Seawell's Banquet Hall Moves to State Fairgrounds

The Columbia catering business is relocating its operations as a developer prepares to build townhomes on the former property.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Seawell's Banquet Hall Moves to State Fairgrounds

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Seawell's, a historic Columbia banquet hall, has relocated its catering operations to the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. The move follows the sale of the business's long-standing Rosewood Drive venue to a developer.

Why it matters

The relocation marks the end of an era for the Rosewood Drive site while allowing the family business to continue its legacy. Owners decided to move after brothers retired and a developer made an offer to transform the 5-acre property.

The planned 71-unit townhome development will replace a 5-acre property that housed Seawell's since 1998. The business originally launched in 1946 and maintained staff tenures reaching up to 50 years.

The players

Cal Seawell

He is a long-term operator who began his career at the family-owned business in 1976.

Corey Seawell

He is a family member who has worked at the business for 18 years and is committed to maintaining the company legacy.

The details

The developers intend to demolish the existing structure on the former Rosewood Drive location to make room for the new residential units. Corey Seawell chose to continue the operation to preserve the company's multi-generational history in Columbia.

Seawell's first opened in 1946.
The business operated out of the fairgrounds from the 1970s through the 1990s.
Cal Seawell joined the family business in 1976.
The banquet hall moved to Rosewood Drive in 1998.
The business completed its relocation to the fairgrounds in October 2026.

Market Landscape

The redevelopment of the Rosewood Drive site mirrors the broader urban trend of replacing aging commercial corridors with high-density housing projects. This shift highlights the rising value of land in the Columbia area for residential expansion over traditional banquet venues.

Customers looking to book catering services should note that the business has moved its primary operations to the fairgrounds. Future residents of the area can expect significant construction activity on the Rosewood Drive property as the townhome development progresses.

The takeaway

Legacy businesses often face difficult choices when property values or family retirement timelines force a change in operations. Transitioning to a new location can provide a sustainable path forward for family-run entities while making space for modern residential development.