Owner And Locals React To Empire Supper Club Closing

Columbia, SC (WOLO)– Empire Supper Club is officially closed and their business license revoked. Joe Stovall, the owner of Empire Supper Club, said he was surprised and saddened by the decision. Although appealing is still on the table, he is not sure if he wants to go through with it. 

“Appealing right now and possibly opening up again might not be the best idea when it comes to the investments that’s going to take to try to clear our name and build a reputable business again. It’s going to be extremely difficult,” Stovall said.

Chief Holbrook officially revoked Empire Supper Club’s city-issued business license Thursday. The club was closed and declared a public nuisance after a shooting that injured eight people. Some area residents say even though the club is closed, it makes them nervous.

“Very nervous. I was out with my friends and we all got notifications of the shooting and it was very worrisome living so close to it,” Maggie Mitchell said, a Vista visitor said. 

“Definitely scary, because I’ve heard about it before, like shootings happening every year here. But, it’s kind of like, kind of scary but I’ll still go there,” Alec Iula said, another Vista goer. 

Vista Guild executive director Meredith Atkinson says they “absolutely trust our city leaders and Columbia Police Department and their judgment when it comes to this decision… the Vista has always been a safe neighborhood and this most recent incident is isolated.” Some residents said they do not think closing the supper club will make them any safer.

“Honestly, no, because this is not the first time this has happened. And I don’t know if the shooting was directly involved with that club or not, but it could definitely happen again,” Mitchell said.

The Vista Guild said in a statement, “CPD officers always have a presence in the Vista, especially on weekend evenings,” …. Which helps some residents feel more protected.”

“I think trouble is always going to be there. But it’s definitely a good step in the right direction in keeping us safe,” Iula said. 

Stovall says he might just turn the page to the next chapter of his life.