Beaumont could have 2nd brewery on the way

Long-time craft brewer Scott Reeves is in the process of working with the city to obtain the permits necessary for a brew pub on Calder Avenue in Beaumont. A former medical facility, Reeves plans to expand the interior, which will include a visible brewing room, and also redo the back lot to include a patio with games and alleyway access to additional parking. Photo taken Thursday, January 24, 2019 Photo by Kim Brent/The Enterprise less Long-time craft brewer Scott Reeves is in the process of working with the city to obtain the permits necessary for a brew pub on Calder Avenue in Beaumont. A former medical facility, Reeves plans to expand the ... more Photo: Kim Brent/The Enterprise Photo: Kim Brent/The Enterprise Image 1 of / 15 Caption Close Beaumont could have 2nd brewery on the way 1 / 15 Back to Gallery

City planners gave a tentative go-ahead Monday to a craft brewery in the Oaks Historic District.

Struggle Street Brewery, a brewpub expected to make under 250 barrels a year, could be the second to open in the city. Last year, the city approved an application for a downtown brewpub to be called Pour Brothers. The closest craft brewery currently in operation is Neches Brewing Co. in Port Neches.

Scott Reeves, a local entrepreneur and longtime homebrewer, has leased the former Beaumont Treatment Services building at 2140 Calder Ave. for Struggle Street, which he envisions as a neighborhood gathering spot with beer made on site as well as other Texas crafts. He plans to add a 600-square-foot patio.

"We hunted for a place on Calder because I'm a fan," Reeves said. "We could have put this place anywhere in Beaumont, but I wanted the feeling of old town."

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The east end building formerly housed Beaumont Treatment Services.

A dedicated kitchen isn't required to hold a brewpub license. Reeves said there was space were local food trucks and other restaurants could offer their grub to customers.

"It's just a place that's family friendly, pet friendly and you can enjoy a handcrafted beverage," Reeves said. "There is no liquor or shots. It's not a place to go for the pure intention of getting drunk."

Texas ranks ninth in the country for number of craft breweries, according to 2017 data from the Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade association for the brewing industry. Most of those 251 breweries were concentrated in large cities like Houston, which boasts 36 active brewpubs and 16 active breweries.

Charles Vallhonrat, executive director of the Texas Craft Brewers Guild, said the number of Texas breweries is expected to rise throughout 2019 to about 300. That includes more brewpubs cropping up in smaller communities.

"Most development is in North Texas, the D-FW Metroplex or Austin, but we are seeing breweries open up in West Texas, Alpine and San Angelo," Vallhonrat said. "On a personal basis, I'm surprised (Beaumont) doesn't have more craft beer presence."

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The Golden Triangle has largely missed out on the craft brewery boom, but that could soon be changing.

In July, a proposed brewing and tasting room named Pour Brothers Brewery was granted a specific use permit at 585 Wall St. near the building that currently houses New York Pizza and Pasta, Woogie's and Hamburger Depot.

Vallhonrat said breweries often are associated with the revitalization of certain city sectors since successful operations have traditionally sought out blighted areas with cheap rent. He said some economic development groups across Texas have reached out to the guild to attract potential brewers to their city, but it usually takes more than an invitation and a cheap building.

"People start their business plan with a market in mind and who they are serving," Vallhonrat said. "Tastes can change, but being part of the community, reflecting its values and having a taproom cater to the people, that is what makes a brewery unique."

Vallhonrat said the latest estimates suggest the craft beer industry in Texas creates a $5.2 billion impact annually and sustains about 300,000 jobs.

The Brewers Association estimates Texas craft breweries produce 1.2 million barrels annually; almost 2 gallons of beer for every drinking-age Texan.

The planning commission on Monday recommended approval, and the City Council will make a final decision in about two weeks.

Reeves said he has work to do between now and then, but he's already thinking about what a specific brew he would like to offer his customers.

"We are working on something that will be 'Beaumont,'" Reeves said. "I have a few recipes that are tried and true, but I want to get it opened and get people in there to find a style of beer that represents them."