EC Nebraska News

A new bar is slated to open up in downtown Columbus soon.

Local business owner and resident Nicole Saalfeld is proceeding with her new bar, Barrel House, after the Columbus City Council during its March 20th meeting approved a Retail Class C liquor license for the establishment and the application for her as the manager in conjunction with it.

The City Council unanimously approved both applications after hearing from fellow local businessman and resident Scott Mueller, who spoke on Saalfeld’s behalf as she couldn’t attend. Mueller has been instrumental in efforts such as Columbus in Action and the Columbus Innovation Center, 1365 24th Ave., Suite 500, a co-working space that will be the home of Barrel House and more.

Saalfeld later told the City of Columbus’ public communications team that she’s thankful for the council’s approval of her applications and is eager for the next steps.

“I appreciate their (the Columbus City Council) support and I’m looking forward to adding another business to downtown Columbus,” said Saalfeld, who owns Cork and Barrel and with one of her sisters co-owns Fabulous Forever, two other downtown Columbus businesses. "We have a lot of exciting happening, and I love being part of it!"

Barrel House is slated to open in the spring, and according to Saalfeld, and will be open Wednesday-Sunday with opportunities to also host private events.

“The new place will be a little more fast-paced and won’t offer all the craft cocktails that Cork offers,” Saalfeld said.

Instead, it will feature beverages such as Busch Light along with local craft beer and spirits, with an emphasis on whiskey, scotch and bourbon.

Mueller offered his thanks to the City Council during the meeting for previously approving the proposal for the renovation of the old Gene Steffy Ford building that has become the Columbus Innovation Center, noting Barrel House is the final step in that process. The space also features offices such as the Columbus Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, CCC Entrepreneurship Center and business coach, a conference room, pickleball courts, room for food trucks outside and more.

"It is pretty exciting to have this put together," he told the Council.

Mueller later shared his thoughts with the City public communications department.

"We enjoyed the opportunity to work with the City and local contractors in the redevelopment of this building," he said. "The willingness for all parties to come together to preserve a histroical building and provide a community gathering space to support entrepreneurship and fellowship was very rewarding."

Original source can be found here.