After many years of working for others’ businesses, Patrice Fuller set out to start her own. The trail had twists and turns and proved quite challenging. Having one deal fall through for a brewery that was supposed to expand to Olympia, Washington followed by another in Lacey, Washington, she was nearing her wits end.
Taking the advice of a friend from the past, Fuller decided, rather than owning and operating an existing business model, she should buy something and “do what she wants with it.” She got online and saw Carbondale Beer Works was up for sale.
“I flew here Fashion Show weekend,” Fuller told The Sopris Sun. Taking it all in, she and her friends had lunch at Beer Works, checked out Marble, had a drink at The Nugget and stayed at the Days Inn. The next day, they looked at Beer Works, debriefed at Bonfire, drove to Denver and flew back to Washington. While airborne, an offer was written. Carbondale, having “everything [Fuller] needed on one street” coupled with the fact that people were nice enough to make room at the bar at the Pour House, won the former city slicker over. She jumped on it.
“We have a lot of amazing things for being in a small town,” from the theater to KDNK Community Access radio, she said. “We’re very fortunate.” And Fuller gives back to local businesses and nonprofits, from hosting Chicken Poop Bingo to Music Trivia Night. Beer Works has tapped beers with sales that benefit natural disaster victims and even helped pay for local kids’ lunch debt.
Coming from a male-dominanated industry, Fuller has turned that trend on its head, promoting the slogan “Bitch Owned, Bitch Brewed,” coined by employee Sophia Higbie. She continues to elevate women in the trade, including head brewer Kelly Snyder, who had been striving to brew for some time.
“I’ve always wanted to brew,” said Snyder. “Now, it’s to the point that I’m doing my own recipes.” She conceded that there were ups and downs in the beginning, but Fuller has supported her along the way. Likely being the first woman head brewer in the Valley, Snyder pointed out that, historically speaking, women have been brew masters — including in ancient Egypt.
The Garage
At a point, Beer Works was outgrowing its space. “The circuit board was maxed,” Fuller laughed. “There was no more room to put in anymore electricity in that building.”
She was aware that Ball Brewery off of Highway 82 was leaving and the property manager asked if Fuller would be interested. She liked the space, but didn’t need the whole thing. So Anytime Fitness expanded into the front and Fuller locked in the rear. She’s been paying rent for a year, but the soft opening didn’t take place until November.
Eventually it came time to set up shop. Sean Jeffries, former executive director of Thunder River Theatre and set-design guru, built racks for brewing ingredients, wooden aesthetic pieces and the beautiful countertop bars.
Having collaborated so much with other local businesses and nonprofits in Carbondale, Fuller intends to mix in some of the same with downvalley, Glenwood-based organizations.
While customers won’t have the robust Beer Works food menu to choose from, The Garage will dish up personal pizzas and other tasty bites. “Stuff you’d have in your garage with your friends late at night over a beer,” said Fuller, adding that the neighboring food truck, Francisco’s, is delicious.
There’ll be new beers to enjoy at The Garage, including its flagship brew “Dad Bod” Kolsch, as well as longtime favorites like “On a Whim” IPA. There are non-alcoholic beers to choose from, and juice boxes for any kids in tow.
For now, The Garage is open Thursdays and Fridays from 3-7pm, Saturdays noon to 6pm and Sundays noon to 5pm. Happy hour is every day from 4-6pm, with the exception of Sundays (3-5pm). Unfortunately, at this time dogs are not allowed due to health regulations and a lack of patio space.
“I’ve spent many nights in my friends’ garage drinking beer until who knows what time in the morning, so it was inspired by that,” Fuller said of the name. “We have a living room [Beer Works’ moniker], we need a garage … I don’t know if I have it in me to do a kitchen,” she quipped.
DJ Basick VVitch will dish up the tunes during the grand opening this Sunday, and Valley Hopper will provide transportation between The Garage and Carbondale Beer Works.
“I appreciate my crew and I appreciate all of the support I’ve received in the Valley over nine years,” Fuller concluded. Having provided a watering hole and a venue supporting the community, the hope is that people will rally to do the same for The Garage.
Tune into Everything Under The Sun on KDNK this Thursday, Dec. 5 at 4pm for a live interview with The Garage crew.
In a Nutshell
What: The Garage grand opening
When: Sunday, Dec. 8, from 3 to 7pm
Where: The Garage, side door at 7025 Highway 82, Unit 1