Category: brewery news

Expansion happening again for Cider Corps in 2021

The continued popularity of cider is causing Mesa’s Cider Corps to expand for the 2nd time since opening three years ago. This expansion has the veteran owned business move production to a new larger facility in nearby Gilbert in mid-2021. Don’t worry cider drinkers the downtown Mesa taproom will still be open along with Myke’s Pizza.

Co-owners brothers Josh and Jason Duren (retired U.S.M.C.) need the additional space to meet demand for its cans and keg business. “Our immediate goal is to ramp up production to be able to share our ciders with even more people in Arizona,” said Josh Duren. “As we grow, it’s nice to have kind of a blank page of space that can evolve as we do, and that can adapt as life beyond the pandemic does.”

Expansion plans in Gilbert

The 11,500 sq.ft. Gilbert facility will have a main building for production and retail sales for customers to take cider home. When it becomes safe to do so the brothers will host tours of the cidery and have events scheduled. Upon entry to the facility a canning line will be visible and customers can see the packaging process. A second building will be used for cold storage. The additional production will allow for experimentation of new ciders and techniques.

The current equipment will be moved and new equipment will be purchased so they can triple production to 1,000 barrels. Cider Corps opened in November 2017 and in 2019 expanded with by 2,000 sq. ft to accommodate the growth of their ciders.

“We get a ton of people from the East Valley, Gilbert and beyond, who make the trek to the taproom. We’re really excited about being closer for them” he said. “But I’m just as excited about being able to grow and create more ciders for all of Arizona”. The new facility will be at 685 S. Gilbert Rd. Gilbert 85296.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips & bites of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant community, breweries and wineries.

Wildflower adds new hearty menu items for winter

The locally owned specialty bakery known for its handcrafted artisan breads and more has added 8 new items to its menu. The festive foods include breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, pastas and toasts. There are 16 locations throughout Phoenix and Arizona.

Friendsgiving at Pedal Haus Brewery

Thanksgiving Eve friends and family can gather on the patio for a socially distanced celebration during happy hour. From 3:30 til closing on Wednesday November 25th enjoy happy hour specials, the new Peppermint Porter and live music. The celebration at the Chandler location goes until 10 p.m.

Aridus Wine Company ends its 8th harvest

The award-winning winery ends the 2020 grape growing season with almost 86 tons of grapes. This was their 4th harvest picking grapes from the estate’s 40 acres of vineyards in southern Arizona that started on August 22nd. 72% of the grapes picked will be for red wines, 26% for white wines and 2% for rose.

FRANCINE Restaurant opens patio for dining

You can now enjoy lunch, dinner or brunch at the French Mediterranean restaurant outside on the new patio. Located at the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square seats 28 people in the relaxing and beautiful setting. Seating is by request with reservations recommended.

Serrano’s closes Tempe location until early 2021

The 6440 S. Mill Ave. location has closed for dine-in and take-out to undergo a major renovation. A major renovation needs to completed and the 4 other locations are open for dine-in, take-out and curbside delivery.

Support the troops, active and retired on Veteran’s Day

One thing we all agree on is that we support the troops of our military. Whether active or retired when Veteran’s Day arrives on November 11th these Phoenix area restaurants and watering holes offer deals on food & drink to our veterans and active military personnel.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar- The Scottsdale and Camelback locations give all veterans and active military personnel a free classic burger or cheeseburger. Offer is for dine-in or on-line ordering for take-out and military ID required for those in uniform.

Angry Crab Shack- 10% off at all locations with valid military ID.

Fired Pie- Free entree to all military with valid ID. Not available for 3rd party delivery.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria– 15% year round and 25% off on Veteran’s Day for active & retired military.

S & V Urban Italian- Show military ID at the Scottsdale restaurant for a free entree with the purchase of an entree of equal or lesser value.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub and Grill- Show your military ID at any of the 4 locations around Phoenix and get free entree with a non-alcoholic beverage purchase.

Roaring Fork– Bring your military ID when you dine-in for 15% off your entire order.

Original Breakfast House- All military personnel get a free meal at this north Phoenix breakfast and lunch restaurant.

Miracle Mile Deli- The central Phoenix deli offers veteran’s 10% off year round. On Veteran’s Day they give 20% off.

Cider Corps– The veteran owned downtown Mesa cidery offers 10% to all military year round. This year they’re open for take-away only with 15 ciders on tap.

Angel’s Trumpet House- All food is 10% off from 3-9 p.m. at the downtown Phoenix gastropub with military ID.

Morning Squeeze- Get a free drip coffee at the Scottsdale and Tempe restaurants open for breakfast and lunch.

Kasai Japanese Steakhouse- All military personnel get 50% off their entree at the north Scottsdale restaurant open for dinner.

Pedal Haus Brewery- Take 20% off all food and drink and half off all merchandise at their Mill Ave. and downtown Chandler locations.

Voodoo Daddy’s Cajun Kitchen- Dine-in and get a free entree with proof of service at the south Tempe Cajun restaurant.

Macacyo’s- Get a free meal on the house whether you dine-in and take-out at any location.

 

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick sips of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine community.

Pedal Haus releases RAD Pumpkin Ale for Rob Dollar Foundation

The Tempe & Chandler brew pub is releasing its first pumpkin ale on Saturday October 17th. On Saturday in Tempe from 3:00 -6:30 p.m. guests can enjoy the beer at happy hour prices with half of the beer’s sales being donated to the foundation named after the avid cyclist who was killed in 2017. The foundation helps the cyclist community promote safety and awareness to other motorists.

Friday & Saturday nights get Reverse Happy Hour at Nook Kitchen

Starting tonight the Arcadia restaurant is giving customers a few dollars off selected drinks and appetizers starting at 10 p.m. A DJ will be setting the late night vibe until 2 a.m. Last call for food is at 1:30 a.m.

It’s a Pink Out on Saturday 10/17 at Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant

The family owned restaurant with 5 east valley locations celebrates the life of co-owner Stephanie Serrano who passed away last year from breast cancer. The sales of Stephanie’s favorite dish Stacked Enchiladas will be donated to HonorHealth’s Virginia G. Piper Foundation, where she received treatment. Customers are encouraged to wear pink and a special price of $10.99 will be offered for the enchiladas.

It’s Pastra-ME Mondays at central Phoenix deli

Start your week off at Miracle Mile Deli and its popular weekly sandwich feature where you get a pastrami sandwich, fries & pickle spear for only $10. The Straw & New Yorker are $12. Good for dine-in or take-out through the end of the year.

Reel Deels now available all week at Reels Pizza Pies

The Surprise pizzeria has added daily Deels in addition to their Monday Reel Deel. Every day two 18-inch one-topping pizzas are just $34.99 or guests can get an 18-inch cheese pizza and 20 wings for $29.99. For a “Reel Deel” lunches available until 4:00 p.m. get a free drink with any two-slice pizza order, free drink with any slice and side salad order or any sub and a medium drink for just $8.

 

Michael Waltrip Brewing Company beers distributed by Hensley Beverage

Michael Waltrip Brewing CompanyFormer NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip announced recently the formation of his Phoenix based brewery, Michael Waltrip Brewing Company. They’ve decided that its “Two Time” brand will be distributed around Arizona by locally owned beer distributor Hensley Beverage Company.

“We are truly pleased to be able to partner with Hensley Beverage Company on the distribution of our Two-Time line of lagers and ales,” said Michael Waltrip, two-time Daytona 500 champion and FOX Sports NASCAR color announcer.  “I had a chance to visit the leadership and some of the team at Hensley right before the pandemic. What a great group of people. We couldn’t be happier to be part of the Hensley portfolio”

“Two Time” currently brews three beers. “Blonde” Ale, “Checkered Past”, a coconut IPA and “Vamanos”, a Mexican style Lager. Seasonal and year round beers are planned all with subtle references to racing.

Bryan R. Sperber, CEO, Michael Waltrip Brewing Company, said, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with the team at Hensley for many years. So, I know firsthand what a quality organization they have. To be able to partner with them is an amazing opportunity and we really appreciate their enthusiasm for our brand and the Michael Waltrip Brewing Company.”

Hensley Beverage Company dates back to 1955 and has been the distributor of the Anheuser-Busch InBev portfolio. It also distributes local and regional beers throughout most of Arizona.

A brewery and taproom is being planned in Phoenix along with distribution outside of Arizona. For more information visit their website.

Sips & Bites: News you can use from the Phoenix restaurant community

Quick bits of news about what’s going on around the Phoenix restaurant, beer & wine scene.

Aioli Gourmet Burgers to open 3rd Phoenix location

Less than a year after opening their 2nd brick & mortar location in Litchfield Park, award-winning Aioli Gourmet Burgers is set to open their 3rd location. On Labor Day, September 7th at 430 E. Bell Rd. Phoenix 85022 is when & where it all happens. The location should be familiar to burger fans as it was the home to the former Caveman Burgers. Customers can expect the usual mix of gourmet burgers, fries, milk shakes, mac n cheese bites and more.

In addition their original location at Shea & 32nd St is now back open for dine-in service.

Press Coffee’s new blend supports local non-profits

Community Blend is the latest whole bean coffee from local roaster Press Coffee. Every 3 months the company will donate profits from the sales of Community Blend to a local non-profit. Current sales will be donated to Arizona Coalition for Change, an organization that empowers people to help transform their community by building civic power, just & equitable schools and safer neighborhoods.

Community Blend retails for $19 at all locations or online at http://www.presscoffee.com/

News

1/2 off cheese pizza at Fired Pie for National Cheese Pizza Day

Saturday September 5th is National Cheese Pizza Day and all 21 Fired Pie locations are celebrating. Guests can get 1/2 off with the purchase of a beverage. One purchase per customer and not available on 3rd party deliveries.

LDV Winery temporarily closes Scottsdale tasting room

Structural work in the building housing the tasting room has forced them to close until early October. Guests and wine club members can still still purchase wine for pick up or delivery by calling 602-320-1485 or emailing info@LDVWinery.com

Check their Facebook page or Instagram for updates.

Lobster lovers get your roll at Pedal Haus Brewery

Can’t make it to Cape Cod this summer like me, Pedal Haus Brewery is bringing a cape favorite to you. For $24 you get a Maine lobster roll, side of crispy fries & Day Drinker Light Lager while supplies last. Both downtown Tempe & downtown Chandler locations are serving this summer time favorite.

Jared Porter named Director of Culinary Operations at Pedal Haus Brewery

Fork & Dagger Hospitality, the company that owns Pedal Haus Brewery has announced they’ve hired valley chef Jared Porter as Director of Culinary Operations. Porter oversees all food operations at the Tempe and Chandler brewpubs and at a new Phoenix location opening in 2021. His responsibilities include menu development, sourcing of ingredients and management of the culinary team.

“As a longtime Valley resident with deep ties to the culinary community, it is an incredibly exciting opportunity to join Julian Wright and the Fork & Dagger Hospitality team as they continue to grow their influence on Arizona’s food and beverage landscape,” Porter said. “I am looking forward to being a part of the already award-winning team at Pedal Haus Brewery as well as all future concepts within the hospitality group.”

The culinary resume of Jared Porter

Jared Porter started his culinary career over 20 years ago attending the Art Institute of Phoenix on a full scholarship. After graduating he worked at high profile restaurants Vincent’s on Camelback, Michael’s at The Citadel and Fiamma at The James Hotel. He’s successfully helped open La Grande Orange Grocery, Olive & Ivy and his own Clever Koi in 2013. Most recently he’s been executive chef at Buck & Rider.

“We are honored to have Jared bring his extensive culinary expertise to our hospitality group to further enhance our restaurants’ menus and culinary experience,” said Fork & Dagger founder and CEO Julian Wright. “His depth of knowledge has already proved invaluable and we are thrilled to have him join our team as we continue to bring more great restaurants to the Valley.”

The award-winning brewery is popular with beer enthusiasts since opening their Tempe location in 2015. Under Brew Master Derek Osborne they’ve won a gold medal at The Great American Beer Festival and named Best Brewery in the United States at the 2019 Copa Cerveza de Americas. Over 32 gold medals and awards have been earned by the brewery for their beers.

 

Growly Delivers is today’s milkman for local beer brewers

If you were born after the 1980s chances are you’ve never seen a milkman deliver quarts of milk to your door. Dropping off fresh milk in glass bottles and picking up empty bottles for re-use was affordable and convenient for previous generations. Growly Delivers is the milkman of the 21st century delivering growlers of beer instead of milk.

The local delivery service started with PHX Beer Co. to get fresh beer to customers through their weekly subscription service. Plans are to add other local breweries in the future as demand grows. Deliveries are made every Thursday and those wanting to take delivery can subscribe at their website and choose what beer you’d like to be delivered. It couldn’t be any easier than that for beer drinkers. The eco-friendly Growly Delivers takes the empty growlers back to the brewery to be cleaned, sanitized and re-filled.

Beer drinkers that don’t drink as quickly as others can have a specially made high tech growler filled with beer. A compressor with a C02 cartridge allows for the beer to stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. The local startup has successfully sign up almost 50 subscriptions in the Phoenix area in its first two weeks.

Enjoying Cinco de Mayo in your home with takeout

Cinco de Mayo won’t be the same this year with the coronavirus pandemic allowing for takeout tacos and more from local restaurants. Many restaurants will celebrate with family meals, build your own taco kits, margaritas to go and more and these 2 restaurants are doing the same. Cinco de Mayo falls on Taco Tuesday this year so you can enjoy twice the fun from the comfort of your own home. How will you be enjoying this festive day?

PHX Beer Co. in Scottsdale celebrates May 5th with $5 Baja Fish Taco, $5 Pork Taco, $5 Chips and Salsa. Drink specials include $5 Pint of Mercado Mexican Lager (A.K.A. the Bird City Lager) and $3 Jell-O Shots. To place an order call 480-571-8645 or visit their website. PHX Beer Co. is located at 8300 N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale.

Urban Margarita is making it easy for you to enjoying Cinco de Mayo from the safest place, your home. From 4 – 8 p.m. you can get $2 tacos and $5 house margaritas, as well as Urban Margarita’s specialty Cinco de Mayo party pack. Included is a “build your own” taco kit that serves up to six people for just $24 and a pitcher of house margaritas for $20. More items are available on their website. To place an order call 623-561-6674. Delivery is available with Uber Eats. Urban Margarita is at 6685 W. Beardsley Rd., Glendale 85308.

SanTanitizer now being made at SanTan Brewing Co.

Restaurants haven’t been the only businesses to change the way they operate business in the world of coronavirus. Breweries and distilleries are doing their part trying to keep the at home public refreshed with cold beer and cocktails. Many are trying to keep us healthy and safe by using their breweries and distilleries to make hand sanitizer. SanTan Brewing Co. has decided to not sell 16,000 gallons of beer and turn it to SanTanitizer.

The medical grade hand SanTanitizer will make 400 gallons to be donated to HonorHealth and the City of Chandler. The public can purchase bottles for home use when they order takeout from SanTan’s brewpubs. Last week the brewery had their distributor return mostly IPA for making the SanTanitizer that for retail and restaurants.

“SanTan beers are best served fresh, we insist on serving each beer within 90 days of brewing. So, this idea struck me as a great way to repurpose and give back to our Arizona community. We want to do our part to help flatten the curve, save lives and get Arizona back to work,” said Anthony Canecchia, founder + brewmaster, SanTan Brewing Company.

Making the SanTanitizer

The distilling and kegging process happens this week and expects the SanTanitizer to have a pleasant tropical aroma.

“With local bars and restaurants closed to dine in business, we have an abundance of keg beer that is going past the “best before” date. Under normal circumstances at Crescent Crown we would simply destroy the out of date beer. However, once Anthony from SanTan found out about this process he asked us to send his beer back to him so that he could distill it and turn it into medical grade hand sanitizer,” Said Joe Cotroneo, EVP General Manager, Crescent Crown Distributing.

Visit http://www.santanbrewing.com/ and social media to see when the SanTanitizer is available for purchase.