If you’ve spent any time in downtown Columbia, Missouri, over the last decade and a half, you’ve likely felt the impact of Jeremy Bowles. You might not have known his name, but you definitely knew his vibe. Or at least, you tasted it.
Jeremy wasn't just another business owner in a college town. He was the heart of Room 38 Restaurant & Lounge, a spot that basically redefined what "cool" looked like in CoMo when it opened back in 2008. While a lot of people just see a restaurant as a place to grab a drink or some tapas, for Jeremy, it was a literal extension of his living room.
Honestly, the news of his passing in early 2025 hit the community like a ton of bricks. It wasn't just a loss for the food scene; it felt like a member of the family was gone.
Who Was the Man Behind Room 38?
Jeremy Bowles grew up in Rolla, but he became a Columbia staple the moment he stepped onto the Mizzou campus. He graduated with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management in 2004, and he didn't waste any time. He worked his way through kitchens like the old Forge & Vine, learning the ropes and, more importantly, learning what people in this town actually wanted.
What they wanted, it turns out, was something a little different.
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In 2008, he teamed up with his business partner, Billy Giordano, to open Room 38. Think about 2008 for a second. The economy was a mess, and opening a high-end lounge felt like a massive gamble. But Jeremy had this vision for "eclectic" plates and a space that felt sophisticated but never stuffy.
He was the guy who took care of everything. He was the head chef, the manager, and the guy who’d stay late to make sure the staff was doing okay. His team even called him "Daddy Bowles." That’s not a nickname you get for being a corporate boss; you get that for being a human being.
Why Jeremy Bowles Columbia MO Still Matters
You see, Jeremy didn’t just cook; he built a culture. In 2022, he and Billy were named Restaurateurs of the Year by the Missouri Restaurant Association. That’s a big deal. It’s the kind of recognition that says, "Hey, you’re doing more than just selling sliders."
He was constantly involved in the community. Whether it was the "Let Them Eat Art" fundraiser or just supporting local Mizzou athletics, he was there.
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A Legacy Beyond the Menu
- The Food: He pushed the boundaries of the Columbia food scene with creative, small-plate menus.
- The People: He mentored dozens of young servers and cooks who went on to do their own things.
- The Spirit: He was famously "the guy who didn't get a bear" on hunting trips—a story his friends still laugh about because he was just happy to be there.
He loved his wife, Jacquie, and his three boys—Griffin, Balor, and Declan. For Jeremy, Friday nights weren't about the Friday night rush at the bar; they were about getting home to relax with his family.
Sorting Through the Confusion
If you’re searching for Jeremy Bowles online, things can get a little confusing. There’s a very prominent academic named Jeremy Bowles who is a professor at University College London and was a fellow at Stanford. Totally different guy. Then there's some old news from 2013 about a guy with the same name in California who... well, let's just say he wasn't winning any "Restaurateur of the Year" awards.
The Jeremy Bowles we’re talking about is the one who made Columbia feel a bit more like home for everyone who walked through his doors.
What We Can Learn From Jeremy's Journey
Life is short. Jeremy was only 43 when he passed away in January 2025. But in those four decades, he managed to build something that outlasts a physical building.
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He proved that you can be a "tough" business owner while still being a "nurturing" presence. He showed that if you genuinely care about your staff, they’ll treat your business like it’s their own. And he reminded us that being part of a community means showing up—whether it's for a fundraiser or just for a conversation at the bar.
Actionable Takeaways for the CoMo Community
- Support Local Originals: Places like Room 38 exist because people like Jeremy took huge risks. Keep supporting the independent spots that give Columbia its character.
- Lead with Empathy: If you're in a leadership position, think about the "Daddy Bowles" approach. Taking care of your people is always the best business strategy.
- Show Up: Jeremy was a regular at Mizzou games and local events. Being a "local" is a verb, not just a status.
Jeremy Bowles left a footprint on Columbia that won't be washed away anytime soon. Next time you're downtown, maybe raise a glass to the guy who helped make the District what it is today.
Next Steps for You:
Check out the local restaurant scene in the District this weekend. If you haven't been to Room 38 lately, stop by, grab some tapas, and experience the environment that Jeremy spent half his life perfecting. Support the businesses that give back to the town you live in.