“Let’s try the food and beverage industry!” These were the naive words that were spoken one afternoon in the spring of 2023 by Derek Barrentine, Daniel Petersen, and Josh Rosanbalm. Since then, the trio of friends have begun to write a story that is taking place in front of a developing town’s eyes.
The engineer, landscape designer, and custom home builder purchased and were renovating a vacant nearly century-old building just off the square in downtown Columbia when the hospitality bug bit them. They had recently read Will Guidara’s, Unreasonable Hospitality and were sold; hospitality it was.
Each partner brings a high-level skill set and passion to the Ransom Spirits and Provisions table. Derek has a fascination with creating great cuisine and drink that bring people together and he “loves the reward of having prepared and fed good food to good people.” For Josh, “It’s how design and the perfect blend of the right finishes help dictate atmosphere in a way that is sometimes even a subconscious experience for the participant.”
One of their early compliments came from Mayor Chaz Morton at their Maury Alliance ribbon cutting. He said, “You are instantly captivated from the moment that you step into their space.” The trio agrees and has worked diligently since opening last October to improve daily, so that guests see their personal investment into the Ransom experience a little bit differently each time they return. Nothing happens at Ransom by accident.
It’s obvious that the guys are focused on a specific trajectory - to be the place in town that is first considered when you want to celebrate a special occasion - the place known as the place to be for a good, good time. It’s not just about what’s in a glass or on a plate. They have taken one of the most generic and difficult small spaces in town and turned it into an artistic display that’s a combination of fashion-forward chic cocktail bar and art gallery. It’s both elevated and has a comfortable familiarity at the same time.This 10-foot-wide alley-turned speak-easy, greets you with a 12-foot smoky velvet curtain, plush rose-colored banquets, marble tabletops, and posh oil paintings from local and international artists (thanks to a collaboration with local Artist Sunny Rosanbalm and Gallery 48).
The main space is beautiful and refined, but the surprise is just beyond the back door. A 1,300 sq. ft. private courtyard that sits four feet below the back parking lot and is flanked by a 10-foot brick retaining wall. The wall has a 40-foot-long cedar planter bursting with Boston ivy and seasonal color that trails down the face of the wall. It was this space that sold the guys on the viability of their business model.
“To be able to have two unique spaces really sets Ransom apart from many other places,” says Derek. You can choose from an elevated date-night experience along with their Clairfied NY Sour or a super-casual group hang with a draft beer on the courtyard with live jazz or classic rock. They are all-in on ambiance and vibe, so expect to have your senses on high alert.
But vibe only goes so far. In the food and beverage industry, you have to be all in, and Ransom is. They have curated a craft cocktail and service staff that has fun and enjoy each other’s company. They have decades of hospitality experience and are committed to an ever-evolving chef-inspired menu that never becomes commonplace. From the Ransom Old Fashioned or King Mule, to their signature Kentucky Wagyu Brass Burger or Asian lettuce wraps, guests will not be disappointed with the fare. Whether light and healthy or hearty and decadent, Ransom has you covered.
And what about the name? Ransom Spirits and Provisions. It’s the question of the day and the one that is asked often. In short, they like the “reclaiming” part of the Ransom definition. There has been a literal reclamation, the bringing back to a former state or condition of something abandoned or debased. “This reclaiming or ransoming of this old alley was a product of this group’s innate design nature," says Josh. "Producing something great from dormancy is something that is at the heart of every design minded person.” But their passion goes beyond construction, engineering, and landscape design for this band of brothers. Their pursuit of excellence in their respective lines of work have collided with a newfound passion to please.
According to Daniel, “A perfect storm is a meteorological event aggravated by a rare combination of circumstances.” And this is a perfect description of this trio of friends.
Providing culinary and cocktail excellence with a bent on this organic hospitality concept has stirred something that will be fun to watch, as Columbia flourishes. RansomColumbia.com