Meet Michael Blizzard | Owner and Lead Barman

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Blizzard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Gosh, where do I begin?

I have spent most of my adult life in bars and restaurants. It started just as a job and just stuck. I have managed night clubs, worked in dive bars where a PBR and a shot was the daily special, and high-end restaurants where we fresh squeezed citrus and made syrups from scratch multiple times a week. I was always a big cook. I love to cook. Being behind a bar is a lot like cooking. Crafting cocktails is a very similar idea to cooking. I have all these cool ingredients and ideas but how do I craft a cocktail around them? Ideas are just ideas until you put them into action. Sometimes they work, but a lot of times they don’t. I got hooked when I started to understand the flavor profiles of spirits and ingredients. I noticed there was a large gap in the events industry. That gap was craft cocktails that were made with scratch ingredients and thought. I wanted to combine superior customer service, craft cocktails, and professionalism. After completing over 100 events, I say we’ve done that successfully.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think the biggest thing that separates me from the others is my open communication and willingness to listen to my clients. I run my own business. I answer every email, call every client, meet every client for coffee, and pick up every liquor order. My business is my passion. You can be assured when you need me, I’ll be there. I will go out of my way to make sure my clients are happy and everything is exactly how they want it. More often than not, clients also become friends. I try to stay in touch with my friends as time progresses. I just want to everyone to know I truly care about them as people!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Want to experience Columbia? Here is what you need to do! Start your morning with a delicious coffee from Indah Coffee in Cottontown. Indah is the best coffee shop in Columbia. Hands down. After relaxing with a wonderful coffee, you have to head down to the canal-side riverwalk system. The riverwalk system is my zen zone. It is my absolute favorite place in Columbia! There is nothing better than taking our dog Birdie out to the riverwalk and soaking up some sun. After getting all hot and sweaty, you should probably go shower and get ready for dinner and drinks. DiVino Rosso is the best spot for craft cocktails and made from scratch Italian. Feeling tacos and margs? No sweat! You must go to COA for the absolute best Mexican food Columbia has to offer. After dinner, you should probably have a nightcap. Motor Supply Co Bistro has a strong cocktail program. These guys are the OG when it comes to cocktails in this city. And most importantly, always drink responsibility and never drive after you have been drinking!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Kevin Snow! Thats my man from back in the day and also a big inspiration for starting my business. DJ Nikko! Chris has worked countless events with me behind the DJ decks and is always a huge supporter for my business. I would also love to shout out my amazing partner Chris. He is always so supportive of me in business and also in life. Lastly, my team. I wouldn’t be anywhere without them. They help keep me in line and also keep me from losing my mind! Chapin Coats, you are a rockstar!

Website: https://www.carolinaelitebar.com

Instagram: CarolinaEliteBar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolinaEliteBar

Image Credits
Scott Fowler, Faith Fulmer