Flagstaff, Arizona, a city celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant culture, is also home to a rich craft beer scene. At the heart of this scene, standing as a true pioneer, is Beaver Street Brewery Flagstaff. But the story of this beloved brewpub isn’t just about hops and barley; it’s a tale of family, foresight, and a little bit of serendipity.
The seeds of Beaver Street Brewery were sown when Dick and Jean Wilson, parents with an entrepreneurial spirit, stumbled upon an article highlighting the burgeoning “brewpub” trend. This wasn’t just another restaurant concept; it was a place that brewed its own beer on-site. In 1993, the American craft beer landscape was still in its early stages, boasting a mere 250 microbreweries and brewpubs nationwide. Recognizing a unique opportunity, Dick and Jean excitedly shared this concept with their daughter, Winnie Hanseth, hoping it would entice her and her husband, Evan, to return to Flagstaff with their young family.
Alt text: The inviting exterior of Beaver Street Brewery Flagstaff, showcasing its classic signage and welcoming atmosphere.
Fate intervened swiftly. Just weeks after this pivotal phone call, the Craft Brewers Conference, a key event for the burgeoning industry, was scheduled in New Orleans. Winnie and Evan, intrigued and eager to explore this new direction, spontaneously arranged childcare and hopped on a plane to the conference. In those early years, the conference was a much smaller affair, drawing around 600 attendees – a stark contrast to the over 10,000 participants it attracts today.
The New Orleans conference proved to be a watershed moment. Inspired and energized by the passion and innovation they witnessed, Winnie and Evan decided to take a leap of faith. They put their house on the market and made the move back to Flagstaff. Joining forces with Winnie’s parents, Dick and Jean, they embarked on the quest to find the ideal location for their brewpub. They discovered a perfect spot on the south side of Flagstaff’s historic downtown, a location brimming with character and potential. Utilizing the funds from the sale of their house, they invested in brewing equipment, the very equipment that Beaver Street Brewery still relies on to this day.
Alt text: Shiny stainless steel brewing equipment inside Beaver Street Brewery, highlighting the brewery’s commitment to craft beer production.
March 1994 marked the official opening of Beaver Street Brewery, proudly claiming its title as Flagstaff’s first brewpub. From the outset, Beaver Street Brewery’s beers resonated with the public, earning accolades and establishing a loyal following. However, the brewpub’s success soon presented a new challenge: limited space and brewing capacity struggled to keep pace with the escalating demand for their popular beers. Owners Winnie and Evan Hanseth began exploring options to expand their brewing operations and venture into distribution throughout Arizona.
As they searched for suitable locations around Flagstaff, an exciting opportunity arose. The city of Flagstaff issued a request for proposals for the historic Halstead Lumberyard Building. This building, dating back to the early 1900s, had stood abandoned for eight years, a relic of Flagstaff’s industrial past. Winnie and Evan’s proposal was accepted, setting the stage for the rehabilitation of the lumberyard into their sister brewery, Lumberyard Brewing Company.
Alt text: The rustic exterior of Lumberyard Brewing Company, formerly the Halstead Lumberyard Building, now a thriving brewery in Flagstaff.
Lumberyard Brewing Company became the production hub for Beaver Street Brewery’s flagship beers, the very recipes that originated at Flagstaff’s pioneering brewpub. Beers like Railhead Red, Flagstaff IPA, and Red Rock Raspberry, though some names have evolved over time, remain the core offerings, a testament to the brewery’s enduring legacy.
Today, Beaver Street Brewery’s original brewhouse remains active, continuing to produce its signature flagship beers and seasonal brews for visitors and locals alike. It stands as a living testament to Flagstaff’s craft beer history, inviting everyone to experience the flavors and story of Beaver Street Brewery Flagstaff, the brewpub that started it all.
