Vista Guild Responds To Empire Supper Club Officially Closing

Columbia, SC (WOLO)– Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook announced Empire Supper Club will have to keep their doors closed. Chief Holbrook delivered the news to Joeseph Stovall, the owner of Empire Supper Club, and Bakari Sellers, his legal representation on Thursday afternoon.

Meredith Atkinson, executive director of the Vista Guild said, “We absolutely trust our city leaders and Columbia Police Department and their judgment when it comes to this decision.”

Atkinson says this is another step to keep the Vista area safe, and “the vast majority of crime in our district is auto break-ins. CPD officers always have a presence in the Vista, especially on weekend evenings.”

Atkinson does not believe that the closing of Empire will affect the Vista area. She said the Vista is the Midlands arts and entertainment district, and there’s always “so much going on in the Vista all the time.”

“It’s always a fun atmosphere because this is where most our city’s hotels are, where folks want to watch a game and it’s also known as a hub for arts and culture. So, fans of the Vista should expect the same atmosphere they’ve always known and loved,” Atkinson said.

Empire Supper Club was deemed a public nuisance after a shooting outside of their doors Saturday. Eight people were injured during the shootout between the two groups. Columbia Police and Richland County Sheriff’s are still investigating the case.