Our Story
A letter from the owner -
In July of 2019, I purchased sister restaurant, Southern Tré Steakhouse, in an effort to get back to my roots in Tennessee. I was blown away by this town’s quaint feel and community spirit. In April of 2020, I was joined by my wife Barbara, daughter Julia and husband, Brandt Archer from Houston, Texas to Columbia.
As fate would have it, Covid hit and we had to shut down all operations in Texas and Tennessee. During those tough months, our family would sit on the back porch with a small fire and share our dreams and wishes for the future with each other. Those cherished times also gave birth to the idea of Whiskey Alley Saloon.
Our other businesses consumed us through the past few years, but we never lost sight of what we wanted to do next door. We were eventually able to pursue the dream that is Whiskey Alley Saloon. It started as an old western saloon. The staff would wear period clothing, handle-bar mustaches (even the gals) and shout “Howdy Pardner” to everyone that entered. Calmer and younger voices slowly convinced me to modernize the concept for all generations. Many iterations and margaritas led to the final design… a modern take on an old western saloon! We wanted to capture the old west grandeur with the modern conveniences we all expect in restaurants and bars today.
Unfortunately, our staff won’t be forced to grow handlebar mustaches, much to my chagrin. The barbershop quartets were also nixed. In place, we will have live music, craft cocktails like you’ve never experienced before, a new home for sports watching, food menus curated to perfection by true artists of the industry, craft and domestic beer options, and the largest selection of premium spirits and wine in Columbia.
We are excited for you to experience all Whiskey Alley Saloon has to offer. The years of hard work and imagination are all wrapped up in that mahogany bar. We hope you feel the spirit and passion that drives our family when you walk through the door. Whiskey Alley Saloon… what are a dream realized.
Ralph Terry
