One can have their growler filled at a multitude of locations and often also buy some bottles or cans to go, sit down for a pint, or even have a bite to eat. Owners Lucy Park and Jim Hillman opted for a streamlined model for their shop, located on foot traffic heavy SE Hawthorne at 33rd Avenue. They have 40 tap lines and while you are welcome to sample as many of the beers as you would like, in miniature 1-oz compostable cups, their license allows for to-go beer only. On top of that they wanted to focus just on filling growlers, or 32-oz growlettes, so you won't find any coolers stocked with bottles or cans.
This is an interesting model in my mind and one that I'll be keeping an eye on. Generally I like to enjoy a pint while getting a growler filled however the key to their success could be in this distinction. There are a multitude of businesses along Hawthorne where you CAN have a pint AND get a growler filled. If getting your growler filled is one item on a long to-do list you might prefer a quick in and out. In addition, minors and dogs are both welcome, as are bikes. So whether you're solo or have all three in tow, you can spend a few minutes sampling and deciding what to take home and then be on your way.
Having met Lucy and Jim on a couple of occasions I wish them all the best. They are nice folks who seem sincere in wanting to provide a variety of great beer (oh yes, also cider, mead, gluten-free and kombucha) for the to-go crowd.
It looks very much like the model that another business (bunch of "Guys") have in Eugene and Bend (and I think Richland) and not only is it working great for them, but it was a great experience when we tried that shop in Eugene. I am VERY much looking forward to stopping by Growlers this week to compare experiences.
ReplyDeleteI've heard about some other growler filling stations and it sounds like they are doing well. Since I haven't visited them I'll be interested to hear how the ones you've been to compare to GH.
DeleteThat photo of the front is spectacular. You got it at a nice angle and in perfect light. Well done! I'm sure this place is very nice and all, and I'm sure Lucy and Jim are great. We seem to have a lot of good folks involved in these places. But this place doesn't really work for me. Why? Mostly because when I'm going to get a growler filled I like to have a beer and mingle. Also, this place is out of my travel loop. Nonetheless, I hope they do well. It looks like a great option for people who live in the area or pass by regularly. I hope to stop by soon to see the sights. Nice story.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliments, Pete! I agree with you that it is a bit out of my loop and I do like to hang out with a pint in my hand. That being said they didn't gear their business model to me, they geared it to their neighborhood.
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