BOOZE
CALGARY BREWERIES TAPPING INTO THE FAMILY MARKET By Don Tse
“We built being family-friendly into the foundation of our brewpub because, when we started, very few breweries we visited in Canada allowed minors. And as new parents, we wanted a place we could go and relax with a cool beer,” says Laura Coles, co-founder and director of marketing and public relations of Prairie Dog Brewing (105D 58 Ave. S.E.; prairiedogbrewing.ca). “Everything from our music curation that plays at the brewpub, to onsite activities, are all keeping our family guests top of mind.” While beer may be an adult beverage, a handful of local breweries try to ensure guests of all ages feel welcome. A truly family-friendly taproom is not one that merely allows children, but is one that welcomes them. “We’ve been kid-friendly since day one — it was even specifically mentioned as part of our business plan to focus on families,” says Haydon Dewes, co-founder of Cabin Brewing (505 36 Ave. S.E.; cabinbrewing.ca), “and that
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came from a personal perspective because all three founders had small children.” At Cabin, they make parents’ lives easier, with change tables and free diapers and wipes in the bathroom, and they entertain the kids, with free colouring sheets and crayons, boxes of Lego and charcuterie plates aimed at pintsized Cabin dwellers. Dewes notes that Cabin has no age restrictions at any time, preferring to leave it to parents to make the call about when to bring their kids in. At Prairie Dog, their day-to-day initiatives to welcome families include colouring sheets, board games, building blocks and other toys. But even the special events at Prairie Dog are designed to include everyone. “We always have families in mind when we plan events including our fifth anniversary happening in June which will have a carnival feel to it with patio games and attractions,” says Coles. “Our annual Golden Prairie Dog hunt is meant to be attractive to families and many of our winners have been parents who
had fun out searching with their kids! In the works we plan to have family movie days and to bring in more at-the-table entertainment options.” “Our menu is very kid safe and because of that we have had many young’uns choose Prairie Dog to celebrate their birthdays!” boasts Coles. “We have made ourselves the perfect spot for minor sports teams and their parents/coaches to come after the game or for season wrap-ups of which we
have hosted many.” Every Sunday is family day at Prairie Dog with their petite menu items being $10. But Dandy Brewing Company (2003 11 St. S.E.; thedandybrewingcompany.com) goes one step further. “On Sundays, kids eat free!” says Benjamin Leon, co-founder. “Kiddos get a free slice (of pizza), pop and colouring sheet!” It is with great relief that discerning parents no longer have to take their half pints to Chuck E. Cheese.