Tony Antonucci and Ben Valencia Photos by Aniko Kiezel
Fun Brewed Up
D
evice Brewing Company was on a roll. Owners Ken and Melissa Anthony ran three taprooms in town. The Power Inn Road taproom near Tahoe Park and Midtown’s Ice Blocks were popular. The long-awaited Pocket site
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opened in 2020. More than 1,000 retail locations carried Device brews. Then the pandemic hit. “Last year was rough, but we’re finally rising from the ashes,” Ken says. The company survived for two reasons. First, the community stepped up by ordering take-out meals and beverages. Second, the Great Plates Delivered program kept the kitchen open and staff employed. Funded by federal COVID stimulus money, local restaurants prepared meals for homebound seniors. Device prepared 50 to 60 meals weekly, sourced ingredients from local growers and used Paratransit to deliver.
As restrictions loosen up, Device is accepting reservations for private parties. Pocket Little League was among the first to hold a fundraiser at Device. The brewery averages two to three private gatherings weekly. The Anthony family’s dream of making Device Brewing the top Pocket hangout is coming to fruition. “We’ve always wanted to be more than a taproom and eatery. So now we’re offering family-friendly activities here,” Melissa says. In the months ahead, Device plans live music. Meantime, here are a few events on tap:
Classic Car Shows: Car enthusiasts and Pocket residents Ben Valencia and Tony Antonucci organize shows in the parking lot at Rush River and Windbridge Drive. Hot rods and classics are featured. Friday evening shows are scheduled July 2, 16 and 30, from 5–8 p.m. “We attend the American Graffiti in Modesto and Hot August Nights in Reno. So we love doing similar car shows in our neighborhood,” Antonucci says. Valencia adds, “You never forget your first car. Mine was a 1956 Chevrolet two-door sedan. Tony picked up a 1941 Plymouth Coupe when he was 16. We also bring classic cars to senior
