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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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.

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.

CentraArchy Restaurants across Five States Express Gratitude to Armed Forces

Atlanta (Oct. 5, 2021) – A set of local restaurants across five Southern states is honoring the hard work and sacrifices of U.S. military with a special discount on Veterans Day.

At the 14 CentraArchy Restaurants on Nov. 11, any U.S. veteran or active duty member of the armed forces with I.D. is invite to enjoy any entrée from the full menu at half price.

“We are thankful to our veterans and active U.S. military personnel for their service to our nation and in our local communities,” said CentraArchy Restaurants CEO Vince Van Brunt. “We invite veterans and active duty military to enjoy our regular menu entrées – from our popular steaks to fresh seafood and other grilled items – at half price on Nov. 11.”

All 14 CentraArchy Restaurants across the Southeast are participating. Honored guests are encouraged to book reservations online in advance and bring a valid military I.D. or proof of military service to enjoy half-off any entrée from the restaurant’s regular dinner menu. The special half price offer is valid for dine-in only.

Participating CentraArchy restaurants include California Dreaming in Augusta, Ga., Charleston, S.C., Columbia, S.C., Greenville, S.C., Spanish Fort, Ala., and Surfside Beach, S.C.; Carolina Roadhouse in Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Chophouse ’47 in Greenville, S.C.; Chophouse New Orleans, Gulfstream Café in Garden City, S.C.; Joey D’s Oak Room in Atlanta; and New York Prime in Atlanta, Boca Raton, Fla. and Myrtle Beach, S.C. For more information or reservations, visit CentraArchy.com.

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Over $195,000 raised during last 10 years by guests for breast cancer research and care

Atlanta (Sept. 22, 2021) – In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, CentraArchy Restaurants continues its 11^th annual “Pink Kiss for the Cure” campaign throughout October. All restaurants are offering their limited edition Pink Kiss martini with 50 percent of the sales going directly to breast cancer research and care.

“We are thankful to the thousands of restaurant guests who helped raise over $195,000 for the Pink Kiss for the Cure campaign over the last 10 years,” said CentraArchy CEO Vince Van Brunt. “This is an important tradition for all seven of our restaurant brands at 14 locations across the Southeast.”

To participate, guests simply order the “Pink Kiss” at any CentraArchy Restaurant, including California Dreaming (Augusta, Ga., Charleston, S.C., Columbia, S.C., Greenville, S.C., Spanish Fort, Ala., and Surfside Beach, S.C.), Carolina Roadhouse (Myrtle Beach, S.C.), Chophouse ’47 (Greenville, S.C.), Chophouse New Orleans, Gulfstream Café (Garden City, S.C.), Joey D’s Oak Room (Atlanta) or New York Prime (Atlanta, Boca Raton, Fla. and Myrtle Beach, S.C.).

This year’s Pink Kiss campaign contributions will go to the Susan G. Komen organization, specifically to fund breast cancer research and mammogram costs for the underserved locally. Guests are encouraged to share their photo-worthy images on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #PinkKiss. For more information about CentraArchy Restaurants, visit www.CentraArchy.com.

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“Eat, Drink & Unwind” at California Dreaming, Charleston

Wrightsville Beach Magazine
January 2021

“In search of a laid-back experience, California Dreaming should be on the list.”

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Over $165,000 raised over last nine years by guests for breast cancer research and care.  

Atlanta, Ga. (October 6, 2020) – In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, CentraArchy Restaurants continues its tenth annual “Pink Kiss for the Cure” campaign throughout October. All restaurants are offering their limited edition Pink Kiss martini with 50 percent of the sales going directly to breast cancer research and care.

“Unfortunately, cancer doesn’t take a break during global pandemics and access to care is more important than ever,” said CentraArchy CEO Vince Van Brunt. “While our tenth anniversary celebrations may be smaller this year, they will be held with the same hope in our hearts. We want to express our gratitude to the thousands of guests over the years who have helped raise over $165,000 for the Pink Kiss for the Cure campaign.”

To participate, guests simply order the “Pink Kiss” at any CentraArchy Restaurant (New York Prime, California Dreaming, Chophouse New Orleans, Carolina Roadhouse, Joey D’s Oak Room, Chophouse ’47 or Gulfstream Café).

This year’s Pink Kiss campaign contributions will go to the Susan G. Komen organization—specifically to fund breast cancer research and mammogram costs for the underserved locally.

Guests are encouraged to share their photo-worthy images on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #PinkKiss.

For more information about CentraArchy Restaurants, visit www.centraarchy.com.

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Thank you for your patience as we work toward getting our restaurants reopened.