Confluence Kombucha closes restaurant, will continue kombucha, business

Confluence Kombucha marked its third anniversary Sept. 13 with the announcement of a new business model. In a Facebook post, owner and head brewer William Pauley said he will suspend food service. The storefront at 4507 Manchester Ave., in The Grove will continue to offer kombucha and other fermented provisions.

“When we got into business in the beginning, I thought, ‘We’re just doing a little bit of food,’ but it took off,” Pauley said. “It was a good amount of our business and was a way of informing people of who we are. Now, it feels like the kombucha side is about to start thriving in a way that will need my full attention.”

But this doesn’t mean that the food is going away entirely. Confluence will still be open on weekends for kombucha tastings and flights, and Pauley said he’ll still offer a provisions menu for those looking to snack while tasting beverages or who want to take some of his signature dishes home with them. 

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“[We’ll have] coconut yogurt, cashew brie, our flax chips, nut and seed bread. You can get our kimchis,” he said. “We’ll probably have a salad, tacos, maybe one more item. That’s where I’m envisioning things.”

Confluence’s new hours will be posted on its social media accounts, and Pauley said it may change week to week depending on production. Additionally, Pauley’s kombucha can be found outside of Confluence at places like Gustine Market and Local Harvest Grocery, and his food will still be available for catering events. 

“I like to tailor each event to what’s happening there, the people who will be there. I really love that,” Pauley said. “If it’s a wedding, what are some of the bride’s favorite foods? Let’s bring that in there.” 

Adam Rothbarth is a staff writer at Sauce Magazine.