A Culinary Renaissance Transforms Columbia’s Dining Scene

Welcome to Columbia: A Culinary Transformation!

If you’ve strolled down Main Street in Columbia recently, you might have noticed that it’s buzzing with activity. Gone are the days when “tumbleweeds were rolling down” the mostly quiet street; today, it’s alive with culinary sights and sounds! The transformation is thanks to the passionate efforts of the Middleton family, particularly Sara Middleton-Styles, who spearheaded a dining renaissance in just under a decade.

From Tumbleweeds to Tantalizing Bites

Sara, who comes from a background in health care law, joined forces with her family to breathe new life into the Midlands hospitality scene back in 2016. Their journey began with a single restaurant called The Grand, located in what was once a historic Vaudeville theater. Now, you can find everything from elevated bar bites to bowling lanes and even a basement tiki bar!

Fast forward to today, and the Middleton family has expanded their portfolio to an impressive seven restaurants and even a brewery, contributing to Columbia’s vibrant dining landscape. From sushi to tapas, they’ve got something to satisfy every palate.

A Blueprint for Success

The key to their success? A unique mix of creativity and community commitment. The company, named LTC (which stands for “Live, Teach and Create”), jumped headfirst into the hospitality scene with the goal of revitalizing Main Street. With five restaurants lined up on the 1600 block alone, it’s clear they’re doing something right!

According to David Turner, LTC’s vice president of marketing and events, the company thrives on creative inspiration from every team member. “When you walk in, you never know who’s come up with a bright new idea,” he says, encapsulating the dynamic energy that drives LTC forward.

Keeping the Community in Mind

One of the core beliefs of LTC is that growth must benefit the community. By hosting various events and beautification projects across downtown Columbia, the group aims to elevate the area while also bringing in new businesses and jobs. As Sara puts it, “The more businesses that we’re able to bring into the city means the more employees that you can bring into the city.” It’s all about fostering a sense of community through delicious dining options!

The Peak Drift Endeavor

Another thrilling development in LTC’s journey is the much-anticipated Peak Drift Brewing Co. The original vision was to turn an impressive 25,000-square-foot facility on North Main Street into a lively brewery with a taproom where locals could gather and unwind. Unfortunately, due to economic challenges and shifting zoning issues stemming from the pandemic, the plans have morphed into a large-scale production facility instead, which is certainly bittersweet for those looking forward to the “third place” vibe.

“I’m heartbroken, too,” Sara shared, recognizing the disappointment among residents. Despite the pivot to a contract brewing model, LTC remains committed to job creation and supporting the local economy, ensuring they still give back to the community.

A Culinary Appreciation

The restaurants under the LTC umbrella have garnered plenty of positive reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 stars on Google. However, they are no strangers to criticism—and that’s okay! Sara emphasizes the importance of feedback, saying, “It’s that someone out in the community or in your organization care enough about your organization.” This open attitude allows LTC to continue growing and evolving in ways that benefit everyone.

The Future Looks Bright!

So what’s next for Columbia’s bustling food scene? With LTC’s continuous expansion and commitment to community engagement, the future certainly looks promising. Sara and her family see this journey as “wonderful, natural growth,” and it looks like they have plenty of plans up their sleeves for what’s to come.

As you explore the delights of Columbia, keep an eye out for the fascinating shifts happening in the dining landscape! There’s a lot to taste, savor, and celebrate in this vibrant community.