Restaurant open seven days a week
Copper Mill restaurant in Columbus is now open for business, offering American cuisine with a twist.
Owners Kimberly Calvert (no relation to Calvert’s Kitchen owners), Michael Bryant and Michael Carland said they want to offer a casual, upscale atmosphere with quality food that people can afford.
“Our vision is if someone comes in with sweat pants on they feel comfortable or if a couple wants to come in dressed up for a date they feel comfortable,” Calvert said.
The name Copper Mill came from when the owners walked in the door of the historic building located on the corner of Mills and Peak Streets downtown. Calvert said they had another name in mind, but saw the copper panels on the wall, so they have accented the restaurant with copper. Mill came from Mills Street.
“We wanted to incorporate something about the town in the name,” Calvert said.
All owners currently live in South Asheville, but Carland grew up in Polk County.
Calvert said she loves Columbus and is most excited about repeat customers who are returning and becoming instant friends.
“I just love this town,” Calvert said. “Everybody is beautiful here. I have never met the warmest people as I have here. If I ever had to move, I would definitely move here.”
The restaurant was remodeled to include a sitting area that was formerly an office in the entrance of the lounge. There are two entrances, one for the restaurant, which seats 60 and one for the lounge, which seats 25. The lounge includes a full bar and the owners opted to keep the historic bar that is more than 100 years old.
Owners say the restaurant opening wouldn’t have been possible without Bill Devlin, who is the chef/owner of Olive or Twist in Asheville, who helped get the restaurant off the ground and cooked on opening night.
The menu ranges from homemade soups and desserts that constantly change to make-your-own salads, burgers and sandwiches. Also offered are chicken, fish, pastas,  ribeyes, New York strips, ribs and a full children’s menu.
The Copper Mill’s signature sandwich is a marinated chicken breast with Brie cheese, applewood bacon and a raspberry Dijon drizzle. Another signature dish is the Copper shrimp, which is tossed in a tangy chili cream sauce. The ribeye is unique because it is topped with flakes that look like copper.
Calvert said they make everything to order and use local produce as much as possible.
The chef is Brian Welker, who went to culinary school in Florida and worked for Disney World prior to moving to the area.
Copper Mill delivers lunch from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. to local businesses located between St. Luke’s Hospital and Polk County High School. The restaurant is open every day for lunch and dinner. The restaurant will also host parties.
Hours are from 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. – 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Copper Mill also now offers an early bird special between 4 and 5 p.m. Call 828-894-2440 for more information.