An Interview With Desireé Reed-Francois
While I love helping select the stories that go in the pages of COMO, I rarely am on the other side of the camera or write articles myself. However, I called dibs on this story immediately. I was very excited to get the chance to sit down with Mizou Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois to learn […]
Living History
If you’ve lived in Columbia for any length of time, there’s a good chance you’ve driven by the house known by many names: the Hobbit House, the Hansel and Gretel House, the Gingerbread House, the Fairy Tale House. The iconic property at 121 N. West Blvd., at the corner of Ash and West, is one […]
From the Ground Up
As he’s traveled the country with his family, Nic Parks has made a point to visit as many entertainment districts as possible. From Branson to Kansas City to St. Louis and beyond Missouri, Parks has been taking notes on attractions and entertainment venues that enhance life for both residents and visitors alike. “I want Columbia […]
20 under 40
Introducing the best of the best in Columbia. 20 under 40 honors a group of outstanding professionals under the age of 40 who excel in their industry, are company leaders, and are good community citizens. We’re excited to introduce you to the class of 2022! Check them out here!
Scout’s Honor
COMO Magazine’s 20 under 40 recognizes professionals who excel in their industry, are company leaders, and are good community citizens. It’s only natural that John Fabsits made the list in 2011. After all, he’s an Eagle Scout in an organization where excellence, leadership, and helping others are a way of life. John’s first job out […]
A Day in the Life of a Firefighter
“Family” is the word that comes to mind as Tommy Goran, an alumnus of the 2020 class of 20 under 40, talks about his experiences working with the Columbia Fire Department. Tommy has worked in a couple different departments over the span of 12 years, but he came back to his hometown to work for […]
A Country Christmas
Imagine a Christmas in the country: a grand estate with lots of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking several acres; horses grazing peacefully in the pasture; the interior dripping with garland, leather accents, and lots of twinkling lights. “We really try to decorate with things that are natural,” Shelley Wagner says. “We live in the country. It’s a […]
What’s Bubbling in COMO?
Broadway Brewery Downtown staple Broadway Brewery has been serving locally sourced food and drink since 2009. Columbians have grown to love its seasonal, farm-to-table menu and creative variety of craft beers, including a core line of IPAs, wheats, and lagers intermixed with rotating new flavors. “We are a smaller brewery, which has its challenges […]
Countdown to Christmas
If you know me, you know I am obsessed with all things Christmas. Every year, I anxiously wait for the month of December to arrive, and when it does, it’s game on! From all the prepping and decorating to memories made with family and friends, it all fills my heart until the next year. Naturally, […]
Good & Messy BBQ
Nothing can beat Kansas City barbecue — except maybe a few of Columbia’s gems. There are a lot of places and things to love about Columbia, and barbecue is definitely on that list! Each of these barbecue restaurants offers unique styles and flavors, but they can all agree on one essential: wood smokers and a […]
Hometown Yuletide
A Solstice Tablescape Featured image above, left to right: wooden console table, Adam Swofford; pitcher, Dakota Parkinson, artist-in-residence at Access Arts; beeswax candles, Jacques Laboile, Bonne Femme Honey Farm; charcuterie, Graze by Carrie; ginkgo patterned platter, Jeff Ferguson, Bluestem; table runner and napkins, Erica Kroll, Handwoven by ELK; florals, Sellmeyer Farm; white olive oil dish, […]
Restaurants Reimagined
As the co-owner of Pizza Tree, along with her husband, John Gilbreth, Amanda Rainey has a deep and personal understanding of how COVID-19 forced restaurants to pivot, adjust, and adapt to a new way of doing business. She knows firsthand how the abrupt change in lifestyle let business owners revisit their dreams, reimagine their business […]