and will see minimal changes, if any, its new owners told The Post and Courier Free Times. That location has been in business for about 28 years.

In July 2025, the restaurant launched dinner service beginning at 5 p.m., which includes burgers, sandwiches, pasta, salads and more. 

The Dales Biergarten and Bottle Shoppe

The Dales Biergarten and Bottle Shoppe, located in the Springdale area of Lexington County, had a menu featuring beers, seltzers and more. It closed its doors to the public on Friday, Oct. 17, citing issues with liquor liability insurance. 

“We also want to take a moment to encourage everyone who cares about the future of local businesses like ours to raise your concerns with your South Carolina state representatives," a social media post from the beer garden business read. "The current laws and insurance requirements are making it nearly impossible for small, independent venues to survive. Your voice can help create change."

On May 28, 2025, Gov. Henry McMaster signed the Tort Reform and Liquor Liability bill into law, which aims to address the increasing insurance costs for businesses and establish new safety and insurance requirements for establishments that serve alcohol.

In its final week, Dales hosted Music Bingo Monday, Trivia Tuesday, $1 wings on Wednesday, live music from Tokyo Joe on Thursday and a Halloween party on Friday.  

The establishment opened its doors in 2023 at 3150 Platt Springs Rd., located in the Historic Springdale House. Prior to becoming a beer garden and retail shop, the venue operated as a wedding space.

“We can’t begin to express our gratitude. It’s been a privilege to meet you, serve this community, and share so many great times and unforgettable nights,” the post read. 

Kid City USA Daycare 

A daycare that serves children ages six weeks through 12 years old closed its doors on Oct. 31. 

A letter sent to employees and families on Oct. 27 stated that Kid City USA would close due to financial strains and recent government cuts to early childhood funding. 

“We’re not just a daycare; we’re a community where every child thrives,” the organization’s website reads.

WIS reported that families with children who attended Kid City USA in Lexington are scrambling to find new childcare options after the short notice of the closure.

The organization has over 140 locations across 11 states, including North Carolina, Florida, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.