In 1993, Dick and Jean Wilson, inspired by an article on the burgeoning “brewpub” trend – establishments that brewed their own beer, distinct from mere restaurants – envisioned a unique venture for Flagstaff. At a time when microbreweries and brewpubs in the US numbered a mere 250, this concept sparked an idea to entice their daughter Winnie Hanseth and her husband back to Flagstaff, hoping to create a family business.
Serendipitously, the inaugural Craft Brewers Conference was imminent. Winnie and Evan Hanseth seized the opportunity, flying to New Orleans to attend what was then a small gathering of around 600 participants (a stark contrast to today’s 10,000+ attendees). The conference ignited their passion, prompting them to sell their house and relocate to Flagstaff. Partnering with Dick and Jean, they discovered the ideal location for their brewpub in the historic downtown Flagstaff area, on the Southside. The proceeds from their house sale funded the brewing equipment, some of which is still in use at Beaver Street Brewery today.
Beaver Street Brewery opened its doors in March 1994, becoming Flagstaff’s first brewpub. Its beers quickly gained popularity and garnered numerous awards. However, limited space and capacity, coupled with high demand, motivated Winnie and Evan to seek expansion opportunities to increase production and begin distribution throughout Arizona.
Their search led them to the historic Halstead Lumberyard Building. The City of Flagstaff had issued a request for proposals for the early 1900s structure, which had been abandoned for eight years. Winning the proposal, Winnie and Evan undertook the rehabilitation of the lumberyard building, transforming it into Lumberyard Brewing Company, Beaver Street Brewery’s sister brewery.
Lumberyard Brewing Company continues the legacy of Flagstaff Beaver Street Brewery by brewing its flagship beers: Railhead Red, Flagstaff IPA, and Red Rock Raspberry. Though some names have evolved, these beers remain true to the original recipes that began their journey in 1994 at Flagstaff’s pioneering brewpub. Beaver Street Brewery’s original brewhouse remains operational, supporting the brewpub with its beloved flagship and seasonal beers, serving visitors to Flagstaff’s original craft beer destination.
