COLUMBIA — Incoming University of South Carolina students are set to get an even better taste of Columbia and South Carolina this school year as the school welcomes two new South Carolina restaurants to its on-campus food options.
Groucho’s Deli will serve up sandwiches, salads and its famous 45 Sauce on the east side of campus near the Welsh Humanities Building while Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, a Charleston-based grab-and-go eatery and mail-order service, will offer biscuit sandwiches, iced coffee, cookies and more on the second floor of Russell House, the USC dining page announced in a social media post.
“A taste of Columbia tradition is coming to campus,” Carolina Food Co. said in a video caption teasing Groucho’s arrival. “Bringing you its legendary sandwiches, salads and famous 45 Sauce, this local favorite is the perfect addition for our Gamecock Community.”
South Carolina appeal
In a lineup typically featuring national chains and Gamecock-branded restaurants, the new South Carolina-based dining options are a unique addition to the university’s typical food offerings.
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit has long been a Charleston staple and in 2025, celebrated 20 years of creating and shipping authentic Southern biscuits across the country. Founder Carrie Morey is also a USC alumna.
“Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit is the perfect addition to Russell House to bring you comfort, southern charm, and delicious handmade biscuits!” USC dining said in a social media post.
Per the eatery’s website, it currently operates two “small grab & go” locations in Charleston in addition to placing its products in grocery stores, including several in the Midlands.
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit is heading to USC’s campus.
Meanwhile Groucho’s Deli was created in Columbia in 1941, and has since become a South Carolina icon, with 11 locations across the state. The newest USC location will be just in time to celebrate the restaurant’s 85 years of operation in 2026.
Already, students and alumni seem to be celebrating the announcement, with some joking about re-enrolling just to get a taste.
“The best day in history of existence wow,” one commenter said.
Groucho’s will be located at 1620 College St. in the former Horseshoe Deli space and Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit will be located on the second floor of Russell House at 1400 Greene St.
Callie’s is set to be open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Groucho’s will be open Monday though Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Both are set to open in time for the first day of class on Aug. 18.
Dining and Cooking