Peak Drift Brewing Updates Plans, Shifts Focus from Taproom to Production in Columbia
Nights are settling over Columbia as the crowd gathers at 3452 North Main Street, home to the bustling Peak Drift Brewing. About two dozen attendees, including local social media influencers, city and economic development officials, and a smattering of journalists, have come together to explore this impressive facility that has become a pivotal part of the local craft beer scene.
A Glimpse Inside the Brewery
Walking through the large building, you can’t help but notice the stark contrast between the old and new. The brewery boasts rows of shiny stainless steel fermentation tanks, huge forklifts zipping around, and an impressive can printing operation that has produced over 4 million cans in just a year and a half. This operation does not only cater to Peak Drift but has also brewed for about three dozen other regional breweries.
However, while the sights are captivating, the atmosphere is tinged with some disappointment. Just a few years back, Peak Drift had ambitious plans for the facility, including a public taproom, entertainment spaces, and even a duckpin bowling alley! Now, though, those plans are on hold as the brewery shifts its focus toward becoming a manufacturing and distribution powerhouse.
The Shift in Plans
Co-owned by Sara Middleton Styles and Greg Middleton, both part of the influential Middleton family known for their well-regarded restaurant ventures, it’s clear that running a successful brewery has required some serious adjustments. In a recent statement, Peak Drift noted that they would “defer plans for a customer-centric brewery at the North Main facility.” Instead, they have designated Smoked, a swanky restaurant downtown also operated by the Middleton family, as the official taproom for Peak Drift beer.
“We evaluated what we were doing and realized that focusing on the production side was necessary,” Peak Drift CEO Jordan Styles explained during an interview. With over 40 taps and a microbrewery at Smoked, it’s easy to see why this decision was made. “We’d be doing ourselves a disservice to not make Smoked the focal point for enjoying our beers,” Styles added.
Community Reactions
Yet the community seems to have mixed feelings. Residents from the surrounding neighborhoods had high hopes for the brewery as a social hub in their area. Longtime local artist Ellen Fishburne, who has been an active participant in the neighborhood association, shared her sentiments: “We were looking forward to seeing a restaurant, offices, and a gym. It’s really disheartening to see that vision change.”
Area resident Erin Curtis echoed this sentiment of disappointment, saying, “We’re not angry. We were really looking forward to a community gathering spot, and now it feels like that part of the dream is no longer happening.”
The Roadblocks
It seems that the shift in plans is not just about logistics. Legal issues regarding a road closure near the facility have added to the hurdles. Back in 2021, Peak Drift sought closure of a section of Phillips Street that runs behind the brewery to enhance pedestrian safety. This matter is still tangled in the courts, further complicating the brewery’s ability to create a welcoming space for customers.
Middleton Styles explained that the current setup with trucks and parking across the street isn’t safe for potential visitors. “Until we sort out these road issues, we couldn’t even consider moving forward with taproom plans,” she noted.
Looking Ahead
Despite the current focus on production and distribution, Styles and her team haven’t completely given up on the idea of a taproom. “It’s not off the table for the future,” she affirmed. But for now, the emphasis is on creating space and refining their operations, which currently produce an impressive 35,000 beers per week.
Although some plans have shifted, the brewery has focused on partnerships, including one with Columbia Craft, aiming to strengthen the craft beer industry throughout South Carolina. Both breweries have maintained their unique identities, showcasing the collaborative spirit that exists within the local brewing community.
Final Thoughts
As the lights of Peak Drift Brewing glow brightly on North Main Street, the collective hope is that the brewery can still fulfill the dreams of the local community one day. Yes, there’s disappointment now, but the willingness to adapt in uncertain times is seen as a step forward. Both the residents and business owners appear committed to shaping Columbia into a lively destination, even if it takes a little longer than anticipated.
