Columbia’s Peak Drift Brewing Shifts Focus from Taproom to Beer Production Amid Community Disappointment

Columbia Welcomes a Shift in Plans at Peak Drift Brewing

As evening settles in on a recent day at 3452 North Main St. in Columbia, there’s a colorful buzz in the air. Around two dozen enthusiastic attendees have gathered to explore the newly appointed home of Peak Drift Brewing. This isn’t just a simple brewery open house; it’s a glimpse into a space filled with towering stainless steel tanks, bustling forklifts, and a state-of-the-art can printing operation.

However, amidst this impressive facility, one thing is noticeably missing: the much-anticipated taproom. Over the last three years, plans had been brewing for a lively taproom that would serve as a hotspot for locals—a vision that included a duckpin bowling alley, an entertainment stage, and even a members-only gym. But now, it seems the dream of a social hub at North Main has hit a snag.

A Change in Focus

Co-owners Sara Middleton Styles and Greg Middleton, members of a well-respected Columbia family known for their restaurant empire, have announced a pivot in their strategy. Instead of focusing on creating an interactive customer space, they will now dedicate the North Main facility to beer production and distribution. This decision has raised eyebrows and stirred conversations in Columbia’s neighborhoods, where residents were expecting the vibrancy of a community-centric venue.

Peak Drift’s team explains that the change is a response to economic realities that have shifted since they first laid out their ambitious plans. CEO Jordan Styles shared his thoughts, saying, “We’ve taken the time to evaluate what we have here, and, honestly, using this space for production makes the most sense right now.” The location is currently producing a staggering 35,000 beers per week, not just for themselves but also for other regional breweries.

The brewery’s connection to the local community remains strong, as they named Smoked, an upscale restaurant in downtown Columbia also owned by the Middleton family, as the “official taproom” for Peak Drift beer. With over 40 taps at their disposal, Peak Drift aims to capitalize on this partnership to deliver a vibrant drinking experience, even if it’s not at their own doorstep.

Community Reactions

The reaction from neighborhood residents has been mixed, with many expressing disappointment over the taproom’s absence. Ellen Fishburne, a long-time local artist and an active member of the Hyatt Park-Keenan Terrace neighborhood association, echoed this sentiment. “We were looking forward to a restaurant and a gathering space,” she said. “It’s unfortunate that these plans have changed. We were really hopeful that this would provide job opportunities for our neighbors.”

Another resident, Erin Curtis, shared similar feelings. While acknowledging the challenges of running a business, she expressed that “disappointment” is the predominant emotion felt among her neighbors. “We were excited about the potential for our community, and seeing those plans shift has been tough to process,” she noted.

Hurdles and Hope

The shift in plans is not solely due to economic factors. There are legal obstacles as well, including a challenged road closure that could provide safer access to the brewing site. Back in 2021, Peak Drift sought to close a section of Phillips Street for pedestrian safety but found themselves wrapped in a legal battle that is still ongoing. As Middleton Styles added, “Until that happens, we couldn’t even think of putting a taproom out there.”

A Bright Future?

While the immediate plans at the North Main facility have changed drastically, there’s still a glimmer of hope for the future. Styles has not completely ruled out the idea of opening a taproom at some point down the road. “It’s unfortunate because it’s something we really wanted to do,” she mentioned. “But many factors have contributed to this pivot.”

The broader context of Peak Drift’s mission shines through, as they work towards bettering not just their business, but also the craft beer scene across South Carolina. Their collaboration with other breweries signifies a commitment to building a stronger community spirit, albeit without the physical taproom—at least for now.

In Conclusion

While Columbia may have to wait a little longer for a bustling taproom at Peak Drift Brewing, there is still plenty to cheer about. With a focus on production and distribution, the brewery is committed to creating great flavors that will continue to enrich the local community. For those who love peak experiences with their craft beer, there’s no doubt Peak Drift is still a place to keep an eye on.