By Sarah Burnett
Right off of Route 108, about a minute away from River Hill High School, a new shopping center is being built. The River Hill Square is soon to be home to many familiar chain restaurants, a post office, a bank, and so much more.
The shopping center was initially built in early August of 2020, and the Secu bank was the only building open for about a month. Shortly after in early September, Starbucks was the first fast food chain to open. They have hired many high school students, and it has been very popular in the area. “I love the new shopping center that was built,” said Claire Kelly, a senior at Atholton High School. “It’s really nice how close Starbucks is to my house. I love working there with all of my friends, and it’s a great opportunity for a lot of high schoolers to work, she said.
On the Clarksville Happenings, a Facebook group dedicated to people who live in Columbia, many families have shared that they are extremely happy with the new Starbucks; they have posted videos of their dogs eating Puppuccinos (Pup cups), pictures of their tasty drinks, or even just a positive review to encourage more people to go there.
Many River Hill Students love the convenience and location of the new shopping center. With River Hill High School being approximately a one minute drive away, Starbucks is already anticipating many customers before/after school, sports practices, club meetings, and games.
“I am so excited about all of the new places that are opening near my house. I just got my license, and it’s such a convenient drive for me. I always love bothering my best friend Sarah at work (Starbucks),” says Simon Hu, a junior at River Hill High School. “It seems like a great place to hang out with my friends after school, once the pandemic is over and it is safe to see people safely, of course,” Says senior Kaitlyn Burnett.
Other businesses that are going to open in the River Hill Square in 2021 are Five Guys, Cold Stone, Salon Suna, and a U.S. Postal service. Five Guys is expecting to open in late February. There are still many building spaces for additional occupants, so it is unsure what the other businesses that are moving into River Hill Square will be.
Overall, many River Hill students are excited to work and shop in the new businesses moving in at the River Hill Square. Even though Starbucks and the Secu Bank are the only two businesses open at the moment, there are definitely going to be more that open very soon -specially when the pandemic is over!