A business that has served Lexington since 1978 is set to close its doors this year.

Doc’s Garage, which specializes in European auto repair, announced via Facebook that its run will soon come to an end.

“It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing that Doc’s Garage will be closing its doors,” the post reads. “There is not an actual end date but December 31, 2023 will probably be the last day. Thank you for your support and patronage of our shop! We love you all!”

Per its website, Doc’s has been “servicing and repairing BMW, Mercedes, Mini, Porsche and many more cars in the Lexington” area for 45 years.

The Sept. 11 post was met with an outpouring of support and bittersweet comments, as more than 60 people had reacted to it and 27 left messages as of the morning of Sept. 12.

“You will be missed,” Melody Griffin Martin wrote. “It’s hard to find someone with your level of experience, knowledge and passion that also has integrity. Thank you for taking such wonderful care of my Porsche. We’re both going to miss you.” 

New Burlington store coming to Lexington

National discount retail chain Burlington, formerly known as Burlington Coat Factory, is set to bring a new store to Lexington this fall.

The chain announced in a release that it’s opening a location at 5322 Sunset Blvd., next door to a Hobby Lobby. The shopping center Burlington will join, called Lexington Marketplace, is also home to a Prisma Health Internal Medicine practice, an Ulta Beauty, a Showmars, and a MOD Pizza, among other businesses.

“The new location brings the total number of stores in the state to 13, and they continue to expand nationwide,” the release states. “At the end of the second quarter 2023, Burlington operates 939 stores and continues to expand across the country, offering millions of customers amazing bargains on top brands and the chance to find something new every time they shop.”

The store will sell apparel and footwear for ladies, men and kids, along with options for babies, home decor, pet care and toys, the release details.

There are two existing Burlington stores in the area, both in Columbia, one to the Northeast off Two Notch Drive and another attached to the Dutch Square Center. 

Whataburger coming to Irmo

Irmo is getting another sought-after fast food chain.

The State’s Lyn Riddle reports that San Antonio-based burger chain Whataburger “is accepting bids to build at 1185 Dutch Fork Road near the Ballentine Family YMCA, Walmart, Chick-fil-A and Sonic,” with those bids being due Sept. 18.

“Six other Whataburger locations have been announced this year in South Carolina, two in the city of Spartanburg, one in Boiling Springs, one in Duncan, one in Anderson and one in Greenville,” Riddle writes.

Unlike most of those other locations, the Irmo location will be new construction, with the building set to be 3,305 square feet, per The State.

Back in April, Irmo was announced as one of seven spots in the state to be getting a Biscuitville, the popular N.C.-based chain known for its titular baked treats. No projected opening date has been announced for the Irmo location.