Tempe's newest brewery will open on Saturday, August 27. Located at 922 West First Street, The Shop Beer Co. will officially open its doors to the public at 10 a.m. Formerly known as Cartel Brewery, The Shop Beer Co. comes from Chief Beer Officer David Arnce, Head Brewer Matt Johnson, Dylan DeMiguel (sales), and Chief of Staff Jason Calhoon.
The initial offerings will include familiar brews such as Coffee Brown Nitro and 480 Session Ale, alongside two special releases: Sunset Daydream IPA and The Nines Hoppy Red. These will be the first new beers from the brewery, with more to come throughout the week.
The brewery's new home doesn't include a kitchen, but Fire & Foraged food truck will serve brunch, lunch, and dinner throughout the grand opening. Attendees will also be able to take brewery tours throughout the day, offering a look at the brewery's 1,000-square-foot tasting room, 2,000-square-foot outdoor beer garden, and 3,200-square-foot brewery — including an area referred to as “the fishbowl,” where guests can check out The Shop Beer Co.'s 20-barrel brew house in action.
Finding a location in Tempe was important to owner and Arizona State University alumnus Dave Arnce.
“We wanted something we could work with, something with character,” Arnce says.
The brewery offers a neighborhood feel, not only due to its location, but also through the owners' approach in refurbishing the home that's now the taproom. The ceilings are made from original hardwood, and an outdoor beer garden connects the tasting room to the brew house, where the brewery's owners hope to host events like Oktoberfest and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. To coincide with these, Johnson plans to introduce an expanded variety of seasonal offerings and one-offs, as well as more local collaborations, special bottle releases, and barrel-aged brews.
Visit The Shop Beer Co. website for more information.