Columbia Welcomes Finn’s Farm: A New Breed of Restaurant and Cafe
Exciting news is brewing in Columbia! A former brewery site that once housed River Rat Brewery is set to undergo a transformation as a brand-new venture takes over. Finn’s Farm is coming soon to 1231 Shop Road, right by the iconic Williams-Brice Stadium, home of the Gamecocks.
A Taste of What’s to Come
At the heart of Finn’s Farm will be the much-anticipated Harvest Cafe, crafted by Akera Sellers, a local entrepreneur who’s been making waves in the coffee culture of Columbia. If you’re familiar with the popular coffee shops like Drip in Five Points and Brickhouse in West Columbia, you already know what to expect from Sellers’ latest venture.
So, what can you look forward to at the Harvest Cafe? Sellers promises a delightful mix of food, coffee, and yes, even alcoholic drinks! Grab a cup of joe or sit down to enjoy a tasty meal with friends and family while soaking up that stunning rooftop view of the stadium. How cool is that?
Family-Friendly and Fun!
One of the standout features of Finn’s Farm will be the outdoor yard area. Sellers envisions a real family environment, complete with benches for everyone to relax, unwind, and just enjoy good weather days. “What I’m really looking forward to are good weather days where people just come hang out and have fun,” Sellers shared. It’s shaping up to be the kind of place where memories are made—perfect for a weekend brunch or post-game celebration!
Local Brews and New Friends
Finn’s Farm isn’t just about food and coffee; it has plans to partner with Bierkeller Brewing Company, which recently opened its own location in Columbia’s riverfront Canalside Lofts. Known for bringing unique craft beers to the scene, Bierkeller has been serving up frosty brews at gameday tailgates hosted at Finn’s Farm this season.
However, in a bit of a mystery twist, Bierkeller’s owner, Scott Burgess, has been coy about his brewery’s specific role at Finn’s Farm. While he remains tight-lipped, the mere involvement of a local favorite adds to the excitement surrounding the project’s future. It seems like everyone’s waiting with bated breath for more news!
The Journey to Revival
The space that Finn’s Farm is taking over has a fascinating history. The former River Rat property was purchased for a whopping $875,000 last July after the brewery closed its doors in December 2023. This move marked the end of an era, as River Rat was one of the pioneering production breweries that opened during Columbia’s craft beer boom of the early 2010s, alongside Conquest Brewing Company and Swamp Cabbage Brewery. With both of those names now part of the past, Finn’s Farm could signal a new dawn for this vibrant area.
What Lies Ahead?
As the team gears up for a summer launch, anticipation is building. Will you be among the first to experience a new dining gem? Harvest Cafe aims to be more than just another eatery; it hopes to become a hub for community gatherings, sporting events, and just plain fun.
Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting developments at Finn’s Farm, as this venture could soon become one of Columbia’s hottest spots! With a blend of food, drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere backed by local favorites, it’s sure to be a winning combination.
