Aiken, SC, August 14, 2025
Aiken — 12 New Businesses and Developments to Know
Below is a concise, informative listing of 12 recent and upcoming business openings and development projects in Aiken, South Carolina. Each entry includes key dates, locations, contact availability, and notable details to help residents and visitors stay informed.
1. Parker’s Kitchen
Location: 140 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Aiken, SC
Opening Date: March 21, 2024
Phone: Not provided
Details: A convenience store concept offering made-from-scratch Southern-style meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a variety of convenience items and grab-and-go options.
2. Columbia Vehicle Group — Manufacturing Facility
Location: 2063 University Parkway, Aiken, SC
Announcement Date: May 7, 2024
Phone: Not provided
Details: An electric vehicle manufacturer establishing a new operation in Aiken County with a significant investment and the creation of new jobs in advanced manufacturing.
3. Scenthound Aiken
Location: East Gate Drive, Aiken, SC
Opening Date: January 2024
Phone: Not provided
Details: A dog grooming concept focused on efficient, scheduled services that make it convenient for pet owners to drop off and return while running errands.
4. Salty Tomatoes
Location: Aiken, SC
Opening Date: January 2024
Phone: Not provided
Details: A neighborhood restaurant serving scratch-made dishes including specialty grit bowls, sandwiches, flatbreads, and soups, emphasizing fresh, handcrafted menu items.
5. The Red Door
Location: Laurens Street, Aiken, SC
Opening Date: Early 2024
Phone: Not provided
Details: A new eatery bringing Asian-inspired cuisine to Laurens Street with a diverse menu tailored to local tastes and downtown dining patterns.
6. 419Hayne
Location: 419 Hayne Ave, Aiken, SC
Opening Date: Not specified
Phone: Not provided
Details: Luxury accommodations featuring four uniquely designed suites. Each suite includes a king-sized bedroom, living room, kitchenette, and curated art and furnishings suited for short-term stays.
7. Ginger Bee Boutique
Location: 110 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC
Opening Date: Not specified
Phone: Not provided
Details: A retail boutique offering women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories with an emphasis on fresh, fun, and sophisticated styles for local shoppers.
8. Haus Studio
Location: 345 Hayne Ave SW, Aiken, SC
Opening Date: Not specified
Phone: Not provided
Details: An interior design and architecture firm that also operates as a fine art gallery, offering full architectural services, curated global finds, fine art, jewelry, and equestrian-themed gifts.
9. New Mixed-Use Development in Downtown Aiken
Location: 133 and 141 Newberry St. N.W., Aiken, SC
Groundbreaking Date: January 27, 2025
Phone: Not provided
Details: A 36,000-square-foot mixed-use building designed to revitalize downtown by providing office space for roughly 100 professionals and creating new downtown activity and services.
10. Aiken Career and Technology Center
Location: 2276 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC
Estimated Completion Date: August 2026
Phone: Not provided
Details: A new 100,000-square-foot center supported by local educational institutions to expand career preparation, featuring modern labs, vocational training spaces, and industry-aligned programs.
11. Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative at USC Aiken
Location: University of South Carolina Aiken Campus, Aiken, SC
Opening Date: August 7, 2025
Phone: Not provided
Details: A 63,000-square-foot facility intended to foster collaboration between researchers and industry, offering training, internships, and applied research opportunities for students and local businesses.
12. New Boutique Hotel and Restaurant
Location: Park Avenue and Laurens Street, Aiken, SC
Approval Date: January 2025
Phone: Not provided
Details: Plans approved for an 80-room, four-story boutique hotel with an on-site restaurant to expand downtown lodging capacity and support visitor demand.
Quick Reference Table — Key Features
| Project / Business | Date (Opening / Announcement) | Location | Key Features | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parker’s Kitchen | March 21, 2024 | 140 Jefferson Davis Hwy. | Made-from-scratch Southern meals; convenience items | Not provided |
| Columbia Vehicle Group Facility | May 7, 2024 | 2063 University Parkway | Electric vehicle manufacturing; job creation | Not provided |
| Scenthound Aiken | January 2024 | East Gate Drive | Scheduled dog grooming services | Not provided |
| Salty Tomatoes | January 2024 | Aiken | Scratch-made restaurant menu | Not provided |
| The Red Door | Early 2024 | Laurens Street | Asian-inspired cuisine | Not provided |
| 419Hayne | Not specified | 419 Hayne Ave | Luxury suites; curated art and furnishings | Not provided |
| Ginger Bee Boutique | Not specified | 110 Laurens St SW | Women’s apparel and accessories | Not provided |
| Haus Studio | Not specified | 345 Hayne Ave SW | Interior design, architecture, and art gallery | Not provided |
| Mixed-Use Development | Groundbreaking: Jan 27, 2025 | 133 & 141 Newberry St. N.W. | 36,000 sq ft; office space for ~100 professionals | Not provided |
| Aiken Career & Technology Center | Estimated Completion: Aug 2026 | 2276 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Graniteville | 100,000 sq ft; state-of-the-art labs and training | Not provided |
| Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative | Opening: Aug 7, 2025 | USC Aiken Campus | 63,000 sq ft; research, internships, industry partnerships | Not provided |
| Boutique Hotel & Restaurant | Approval: Jan 2025 | Park Ave & Laurens Street | 80 rooms; four stories; downtown lodging expansion | Not provided |
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Are these businesses already open?
Some businesses listed opened in early 2024 or later, while several projects are in planning, construction, or slated to open in future years. Check each entry’s listed date for status context. For the most current status, contact the business or project developer directly when contact details are available.
How can I find contact information or confirm hours?
Contact details were not provided in this summary. To confirm hours, phone numbers, or specific services, search for the business name and address through local directories, municipal resources, or official business listings.
Will these developments create jobs in the area?
Several projects indicate job creation as a goal, particularly manufacturing and mixed-use developments. Education and training facilities are expected to expand workforce preparation and internship opportunities locally.
How will the mixed-use and hotel projects affect downtown Aiken?
Planned developments are designed to increase downtown activity by adding office space, lodging, dining, and retail options that support visitors, professionals, and residents, contributing to economic and community vibrancy.
Where can I get updates about construction timelines and openings?
Local government planning departments, business chambers, or municipal event calendars typically post updates on permits, groundbreakings, and grand openings. Community boards and city notices are additional sources of timeline information.
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
