Flat Branch Pub and Brewing Changes Hands to Four Owners

The downtown Columbia brewpub's management team has taken ownership from its founders, who remain in an advisory role.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Beer

Plain stainless-steel brewing tanks and copper pipework inside a warm brick brewhouse, with a bare wooden barrel in the foreground under soft window light. — Flat Branch Pub and Brewing, the downtown Columbia brewpub that opened in 1994, has passed to a four-person management team, with founder Tom Smith staying on in an advisory role. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Management team of four has taken ownership of Flat Branch Pub and Brewing from its founders, according to a news release issued November 13, 2026. Founder Tom Smith remains in an advisory role during the ownership transition.

Why it matters

The change puts the brewpub, which first opened in April 1994, in the hands of owners who have worked inside the business for years. For Columbia diners and beer drinkers, the handoff is expected to be largely unnoticeable in day-to-day operations.

The four new owners bring a combined 68 years of experience, and the brewpub has operated for 32 years since its April 1994 opening. The announcement does not disclose the terms of the transfer or any financial arrangements.

The players

Flat Branch Pub and Brewing

A downtown Columbia, Missouri brewpub that has operated since 1994 and is known for its house-brewed beers and pub menu.

Paul Huesgen

The new owner who started as a fry cook at the brewpub and now serves as its general manager.

Al Tyrer

The new owner who began as a line cook at the brewpub and now leads its culinary operations.

Mike Weston

The new owner who started as a server at the brewpub and is now part of its ownership group.

Michael Sebelski

The new owner who joined in 2024 as head brewer after working at several breweries in the St. Louis area.

The details

The management team of Paul Huesgen, Al Tyrer, Mike Weston, and Michael Sebelski now owns the business. Huesgen started as a fry cook and advanced to general manager, Tyrer started as a line cook and advanced to head of culinary operations, Weston started as a server, and Sebelski joined in 2024 as head brewer after working at several St. Louis-area breweries.

April 1994: Flat Branch Pub and Brewing first opened.
2024: Michael Sebelski joined the brewpub as head brewer.
November 13, 2026: The management team announced the ownership change in a news release.

Industry Dynamics

Ownership changes at established brewpubs often move from founders to internal staff who already know the kitchen and taps, a pattern that keeps operations steady. The Flat Branch handoff, with its owners rising from fry cook and server roles, fits that internal-succession pattern rather than a sale to outside investors.

Regular customers should expect the menu, beer lineup, and atmosphere to continue largely as before, since the source says the food, beer, and Flat Branch traditions will carry on. The transition is projected to be relatively invisible to diners at the downtown Columbia location.

The takeaway

Ownership changes that keep the same team in place tend to preserve the qualities regulars came for. Customers who value a familiar brewpub can continue visiting without much adjustment.