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The big building along Front Street in Issaquah, just one block off Interstate 90, was originally opened as a Safeway in 1973. More recently, it was the home of Staples, the office supplies store. Bellevue Brewing Company recently announced that it is seeking to move into the space to open a second location.

“Since opening our original location in 2012, we have welcomed nearly 600,000 guests through our taproom doors,” says John Robertson, owner/founder of Bellevue Brewing Company. “We’ve developed amazing friendships and relationships along the way, helped thousands of children through our charitable program, and built a reputation for bringing the Eastside community together. And, we’re about to do it all over again… this time in Issaquah!”

Bellevue Brewing Company is working with the property owners and the City of Issaquah to study the feasibility of the project, but Robertson sounds optimistic about the promise of a new location in Issaquah.

“This is not a done deal by any means; there are always many obstacles to overcome when building a brewery,” says Robertson. “However, we’re dedicated to the process and seeing it through, and really excited to be working with such great property owners.”

Robertson, a lifelong resident of the Eastside, says that he hopes to completely transform the old building into a family-friendly space where all are welcome to gather, relax, celebrate, and enjoy the Issaquah lifestyle. He looks forward to bringing his vision of great beer, great food and great atmosphere to Issaquah.

“I am thrilled to welcome Bellevue Brewing Company to our community,” said Issaquah’s Mayor, Fred Butler. “I applaud John Robertson’s vision to transform a vacant space into a working brewery, with even more restaurant and specialty retail options for our residents and visitors. This major investment demonstrates that our community is a great place to do business, and I look forward to the opening of Bellevue Brewing Company at Issaquah.”

The second Bellevue Brewing location would be similar to the first, only larger. Not only would the new brewery help the company increase production, but the space could provide an all-ages pub that seats 700 guests and offers a full food menu along with the beer.

One thing is for sure, a brewery would be a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Issaquah is a fast-growing city that supports other fast-growing communities around it. Breweries serve as gathering spots that not only feed and sustain the body and the spirit, but also foster a positive sense of community, something that Robertson says he and his company take very seriously. Simply put, a good brewery is an asset for a city like Issaquah.

Programming at the new location currently being considered would include:

Production space to support 40,000 BBL of fresh, delicious beer.

A broad culinary program with a NW focus featuring steaks, chops, seafood, and wood-fired pizza among other delicious offerings.

A full bar featuring artisanal craft spirits.

A live music program.

Seating to accommodate up to 700 guests in a family-friendly setting.

Private hospitality accommodations to serve groups up to 250 guests.

A rooftop deck to enjoy the local mountain scenery.

150+ surface parking stalls.

A multi-tenanted space to include a premier bicycle retailer, an artisanal sausage company, and a high quality espresso shop as subtenants.

Once the feasibility phase is completed and the City of Issaquah has approved the building permits, Bellevue Brewing Company will release more information. If all goes to plan, the projected opening date of the new “Bellevue Brewing Company at Issaquah” facility would be approximately February 1, 2018.

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