Relish

It's only been weeks since news of the third International Tap House (iTap) was announced, and today Relish has learned that a fourth lease has been signed, this one in Columbia, Mo.

The location will be on the ground floor of a multi-use project called The Lofts at 308 Ninth (see rendering at left), across the street from the University of Missouri-Columbia's School of Journalism. ITap will join Subway, Blenders (an independently-owned smoothie shop), and several other as-yet-uncommitted restaurants on the ground floor of the five-story development, all of it slated for completion in August of 2013. The project will also house 120 students in its 64 loft-style apartments. 

As it has elsewhere, the beer scene in Columbia has been on a tear in recent years, with Broadway Brewery, 44 Stone Public House, 1839 Tap House, and Rock Brdge Brewing Co. joining veteran Flat Branch Pub and Brewing, birthplace of Columbia's craft beer movement 18 years ago.  None can boast iTap's selection of 500 beers, though. Don't expect that formula to change either, especially in a thriving and thirsty college town.

Attempts to reach iTap's owners for additional information were unsuccessful. Additional details as they emerge.