04/01/2026
We join the entire community in mourning the loss of Leigh Lockhart, the founder of Main Squeeze. Leigh was a remarkable person with unshakable values, a wild sense of humor, a tenacious work ethic, and a really big heart. We were lucky to know Leigh as Main Squeeze regulars and later as fellow restaurant owners who she supported and championed. In this last chapter we set out to bring back Main Squeeze which we humbly learned was an impossible task because the magic of that institution came from Leigh.
It has become so clear that Leigh has had such a profound impact on the restaurant scene in Columbia. She mentored and influenced an entire generation of restaurant owners to lead with heart, grit and tenacity and most importantly to keep our values at the forefront of our work. While we are no longer operating Main Squeeze, we will continue to honor her memory by putting our heart and values into our work at Pizza Tree and Goldie’s, by offering delicious vegetarian options, and by working to make Columbia a better place for all.
May Leigh’s memory be a blessing and may she rest in power.
