Popular Vista bar and restaurant closing after 16 years
Last call is coming for good for one of the more popular bar and restaurants in Columbia’s Vista area.
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium is closing its Columbia location for good, according to a post on the bar’s Facebook page.
The message to “Columbia Beerknurds” said “it is with a heavy heart that we will be closing our doors.”
Last call on Dec. 10 will be the final chance to get a drink at the Senate Street restaurant known for its extensive beer list, events, and groups — including the U.F.O. Club.
“After sixteen great years in Columbia, the time has come for us to move on,” the post said.
Information on the reason the restaurant will be closing was not available.
A person who identified herself as a current employee said the decision to close was made by at the corporate level, in a response to the Facebook post.
“It’s not always packed. Corporate made the decision but I’m sure it’s because we just can’t turn the profit in an oversaturated market,” the post said.
“We have had 16 great years in Columbia and have met a lot of wonderful beer lovers along the way,” Keith Schlabs, a partner at Flying Saucer said in a news release. “During that time, we’ve focused on bringing the best beer to Columbia, helped cultivate the craft beer culture, and we’ve shared our knowledge with countless employees and customers, all of whom are very special to us. I hope our faithful Columbia Beerknurds will come see us to help us drain the taps, say goodbye and go out with a bang.”
To speed up the process of “draining these taps and clearing the cellar,” all draught beers will be $4, and bottled beer will cost either $4 or $10, depending on size, and while the supplies last, according to the post.
To become a member in Flying Saucer’s U.F.O. Club, a customer has to have had at least 200 hundred beers from the bar. That isn’t as daunting a task considering the Columbia location usually featured 200 global and local beers.
Members were rewarded with a commemorative saucer, or plate, that would hang in the restaurant celebrating the achievement.
The Columbia Flying Saucer had more than 900 plates decorating the walls and ceiling beams of U.F.O. Club members, The State previously reported.
Those members will be able to get their “well-earned trophy,” by stopping by on either Saturday or Sunday, according to the Facebook post.
Additionally, membership cards will be valid in all other Flying Saucers, the post said.
Flying Saucer said it will provide support to its employees who are looking to continue careers in the craft beer industry.
“We have trained them well and I have no doubt they will get jobs quickly,” Schlabs said.
Flying Saucer is a franchise operation started in 1995, with 18 locations, including ones in Charlotte and Raleigh. Columbia is the only South Carolina location.
“So, come hang, hug your bartender, and help us kick these kegs,” said the post from the Flying Saucer Family.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
This story was originally published December 4, 2019 at 1:46 PM.
