Brewery News: WA: Laurelwood Public House & Brewery, in Battle Ground, sold to new owners Eric & Paula Starr

“It comes with mixed feelings we announce that Laurelwood Battle Ground is changing hands this week,” said Laurelwood Area Manager Desi Riscol.

These were the words that Desi echoed on behalf of Laurelwood Brewing’s owners Mike & Cathy Woo-De Kalb.

This past month something unfortunate and wonderful occurred all on the same day – Laurelwood Public House & Brewery, in Battle Ground, is no more. What has been a five year experience, operating a brewery in Washington state, has come to a bitter sweet conclusion.

Mike Dekalb would tell you the sale, of their Battle Ground Public House & Brewery, was inspired more on the demand for their beers Oregon, Northern California or Idaho. Still, Mike would tell you that leaving Battle Ground means a lot him – since he’s a former alum of Battle Ground High School. All told Mike and Cathy are owners of five locations in Oregon with the expectation of opening another location soon. But focus was needed on expansion into other states, which made the decision to sell a sensible one.

For Eric and Paula Starr, the opportunity to own a business was a dream of theirs. The new owners would tell you that ownership in a restaurant & brewery was a evolutionary one. You see Eric has worked in the hospitality business (including a managerial stint at a Burgerville) for many decades, while Paula (born in Denmark but raised in Saudi Arabia) is inspired by Middle Eastern recipes. Then again it doesn’t hurt that Eric once worked for Portland Brewing Company.

Both in their 50’s the new owners will retain most of the staff, as well as the food menu and Laurelwood beer. Eventually both Eric and Paula will transition the current pub menu to something unique to what will now be called Northwood Public House & Brewery. Meanwhile the two, residing in Portland, will commute to and from Battle Ground, as they evolve into their new role as owners of Battle Grounds newest Public House & Brewery.

Eric has indicated he plans on opening a nano brewery, sometime this summer, with the goal of serving the beers produced at the Northwoods Public House.

Good luck to all.

Cheers

About Laurelwood Brewing Company

Laurelwood is a family owned brewery that creates one of the most recognized regional craft beers. Owners Mike De Kalb & Cathy Woo-De Kalb are dedicated to sustainable and organic practices, and first began producing certified organic beer in 2001. Laurelwood’s product line is known for its creativity and quality therefore winning many national and international beer awards. Laurelwood’s handcrafted beers can be found on draft and in bottles throughout Oregon and Washington. To find out more about Laurelwood Brewing Company go online at www.laurelwoodbrewpub.com.