Broadway Brewery

816 E. Broadway, 443-5054

Walker Claridge, Paul Dickerson and brothers Kenny and Jim Duzan had more than the usual drama when they opened their micro-brewery on Sept. 20 in the former Uprise Bakery space next to the Root Cellar.

The big question: How will the beer taste?

After the brewmaster, Dickerson, tapped the first barrel in late September, the initial batch — 440 gallons of home brew — sold out within 10 days.

“We now have two new beers, wheat ale and nut brown ale, that are currently selling fast,” Claridge said. Other beers in the works: a porter, pale ales, a stout and an amber.

Claridge, co-owner of the Root Cellar, said the cooks are using fresh foods from local sources. They are offering a seasonal menu of local organic food from three small farms in the Columbia area.

“We knew the food was going to be good because I’ve been (closely) involved with 140 farmers and growers through the Root Cellar,” Claridge said. “The beer has just exceeded our expectations.”

Claridge said they hope to catch up with consumption and have five of their own beers on tap at all times along with nine “guest beers” from around the world.

The brewery got a boost by opening on the weekend of the Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Festival, he added. “Our opening had been anticipated for a long time, and since the opening there has been an influx of people who have wanted to check the place out. We did two nights of soft openings, so I think that really helped to get the word out.”