Driver’s Choice: Black-Owned Service Station Brings New Life to Harden & Calhoun
- CUBNSC
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
By Javar Juarez | CUBNSC
Columbia, SC — A new chapter is opening in one of Columbia’s most storied Black neighborhoods. On August 15, 2025, the community is invited to the soft opening of the Driver's Choice Store, a new filling station and convenience store at 2013 Harden Street, at the corner of Harden and Calhoun.
This location, across from the Drew Wellness Center and adjacent to Benedict College and the historic Saxon Homes, has long been a cornerstone of community life. Now, under the ownership of Dennis and Chelsey Opoku, it’s being transformed with new energy, a bold vintage‑sporty interior design, and a vision grounded in family and community values.
Building More Than a Business
The Opoku's, who have lived and worked in the Carolinas for several years, spoke with CUBN about their motivation to invest in Harden Street.
“I grew up in this area — went to USC, worshiped at the church right down the street, attended events at Drew Wellness Center and Benedict,” said Chelsey Opoku. “I knew this corner had potential. We wanted not only to start here, but to make a real change.”
The couple undertook a complete interior overhaul in just three months — tearing down walls, floors, and ceilings to rebuild from the ground up. The result is a fresh, modern space that blends functionality with neighborhood pride.
A Community‑Centered Mission
More than just another convenience store, Driver's Choice Store aims to set a new standard. The Opoku's have committed not to sell alcohol, a choice they believe reflects their mission of keeping the area family‑friendly and positive.
They will, however, offer wholesome and convenient options — from fresh coffee and tea (including health‑oriented herbal selections) to everyday necessities. Tobacco products and lottery tickets will be available, but without items the owners say too often harm the community.
“We want to build a business where the average working family can come in, get what they need, and know we’re not contributing to problems in the neighborhood,” Dennis explained. “Our motto is built by the community, for the community.”
Overcoming Challenges
The Opoku's acknowledge that breaking into the business has not been easy.
They’ve faced skepticism, bureaucratic hurdles, and what they describe as gatekeeping in a system often unfriendly to young Black entrepreneurs.
“A lot of people doubted us — even contractors asked if we were sure,” Chelsey said. “But we stayed committed, because we believe in this community and in what this store can become.”
Driver's Choice: Looking to the Future
The store’s vision extends far beyond its opening day. The Opoku's plan to add electric vehicle charging stations, making Driver's Choice a hybrid fueling center and positioning the business for the future of transportation.
They also plan to create jobs, hiring directly from the community. At first, the store will support up to four part‑ and full‑time positions, with the potential for more as operations expand.
Invitation to the Community
The Opokus invite the entire Columbia community to celebrate the store’s soft opening on August 15, 2025, and to help shape the store’s offerings by sharing feedback and ideas.
“This is not just our store — it’s your store,” Dennis said.
“We want the people of Columbia to feel welcome here, to know their voices matter, and to help us make this corner a positive force again.”
Driver's Choice Store:
📍 2013 Harden Street, Columbia, SC
🗓️ Soft Opening: August 15, 2025
⏰ Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM
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