Chetco Brewing Company celebrates 10 years, this starting this Tuesday, April 18th.
Press Release
Brookings, Oregon … Surviving a wildfire, relocation, and a pandemic, Chetco Brewing Company is proud to be celebrating their 10th Anniversary this month! Beginning with an 8 gallon pot in the owners garage and a borrowed pop-up tent to use at local events and farmers markets, Chetco Brewing Company has grown into an award winning, must-stop brew destination on the Southern Oregon coast in the heart of Brookings, Oregon.
“It’s been 9 years since that first Zwicklemania in our driveway.” laughs Master Brewer Michael “Fred” Frederick. “We had to disguise it as a ‘Yard Sale’.” Chetco’s growth has been painstaking- no big investors, no legacy brewer, just a dedicated, hardworking married couple risking it all to run their own business. “When we’d get a little money in the bank, we’d roll it right back into the brewery. We opened a tiny Tap Room on the 101 in downtown Brookings in 2015, then graduated to a 7 bbl brew system in 2016. The local community welcomed us with open arms, even if the City Government didn’t. And the visitors! Brookings has such a great flow of people passing through, we’ve met some amazing people on this journey,” continued Frederick. After surviving a 5 week evacuation during the 2017 Chetco Bar Fire, Chetco Brewing Company took a leap of faith by purchasing and renovating an auto body shop 2 blocks South of their original tap room. “To finally have the Brewhouse and Tap Room in the same location and out of our house was game changing,” says Alex Carr-Frederick, Frederick’s wife and business partner. As they began to grow into their new space, the Covid 19 pandemic brought that growth to a shocking halt. “It’s crazy. Pre-pandemic we had 14 employees, post-pandemic we’re down to 7… but we’re still here!” Skeleton crew or not, Chetco has twice been voted a 100 Best “Fan-Favorite” Destination by Oregon Business., For 2023, they were the only Brewery to make the list.
Chetco Brewing Company’s 10th Anniversary Celebration kicks off with Trivia Night Tuesday 4/18; Thursday it’s the Re-Release of their very first hand-crafted beer - Willa Nelson - on 4/20 - their official 10 year anniversary (plus it’s open Mic Night ‘til 9p); Friday 4/21 regional favorite Second Bridge takes the Anniversary Party to the next level with Live Music 6p-9p; Saturday 4/22 will feature a Cornhole Tournament; and Sunday 4/23 Live Music with Vince Bigos & Giveaways. Chetco Brewing is inviting all past employees to join in the celebration as well. “We wouldn’t be who we are and do what we do today without all of you,” expressed Carr-Frederick.
Chetco Brewing Company now encompasses an 11,000 square foot brewery, event space and Tap Room. They are continually appreciative of the love and support from locals & visitors. Chetco Brewing Company - Small Town Brewing, World Class Beer.
