What's Happening in Columbia, MO…

Joshua Smith, co-owner of Barred Owl Butcher & Table, announced recently that renovations are in process at the former Columbia Magazine office site.

The project is taking a little longer than expected as the interior structure needed to be drastically changed to accommodate the restaurant.

Smith, along with co-owners Brandy Hughes and Ben Parks, is unable to target an opening date at this time but they are hopeful to be open by mid-September. Barred Owl Butcher & Table will feature a dine-in restaurant, butcher shop, and charcuterie shop. With such a unique name, locals are likely wondering what promotional items will be available at Barred Owl.

All co-owners are culinary experts who have worked at various local restaurants. The owners will focus on Americana and Italian-style dishes for their menu items. The main focus on the business is to highlight locally grown meat, produce and ingredients. The owners want to serve tradition Missouri and southern style cooking.

The space is not traditional for a restaurant, but the owners knew it would fit their vision of having an open-style cutting room and partially open kitchen.

The co-owners will all have an active hand in running the business. Smith will focus on the Charcuterie, Parks will concentrate on the restaurant, and Hughes will run the business side of the venture.

The restaurant will be located at 47 E. Broadway. Operating hours will be available closer to the opening date.