Columbia’s Hunter-Gatherer Brewery to Close After Nearly 30 Years of Service

Columbia Says Goodbye to Beloved Brewery

The End of an Era: Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse to Close

Columbia residents, grab your favorite pint while you can because Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse, a cherished gem of the community, is closing its doors later this month after an impressive run of nearly 30 years. The news was announced via a heartfelt Facebook post from the brewery on Friday morning, signaling the end of an era for both the establishment and its loyal customers.

The beloved Main Street location at 900 Main St. will continue serving up delicious brews and meals until December 28. In the emotional announcement, founder Kevin Varner expressed gratitude to the community: “It is with a sad and heavy heart that we announce the closing of our Main Street location. It has been an incredible privilege and a pleasure to host you over these 29+ years,” he wrote. As the lease comes to an end, Varner thanked everyone for allowing the brewery to be a part of their lives and reminisced about the fantastic journey they’ve had together.

What’s Next for Hunter-Gatherer?

But don’t hang up your happy hour hat just yet! While the Main Street location is shutting down, the Hunter-Gatherer Hangar at 1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd., located near the Jim Hamilton – LB Owens Airport, will keep the drinks flowing and the good times rolling. “While we are sad to see this chapter of the original HG come to a close, please know that the Hangar location is still going strong,” Varner reassured fans.

A Columbia Staple Since 1995

Hunter-Gatherer was established in 1995 as Columbia’s first micro-brewery, paving the way for a thriving craft beer scene in the area. Varner’s passion for English and American-style ales, along with his experiences abroad, shaped the brewery into the well-known staple it is today. The brewery has gained a loyal following thanks to its distinct in-house brews, like the Hazy IPA, Gravity IPA, and a delightful pale ale, among others.

The Main Street location has also been famed for its cozy ambiance, featuring dark wood decor that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere—perfect for date nights or casual hangouts with friends. The menu boasted a variety of tempting dishes, from shrimp and grits to massive burgers served with hand-cut fries, and fresh salads topped with goat cheese that were as delicious as they were Instagram-worthy.

Community Tributes Pour In

325 reactions, over 120 comments, and nearly 70 shares in just the first hour, showcasing the profound impact Hunter-Gatherer has had on the community. Customers have taken to Facebook to share their memories and express their sadness.

One long-time patron shared, “This place has been my extended living room for decades, and where I learned to appreciate craft beer.” Others chimed in, noting, “This will be a huge loss for all of us who love high quality food and beer in a casual, friendly setting.”

Columbia favorite, Tracie Broom, co-founder of a local public relations firm, best summed up the sentiment in a comment: “It’s an institution and will be very missed,” reflecting the feelings of many who have cherished moments spent at the brewery.

A Toast to the Good Times

29 years of great beer, tasty food, and unforgettable memories!