227: Kristian Niemi, Bourbon & Black Rooster (Columbia, SC)

Kristian Niemi is a pioneer in Columbia, SC’s food and beverage industry. He’s opened some of the city’s most popular restaurants, including Mr. Friendly's, New Southern Café, Gervais + Vine, and most recently, Bourbon and Black Rooster. As one of those guys that likes all aspects of the restaurant business, from cooking to mixology to front of house design, and even events and catering, he’s followed that interest, building businesses along the way and in the process transforming the city in which he lives. But he never forgets it’s all about a good time with good food, from seared filets and shrimp po boys, to open fire cooking events on a farm.