OWNED
SINCE
1968
competition can be good for the beer biz. BY MIKE RIEDEL
O italianvillageslc.com (801).266.4182 | 5370 S. 900 E. SLC
Celebrat i
26 y ears
!
| CITY WEEKLY |
18 | AUGUST 15, 2019
Cohoperation How teaming up with the
Chad Hopkins and Jordan Schupbach
ver the last 14 years, I’ve spent a good chunk of time working the Utah beer beat. During that time, there’ve been a lot of changes—some good, some bad—but the one thing that’s been constant is the sense of community that exists among local brewers. I’m not out here saying Utah’s beer culture is unique in its brotherly and sisterly love for craft beer. But let’s face it, we operate under a whole different set of alcohol rules here, and those unique hurdles can naturally bring Shades Brewing’s people together in unexpected, familiar ways. Nowhere else Trent Farger do you see brewers dumb down centuries-old beer styles just to keep thirsty customers satisfied. Another odd situation is that, at one time or another, many Utah brewers have worked for a competing brewery or have coworkers who’ve come from breweries across town. This creates a tight kinship that just adds to a harmonious beer culture. Toward the end of last year, an odd situation arose where Epic Brewing Co. was having difficulty maintaining their Sugar House brewpub. Utah’s largest locally owned brewery was kicking ass in the beer game, but was having a hard time finding focus at their brick-and-mortar Sugar House location. “The Salt Lake City and Denver breweries were taking up most of our attention and resources,” says Jordan Schupbach, Epic’s head of brewing and operations. As luck would have it, Chad Hopkins, a local home brewer, was looking to up his game. “It was pretty much always our dream to have a brewpub in Sugar House,” Hopkins says. “When the opportunity came up to manage this property instead of me,” Trent Farger, Shades Brewing owner says. “ I knew exactly what the building [one] from the ground up—that was huge.” Huge sounds about Park City guys were going through, and I wanted to help.” Shades’ original right, as the neighborhood continues to boom. “We probably couldn’t have location was in the heart of Park City, but growth and rent had driven them pulled it off if [otherwise],” Hopkins notes. “Taking over the lease saved to South Salt Lake. “We had the space, and a large enough brew system us a lot of money for sure.” Along with rent being paid and careers being that could handle both operations,” Farger says. “I’m glad they took us forged, partnerships were also solidified at the new Hopkins Brewing Co. up on it.” If you go into Shades, it’s obvious there’s a lot going on. In one “Epic wants to see Hopkins succeed.” Schupbach says. “We’ve seen how corner, you see cans of PC beer being filled, while pallets of Shades’ suds they operate, and we know that the place is in excellent hands.’’ roll on by. “It’s funny how understanding and perspective brought all of In South Salt Lake, a similar situation is brewing. Earlier this year, this together,” Farger chuckles. “I’d hate to see the Park City guys go under Park City Brewery lost its lease in Kimball Junction and needed a new loover a raw deal. It sure is different, but I’m glad they’re around.” cation tout suite. If you’re familiar with the area, you know that real estate While it might seem these two symbiotic relationships are merely busiand rent in that part of Summit County is, for lack of a better term, outraness-oriented, there’s no denying they’re also a testament to the camaradegeous. “If anybody understands the headaches of beer and real estate it’s rie of breweries in the Beehive. Cheers to sudsy collabs! CW MIKE RIEDEL
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10 Years of Beers! kickback to the state’s largest beer-a-palooza.
How the Utah Beer Fest went from an informal BY RAY HOWZE
Pre-summer 2010
In a virtual beer wasteland, Utahns were kept to bars and their homes to enjoy their hops. Times were bleak for some, as camaraderie and collective morale could have used a frothy boost. Luckily, the craft beer craze was picking up steam.
September 2010
ninth & ninth 254 south main
City Weekly hosts its inaugural beer festival at Washington Square outside the Salt Lake City & County Building. The first year features a single-price all-you-candrink model because of the pesky Legislature. Despite only selling 300 tickets in advance, more than 3,000 thirsty beer drinkers show up, creating some chaos. But it’s a promising sign for the future. Ten local breweries participate.
August 2011
In the festival’s second year, organizers move it to the third week of August, where it remains today. The Legislature had recently passed a new law requiring drinkers to pay as they quaffed, creating the token-like system used today.
August 2012
The festival moves to Gallivan Plaza and for the first time was held on a Sunday (proof Utahns drink on the Sabbath). Regional breweries join in.
August 2013
More beers are added, as well as an “International Beer Row” on Gallivan Avenue.
August 2014
The festival moves back to Washington Square and expands to include more food vendors along 200 East.
August 2015
No longer permitted at Washington Square, the festival picks up and moves across the street to Library Square. For the first time, tickets sell out.
August 2016
The festival moves to Utah State Fairpark and with it, more room for beer tents and, wait for it … more beer! Tokens bid their adieu and drinkers can now get their suds via wristbands.
August 2017
Double your pleasure, double your fun. The state’s largest beer bash is now a two-day event.
August 2018
Perhaps its best-ever event, the festival continues its two-day run. This time, it features an outdoor gear and beer tent—proving once again that recreation and beer go together—responsibly, of course.
August 2019
Finally reaching its 10-year vintage, the fest now features concerts at the end of each day with bands such as Royal Bliss and Jagertown. It also hosts nearly 60 beer vendors. Time to drink up, dance and be merry, fellow Utah beer enthusiasts! CW