You know you’ve got a great thing going as a restaurant when your customers who move away or who’ve discovered you while traveling call for a location in their area! Such is the case for one of our beloved local chains that started in Columbia on the only road in the area at that time leading to Lake Murray and the Upstate. Rush’s at Broad River Road is one of the oldest operating iconic restaurants in South Carolina and it’s a favorite of locals and visitors alike. We dug into the history of this burger joint that’s been serving some of the best burgers and shakes for over 60 years and here’s what we discovered. Read on for more: 

Rush’s
Rush's, 2640 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210, USA
Rush’s/Google Reviews
The current building is a new look the restaurant adopted when renovations were being completed years ago and as the company expanded with new locations opening.
The original building had a much different look and started in 1940 as Carolina Dairies, one of the first fast-food drive-ins in America.
Rush's
The Rush family had a multi-acre dairy farm, and this restaurant was situated at the edge of the farm. Carolina Dairies was six years ahead of any other quick-service chain, a pioneer of the concept for many others across the country!
Sadly, in the 1950s a fire destroyed Carolina Dairies. The family decided to re-open as a Dairy Queen at this same site. This was the look for the restaurant at that time.
Rush's
The milk carton on top of the building was placed there to let long-term customers know it was being operated by the same family as before.
In the 1960s, a conflict over the big milk carton between Dairy Queen and George Rush led to the decision to part ways. This is when what is now known as Rush’s came to be.
Rush’s
Rush's/Facebook
The family re-branded with blue and orange colors and a fun, whimsical logo. Long-time fans of Rush’s lament the change from this older design.
Through the years, Rush’s has been a staple in the community, a favorite hangout spot for diverse groups of people, from high schoolers during summer and school-year weekends to retirees.
Rush's/Facebook

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Be prepared to wait in line, especially during peak mealtime hours!
J.E. Ducker, photography/Google Reviews
Or there’s always the drive-through option if you’re short on time or just would rather grab and go.
Rush's/Facebook
Rush's burgers have been sought out by customers since the very beginning…
Rush's/Facebook
… as well as milkshakes!
Michelle Baughman/Google Reviews
Hot dogs also became a favorite on the menu as well as the BBQ sandwich, fried chicken baskets, and sandwiches.
Rush's/Google Reviews
But day or night from year to year, you can count on Rush’s commitment to quality and service. It will even remain a locally-owned and operated restaurant chain, for this reason, to ensure the highest standard of quality control is maintained.
Omar Breaux/Google Reviews

If you’re traveling through Columbia, on I-20, you can visit the Broad River Road location via Exit 65, the Harbison location from Exit 103 off of I-26, and take Exit 9A from I-77 for the Garners Ferry Road location. Visit Rush’s website or Rush’s Facebook page for the operating hours of each location and other information. Have you ever eaten at Rush’s? Share about it with us in the comments below!

If time permits, be sure to Explore The Best of Columbia, South Carolina’s Capital while you’re in the area.

Spend A Picture-Perfect Day Exploring Columbia, South Carolina’s Charming Capital City

Also, you can check out this self-guided audio tour to learn more about the city. 

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Rush's, 2640 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210, USA