Columbia Makes a Splash with Culinary Growth
Columbia, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as a local hospitality group, LTC, continues to shake up the city’s dining landscape! With its roots deeply embedded in the community, LTC has gone from a modest health care provider to a vibrant restaurant powerhouse in less than a decade. From opening a series of unique eateries to investing in a massive brewery, this family-run business is leaving a mark on Columbia that’s hard to ignore.
A New Era for Dining on Main Street
Just a few years ago, Sara Middleton-Styles recalls a time when Main Street felt almost deserted—so quiet that “tumbleweeds were rolling down it.” Today, it’s a *whole* different story. LTC features six bustling restaurants on the street, turning it into a bustling hub for food lovers. With a background as a health care attorney, Middleton-Styles teamed up with her family to transform LTC from a health services provider into a celebrated name in hospitality. Their journey kicked off in 2016 with the launch of The Grand, a quirky bar and dining establishment that features not only delightful food but also bowling and even a tiki bar in the basement!
The Ripple Effect of Growth
But the excitement doesn’t stop with just one restaurant! Over the past eight years, LTC has sprawled into six more restaurant locations, all while maintaining a commitment to revitalizing the community. Everything from sushi at Hanabi to hearty European lunch options at 1624 Bistro is on offer. And let’s not forget about their innovative brewery located on North Main Street, which is now making waves in the craft beer scene. According to LTC’s Vice President of Marketing and Events, David Turner, their continuous growth keeps the office buzzing with energy and creativity. “Our whole team and our company are a bunch of visionaries,” Turner says.
Bringing Community Together
One of LTC’s goals right from the start has been clear: they want to help foster growth within the community. From hosting an annual New Year’s Eve Party to illuminating the streets with string lights along Main Street, LTC has dug deep into community beautification efforts. Middleton-Styles expresses it perfectly: “Our priority is just to continue on that initial vision of, ‘How do we help grow the city?’” With numerous eateries opened within a few blocks of each other, LTC has created a *strong* sense of community and camaraderie among local businesses. After all, when you’re surrounded by a cluster of successful restaurants and shops, it’s only natural that they support one another!
Brewery Dreams and Community Challenges
Recently, the community excitement reached a new height with the announcement of their brewery, Peak Drift Brewing Co., set to become a cornerstone in South Carolina’s craft beer scene. However, not everything has gone as smoothly as planned. Originally intended to include a customer-friendly taproom, community feedback and economic shifts prompted a last-minute pivot to focus on a large-scale brewery operation. Middleton-Styles admitted to feeling “heartbroken” about the changes but maintains that the spirit of their vision remains intact. “We really wanted this to be a reality. It’s not like it was a lie,” she said, adding that businesses often need to adapt to survive.
The Future Looks Bright
While some residents may express disappointment about the shifting plans for the brewery, the general sentiment surrounding LTC’s growth remains positive. After all, these expansions mean more jobs and economic activity for the Columbia community. As LTC continues its journey, they’re bringing diverse culinary options to the area, much to the delight of local foodies.
And one thing’s for sure—the road ahead looks promising for LTC and Main Street Columbia. As Middleton-Styles puts it, the growth has been “wonderful” and *natural*, proof that when a community supports its local businesses, everyone benefits!
