Exciting New Café and Brewery in Columbia!
Columbia locals, get ready for some exciting news! A fresh development is on the horizon, and it’s all happening at the former River Rat Brewery location near the roaring home field of the Gamecocks football team. This new venture, named Finn’s Farm, aims to transform that space into a buzzing hub for food, drinks, and fun!
A New Chapter for Local Business Owners
The brainchild behind this exciting transformation is none other than Akera Sellers, the local business owner who runs the popular coffee shops Drip in Five Points and Brickhouse in West Columbia. Akera has recently taken over Drip and is ready to spread his entrepreneurial wings further with a brand new restaurant and café, dubbed Harvest Cafe, which is set to open its doors within Finn’s Farm. The café promises to serve an appetizing selection of food, a variety of freshly brewed coffee, and even some delightful alcoholic beverages!
When asked about this new project, Akera couldn’t hold back his enthusiasm. “The hope is to open the cafe portion of the development by the summer,” he said. “The yard is still out front so we’re going to have benches out there, it’s going to be a real family environment,” he added, picturing sunny days filled with people hanging out, enjoying good food, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
The Perfect Spot to Chill and Enjoy
Finn’s Farm boasts a fantastic rooftop view of Williams-Brice Stadium, making it the ideal hangout spot for Gamecock fans looking to grab a bite before or after a game. With the bustling vibes in the area, it’s expected to become a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. Imagine sipping your favorite coffee or craft beer while watching the excitement of game days unfold right in front of you!
This location has quite a bit of history. The former River Rat property, which recently closed its doors in December of the previous year, was known as one of the first production breweries to pop up during Columbia’s craft beer renaissance in the early 2010s. In fact, it was the last of the original trio of production breweries still standing, alongside Conquest Brewing Company and Swamp Cabbage Brewery, both of which have already shut down their operations in recent years.
What Else is Brewing?
But wait, there’s more! It appears that Finn’s Farm has also caught the eye of another Columbia powerhouse. The sign hanging outside hints at the potential involvement of Bierkeller Brewing Company, a new brewery that opened its doors at the Canalside Lofts off Taylor Street just last August. Owner Scott Burgess has been tight-lipped about confirming his business’ participation in Finn’s Farm but has been actively pouring beers at tailgate events hosted there this football season. It’s shaping up to be an exciting collaboration for the space!
The sale of the former brewery property took place in July for a cool $875,000, as per county records. Given the exciting plans to revamp the area into a bustling café and brewery scene, it looks like Finn’s Farm will soon be the talk of the town!
Community Connection at its Best
As Sellers gears up for the café’s grand opening, he’s really focused on creating a family-friendly atmosphere. “What I’m really looking forward to are good weather days where people just come hang out and have fun,” he said, which perfectly sums up the lively spirit of this new venture.
So, keep your eyes peeled for updates as Finn’s Farm prepares to welcome the community this summer! Whether you’re a coffee lover, a food enthusiast, or just someone looking for a great place to hang out with friends and family, Finn’s Farm will be the place to be in Columbia. Check back soon for the latest news on this exciting new addition to our city!
