In 1994, Tom Smith, like a lot of other Columbia residents, was looking for a nice place to enjoy a good glass of whiskey and a nice cold beer. After noticing a lack of such establishments, he decided to open up his love for brewing craft beers to the public. He partnered with Coopersmith’s pub out of Colorado to create the first brewery in Columbia since 1841 and one of the city’s most popular restaurants.
Flat Branch Pub and Brewing is located on Fifth Street downtown, residing in a building from the ‘20’s that once housed an Oldsmobile dealership.