Columbia, SC — June 25, 2024 — California Dreaming, an iconic fixture in Columbia’s dining scene, is thrilled to announce its 40th anniversary. Located in the heart of historic Union Station, the restaurant has been serving exceptional food and unforgettable dining experiences since 1984, with a focus on fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch recipes.

For four decades, California Dreaming has been a beloved destination in Columbia, celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere, house-made food, and friendly service, perfect for any occasion. The restaurant’s menu, offering a mix of American classics and original dishes, has consistently delighted guests, making it a favorite dining destination for locals and visitors alike. Signature items such as the namesake California Dreaming Salad paired with honey-butter croissants, thick-cut steaks, and hearty seafood dishes have become staples that keep guests coming back.

“We are incredibly grateful to our loyal guests and dedicated staff who have made these 40 years possible,” said Karen Hall of California Dreaming, Columbia. “Our journey from opening day to becoming a cherished part of the community has been remarkable. We look forward to many more years of serving the Columbia community with the same passion and commitment that has brought us here today.”

Honoring the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere, the signature frozen drink, “Cali Crush,” will be featured on the menu all summer long, offering a refreshing toast to four decades of excellence. As California Dreaming celebrates this milestone, the restaurant invites guests to share pictures and stories from the past on social media.

A Rich History at Union Station

California Dreaming is housed in the historic Union Station, a landmark that dates back to 1902. Originally built as a passenger station for the Southern Railway, the building has a storied past, having played a significant role in Columbia’s transportation history. The station’s architectural beauty, characterized by its grand façade and intricate details, provides a unique and charming backdrop for the restaurant’s contemporary dining experience.

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Thank you Post & Courier for featuring us in your roundup of “Where to Go for Spritz Cocktails in #Columbia“.

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“10 Best Fall Foliage Destinations to Avoid the Crowds”

Men’s Journal, October 2023

Greenville, South Carolina

The biggest sport these days in town is wining and dining. Surf and turfers will gravitate to Chophouse ’47

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Here’s to celebrating 35 years, Charleston!🎉

We’ve thrived in every way thanks to you, our community of loyal guests and dedicated staff. We’re proud to be a local favorite and can’t wait for you all to join in our milestone anniversary by trying our new seasonal cocktails, ordering your favorites dishes, and giving a hello to our team. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

Thank you so much for the recognition, Bumble x OpenTable. We look forward to celebrating with you all soon, including the holiday season.

To read more: https://www.opentable.com/…/100-best-spots-business…/us

Here’s to celebrating 35 years, Charleston!🎉

Just a little note to wish our guests past, present, and future a BIG thank you. Our community makes us who we are, and we’ve thrived in every way thanks to our loyal guests and dedicated staff. We’re proud to be a local favorite and can’t wait to hang out with you for plenty more decades to come. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

Here’s to celebrating 25 years, #Augusta! 🎉

We’ve thrived in every way thanks to you, our community of loyal guests and dedicated staff. We’re proud to be a local favorite and can’t wait for you all to join in our milestone anniversary by trying our new spring cocktails, ordering your favorites dishes, and giving a hello to our team. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

Atlanta Magazine
December 2021

“Best Power Lunch”
Joey D’s Oak Room in Dunwoody sets the tone for a power lunch with a bar so impressive it requires the use of a built-in ladder. Dress to impress and enjoy charbroiled oysters, Kansas City strip steak and warm croissants in an elegant setting

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From the Menu Of… Joey D’s, New Orleans Spicy Shrimp

AJC, March 4, 2021
By C.W. Cameron

The sauce that comes with the New Orleans barbecue shrimp appetizer at Joey D’s Oak Room is absolutely divine. It includes a mixture of spices with a smoky taste to it. I would love to have the recipe for that dipping sauce! It would pair well with other fish recipes as well. — Viviana Fernandez, Sandy Springs

This spicy shrimp appetizer has been on the menu at Joey D’s Oak Room since the restaurant opened more than 30 years ago. It’s a classic New Orleans preparation that is messy to eat but worth the mess. This is the first time the restaurant has been willing to share this recipe, so we’re glad to be able to feature it.

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Top 25 Bites

Jezebel Magazine
February, 2020

Joey D’s Oak Room

“Celebrating 30 years, this high energy restaurant, with IG-worthy bar, is a classic that still glows. Start your meal with New Orleans BBQ shrimp, messy but worth it.”

New York Prime, Atlanta

“This USDA prime-only steak joint remains a top pick for the A’s elite. Their noteworthy seafood platter, with overflowing crustaceans, is to be filed under ‘appetizer of our dreams’.”

From the Menu Of… New York Prime Crab Cakes

AJC, August 12, 2020
By C.W. Cameron

The crab cake at New York Prime is amazing. Big lumps of crab, no bready filling, they were just right for this crab lover. What’s their secret? — Deborah Shupert, Atlanta

You can enjoy an amazing steak at New York Prime, but we are betting there are many who go just to enjoy the crab cakes. Chef Robert Kinsella says, “The preparation and minimal ingredients are meant to showcase the crab. Start with quality crab meat and the final product will be a winner.”

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We’re proud to be back serving our community for dine-in service and to go after months of quarantine.

We remain committed to ensuring a healthy environment for our guests and team. With strengthened sanitizing measures, safety practices that exceed GA, SC, AL, LA and CDC standards, social distancing, single-use menus and / or sanitized plastic-sleeved menus and more. We will continue to be proactive and appreciate your support. Read more on what we’re doing below.

We’re Open: California Dreaming, Carolina Roadhouse, Chophouse ’47, Chophouse New Orleans, Gulfstream Cafe, Joey D’s Oak Room, and New York Prime.

To our guests,
Unfortunately, our April 6th goal of re-opening has passed. The impact of the COVID-19 is difficult to process as we navigate the uncertainty of the situation on a daily basis. Our people are the heart of CentraArchy, and through this period, we are committed to doing right by our teams, guests and communities. CentraArchy remains committed to preventing the spread of the virus and keeping our families safe. Our goal is to re-open our restaurants very soon.

We will continue to monitor the situation daily and make the best decisions we can for our staff and communities. We look forward to the day we can get back to business and do what we do best – serving our guests and providing for our families.

Please take care of yourself and each other!
The entire CentraArchy team

We will not be re-opening on April 6. A new date is forthcoming.

March 12, 2020 | COVID-19 / coronavirus

At all CentraArchy Restaurants, we’ve taken additional steps to ensure a healthy environment for our guests and team. In an abundance of caution, we have strengthened our sanitizing measures and safety practices.

• We follow federal and state guidelines on all health and safety issues and are taking guidance from the CDC and our local health authorities if any additional measures need to be taken.
• We understand, from the CDC, that the virus cannot be transferred through food; only from person to person.
• We always follow the stringent Department of Public Health regulations in our restaurants every day and will continue to do so, from S.H.O.W.T.I.M.E. procedures, to food safety, to not allowing employees to come to work should they feel sick.

Thank you for putting your trust in us, we look forward to serving you soon.

As of March 16, 2020, Chophouse ’47 is an entirely non-smoking restaurant & bar

Dish of the Week, New Orleans Spicy Shrimp

AJC, February 2020
By Henri Hollis

Dunwoody spot’s shrimp are messy, but worth it

The menu at Joey D’s describes the New Orleans spicy shrimp as, “a mess to eat, but worth it!” It’s hard to disagree with that assessment, although it doesn’t do justice to the degree of messiness you’ll experience when you come face to face with this bowlful of crustaceans. And, you will be face to face, because these large, beautiful shrimp are served with heads and shells intact.

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Photo: contributed by Henri Hollis

City Paper, 8/2018

Best Salad – 9 Years Running | California Dreaming, Charleston

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CNBC, 7/2018

Travelers are picking their vacations with their appetite.

Myrtle Beach, SC | Carolina Roadhouse’s “BBQ”

A two-hour drive from Charleston, South Carolina, the town of Myrtle Beach is a seaside resort town known for great beaches, recreation sports like golf and an excellent food scene. Visitors can find an array of seafood restaurants with just-caught fish and fresh-shucked oysters. Seek out raw bars, barbecue joints (like Carolina Roadhouse with its famous “fall-off-the-bone” ribs), pancake houses and casual spots.

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