Beloved Mai Poke served colorful Hawaiian poke bowls for two years.
Cayce residents are saddened as Mai Poke restaurant closes its doors after two years of offering delightful Hawaiian and Polynesian bowls. The beloved eatery at Parkland Plaza, known for customizable poke bowls and refreshing smoothies, officially shut down on January 9, 2025. The closure comes amidst a wave of nostalgia, as customers express gratitude for the unique dining experience. A new restaurant, Mai Poke Bowl, is set to take over the location, promising to continue the poke tradition. The future looks bright for the area as it remains a popular destination for both locals and students.
It’s been a bittersweet moment for the folks in Cayce as the beloved Mai Poke restaurant has officially closed its doors after just two years of serving up delightful Hawaiian and Polynesian bowls. The spot, nestled in the bustling Parkland Plaza shopping center at 911 State St., bid farewell to loyal customers on January 9, 2025. The closure was communicated via a sign on the door expressing sincere thanks for the community’s support throughout the years.
Mai Poke was known for its scrumptious customizable poke bowls, drawing inspiration from traditional Hawaiian cuisine. These bowls typically featured fresh or raw fish served over a base of either rice or salad, complemented by an array of toppings and sauces that let diners craft the perfect dish for their palate. The restaurant didn’t stop at poke bowls, either; they also offered acai bowls and refreshing smoothies, making it a go-to spot for healthy indulgences.
Mai Poke was operated by the same talented group behind the popular Charleston-based chain East Bay Deli. The restaurant opened its doors in Cayce in the fall of 2022, just as the poke bowl craze was gaining traction across the country. An exciting expansion followed with a second location popping up in Columbia on Main Street in the fall of 2023, which continues to thrive and shares space with an East Bay Deli.
Located along the busily-trafficked Knox Abbott Drive, the Parkland Plaza shopping center enjoyed a bustling atmosphere, surrounded by recognizable national brands like Five Below, Food Lion, and Planet Fitness. Adding to the charm of the area, approximately 26,000 cars pass by daily, making it a prime location for eateries and shops hoping to catch the eye of college students, local businesses, and nearby Brookland-Cayce High School.
While it’s sad to see Mai Poke’s colorful bowls go, there’s good news on the horizon! A new restaurant called Mai Poke Bowl is gearing up to take over the same location at 911 State St. with plans to officially open by mid-September. Excitingly, this new establishment will carry on the poking traditions with signature items like the Mahalo Bowl, featuring a delightful mix of toppings, and the Luau Bowl, which boasts sweet pork and tropical ingredients.
The Parkland Plaza shopping center has proven to be a resilient area, attracting restaurants and retail outlets alike thanks to a solid market presence. With two other Mai Poke locations still operating in the Charleston area—one in Mount Pleasant and another in Goose Creek—it seems that the poke trend isn’t going anywhere soon.
To add to the excitement of this closing and opening, the first Mai Poke in Columbia opened just recently on September 18, 2023. Conveniently located at 1426 Main St. on the ground floor of the Hub student apartment building, this location, like its Cayce counterpart, provides a delicious selection of poke bowls along with its sibling East Bay Deli.
While it’s a time for farewell in Cayce, the future looks bright with Mai Poke Bowl set to bring new flavors and experiences to the table. So, keep your eyes peeled for this fresh start that promises to serve up delicious dishes in the very spot that once brought the joys of Hawaiian cuisine to the community!
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