Serving Carbondale for a Decade
Most of us have frequented "Carbondale's Living Room" also known as Carbondale Beer Works, who also just celebrated a decade of serving the community. We hear from owner Patrice Fuller on gained insights and highlights of business ownership.
Congratulations on celebrating 10 years of Beer Works! This is a big milestone. Over the years you’ve incorporated collaborations with other brewers, local organizations, musicians, and artists of all kinds. How have you intentionally created a sense of community from the beginning?
“I don't know that it was intentional at first. When I took over, Beer Works was already fairly involved in the community. I was able to build on it because people asked to collaborate, and as I got to know them, I shared ideas. In Seattle where I came from, the brewing industry always worked together to support non-profits, marginalized groups, and anyone in the industry in need. Resilience, for the Paradise fires, was led by Sierra Nevada and that was the first time as a brewery I felt we were able to help outside of our area. The amount of local support we received was amazing. In addition, we collaborated on Colorado Strong, the Maui fires, and Brew for Ukraine. It is a great feeling to be able to donate by selling beer. AZYEP is another favorite of mine. The turnout was insane the first time we did music trivia. That idea came from Beth Wysong. Of course we love our Wednesday winter fundraisers. Playing games and raising money is always fun.”
Can you share some insight on the value of sharing both your space and platform to uplift others?
“I always knew that when I owned my own business I would use my platform to help others. Being open to using my business to help others makes people feel comfortable asking me. It's easy to write a check, but I prefer hosting an event to help. That way you can hear the story of the person or group needing assistance. Everyone feels more connected to and involved in the process. You can have a beer and learn. The food drive and free shop really brought out community. People arrived with many bags of food. Full wagons. It was a very uplifting event. We collected nearly 1,000 pounds of food and necessities. We had a pantry on the patio and donated the remaining 500 to Lift UP. It was a learning experience as well. It was a reminder that things like having coffee at home is a luxury to a lot of people.”
How has your vision for Beer Works evolved over the years? Are there things you’re doing now that you never imagined in year one?
“The original vision was to stay in business. Don't mess it up. As I got my feet under me I knew I wanted to show that women have a lot to bring to the table. Over the years, I worked for several groups that cared more about our weight and looks than our personalities and brains. I wanted to show we can do it all. Obviously we have men at Beer Works that are part of our girl gang. I also love that one of our locals started calling it the living room and it has stuck for all these years. I also am proud when people approach me and say they feel welcome at Beer Works. That we have provided a safe and welcoming experience over time.
I definitely never imagined my Distiller's Dinners would evolve to what they are now. I originally just wanted to feature a few whiskeys and have the distiller talk about them. After 8 seasons the monthly winter event has grown into something I had never imagined. From the amazing food pairings Pete pulls off every month, the distilleries that are so generous with their time, Sophia's new cocktail creations, and the loyal attendees have turned this into such a fun community event. It's also a steal!”
Creativity can be found in a variety of ways at Beer Works from the beers and menu, art on the walls, to events and partnerships. Where do you draw inspiration from to keep it all going and moving forward?
The art and earrings are all Amber and Molly's. They have been part of my decor for quite some time. My eclectic lamps come from people bringing them to me. The events are from things I see on social media or events I see other people I know in the business do. Chicken poop bingo came from a brewer friend of mine in Seattle. The Distillers Dinner from a whiskey bar I follow in San Diego. Then Calder, Roxy, and Olivia put their spin on it. The murals were done by a friend of mine from Seattle. Molly Briggs came up with the idea to make it look like a brewery.
A lot of events/fundraisers come from talking to people in the community and finding out who needs help or visibility. April (Crow-Spaulding) is famous for calling me and saying ‘Let's raise money to pay off school lunch debt, start a food pantry, help raise money for a community member that needs surgery’ and so on.”
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the next chapter—for both you personally and the community you’ve helped build?
“I am looking forward to watching Kelly continue to support local music. Josie will be hosting monthly patio parties at The Garage Bar. Free live music, grilling and beverages! We are continuing to plan summer events. On June 16th, The Roaring Fork Divas will be hosting bingo. First Friday in June, Sprazzo and Beer Works along with Divas, will host a traveling drag show starting at Sprazzo and ending at Beer Works before the parade. Music with McMission Presents all night long too.
Also the last week of May, Main Street businesses will be doing a School's Out promotion, offering deals up and down the street. We will also be providing 15% off that week for teachers. Just show us your ID. For me personally, I am hoping to get some sleep and spend some time outdoors this summer.”