Jake Cooper, Jordan Skeen, Cody Ross
In the heart of Columbia’s historic Main Street awaits a dining experience filled with vibrant colors, the finest ingredients, unparalleled creativity, and a remarkable team that brings it all together. Siblings Sara Middleton Styles and Greg Middleton, founders and owners of Smoked, had a unique vision for both preserving the building’s unique history during renovations and for the restaurant itself, Smoked.
Smoked celebrates the finest local ingredients, unique dining experiences, and most importantly, creativity. Here you’ll find a place to create memorable moments with good food and good spirits, but the true heart of Smoked comes from their talented executive team. Meet the faces of Smoked, who are pushing the boundaries of Columbia’s hospitality scene.
Executive Chef Cody Ross discovered his passion and love for the culinary world after having served eight years in the United States Army. His studies at the International Culinary Center in New York City paved the way for tenures at restaurants across the country leading him to Smoked in 2022. His role as executive chef has provided him the opportunity to showcase his talents through their flavorful new menu released in April 2023. Cody’s creativity is captured by a delightful emphasis of fresh seafood, prime quality meats, and vibrant seasonal flavors.
Head Brewer of Smoked’s on-site microbrewery, Jordan Skeen, was initially drawn to the opportunity to work in collaboration with Peak Drift Brewing Company’s Master Brewer Ashley Kinart-Short. The microbrewery operates as a research and development facility in addition to producing more than 20 taps exclusively available at Smoked. Beverages include house-made ginger beer, CBD sparkling water, nitro cold brew, craft seltzers, and seasonal beer creations. Jordan often works in collaboration with elements of the restaurant to use flavor profiles from cuisines, oysters, and cocktails along with ingredients from local farms to create new beverages.
At the helm of Smoked’s award-winning bar program, Executive Mixologist Jake Cooper creates hand-crafted, delectable cocktails in addition to a complete, spirited experience. The variety of leisurely spaces in Smoked allows creativity to ensue yielding a range of cocktails from something light and cheery on the patio, to a moody sip in their exclusive speakeasy. If you’re lucky, you can occasionally find Jake at the oyster bar showcasing the carefully selected wine and cocktail pairings at their Oyster Series events. Like both Sara and Greg, Jake is a local to the region, and is passionate about the growth and success of Columbia and its ever-growing hospitality scene.
