A stalwart West Columbia Chinese restaurant is closing its doors after nearly three decades, leaving a shopping center in the city’s River District without a tenant.

Jin Jin, the popular takeout spot that operated out of the shopping center across from the House of Raeford chicken plant at 469 Sunset Blvd., announced Dec. 2 that it had ceased operation.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Jin Jin Chinese Restaurant after 29 years of serving this wonderful community,” the restaurant posted to Facebook. “We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support, loyalty, and companionship throughout these cherished years.”

The restaurant had been the only business still operating out of the strip mall, which provides public overflow parking for people coming to visit the increasing bounty of restaurants and nightlife options around the intersection of State Street and Meeting Street as well as parking for the workers who cross Sunset Boulevard to get to the chicken plant.

Another longtime local business, The Army Navy Store, shuttered its storefront there in 2022. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore once located in the shopping center has operated out of a different strip mall further down U.S. Highway 1 since 2014; it still uses the old space for storage, with plans to clear out the storefront this winter.

“As our lease comes to an end, we believe it's time to bring this chapter to a close,” Jin Jin posted. “We are immensely grateful for the memories, friendships and the joyous moments shared within these walls. We extend our sincerest gratitude for your unwavering appreciation and love for the culinary treasures served at Jin Jin Chinese Restaurant.

“Thank you for being an integral part of our story and for making Jin Jin Chinese Restaurant a cherished part of this community. Hopefully one day we will serve this wonderful community again!”

The restaurant’s departure marks the third longtime local business leaving the district in December, as New Brookland Tavern, the longest continuously operating music venue in the county, will move to Five Points later this month, and Italian cuisine mainstay Al’s Upstairs is set to close Dec. 19 after 44 years in business.