MEET THE OWNERS
LOCALLY OWNED
AND OPERATED
Stephanie + John are a local husband and wife team that own and operate Columbia Welcome.
They are both from the St. Louis area where they attended high school together and later moved here, to Columbia, to attend college - Steph moved here in 2012 to attend Stephens College. John moved here in 2013 to attend The University of Missouri.
They got married in 2019 and a couple months later, bought Columbia Welcome….
Scroll on to get to know Steph + John or read the full story of “The Passing of The Basket” below!
MEET STEPHANIE
Hey! I’m Steph - the human behind the basket, face behind the brand, CEO, Chief Brand Officer - simply put, I am all things Columbia Welcome!
I was a residential REALTOR® here in Columbia for 4 years before deciding to step back from that and focus my time and energy on what I found to be my true passion - Columbia Welcome.
I’ve always loved local businesses and being able to support them however I can. I also remember moving to Columbia back in 2012 - thinking I would never be able to find my way around town and having no idea about the local businesses here.
Being able to welcome the new residents that move to town, helping them get these answers from the get go and introducing them to some of our local businesses is a DREAM!
FAVORITE PLACE TO GRAB A BITE TO EAT?
Currently obsessed with…
The Broadway Bowl at Nourish Cafe + Market or the Nachos Bianco at Addison’s
FAVORITE PLACE TO GRAB A COFFEE?
The Grind Coffee House
My go-to: Large Vanilla Nut (hot) or Large Iced Vanilla Nut with extra ice (cold)
FAVORITE LOCAL BOUTIQUE?
The Tin Roof Monogram & Gift or Plume
Both have a wide selection of items + locally made items! Another favorite is Coming Home - they have many unique + sustainable items!
FAVORITE PLACE FOR HAPPY HOUR?
Son of a Gun or Logboat Brewing Company
Son of a Gun has the most delicious (and unique) cocktails! But Logboat is my go to for a cold beer
FAVORITE PARK AND/OR TRAIL?
LOVE Finger Lakes State Park
A couple other favorites are Devil’s Icebox and Three Creeks Conservation Area
FAVORITE THING ABOUT COLUMBIA?
The community + support for local businesses…
We have so many amazing local businesses and the community support for them is incredible! We’re also super lucky to have a ton of great local restaurants + annual events to look forward to each year!
MEET JOHN
Hello! John here!
I help out mostly behind the scenes. Currently, I’m employed full-time but I love to help out around here as much and as often as possible!
I attend as many of the welcome visits as I can and help a lot with the behind the scenes tasks - office work, running errands, talking + working through processes and new ideas, etc.
When I’m able to attend a welcome visit, I love chatting with our newcomers - especially when it comes to restaurants, trails + all the outdoors stuff Columbia has to offer!
FAVORITE PLACE TO GRAB A BITE TO EAT?
Billiards on Broadway
My go-to: Famous Billiards Burger with everything on it, fresh cut fries and a locally brewed Snapper
FAVORITE PLACE TO GET BREAKFAST?
Ernie’s Cafe & Steakhouse
My go-to: The number 12 with medium eggs and rye toast
FAVORITE CONSERVATION AREA?
Three Creeks Conservation Area is at the top of my list
Mark Twain National Forest and Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area are also good choices
FAVORITE PLACE FOR HAPPY HOUR?
Logboat Brewing Company
Snapper is my go-to but I do enjoy switching it up every once in awhile - all their beer is amazing
FAVORITE PARK AND/OR TRAIL?
Finger Lakes State Park is my favorite
Gans Creek Wild Area Trail is a lot of fun too
FAVORITE THING ABOUT COLUMBIA?
The local businesses we have + all the nearby conservation areas
We’re lucky to have a lot of awesome local businesses here. I also love to be outdoors so all the conservation areas + public land that’s nearby is incredible to have and take advantage of!
YOU’RE ALWAYS WELCOME HERE!
Have questions about relocating to Columbia?
Recently moved to Columbia and ready to be welcomed?
Looking for a specific resource?
Interested in becoming a Columbia Welcome sponsor?