Respect your elders. That’s what we teach our children, right? It’s a valuable lesson for craft breweries, too. If a brewery endures decades, we should pay attention. There are lessons to be learned. Hood Canal Brewery in Kingston, Washington must be doing something right. Thirty years in and it remains a valued member of its community. If nothing else, the lesson here is that: support your community and they’ll support you. Like, for 30 years!
This month, Hood Canal Brewery marks 30 years in business. Don Wyatt founded it back when we still called them “microbreweries,” and in three decades there’s been exactly one changing of the guard: at the 25-year mark, Don handed the reins to Caitlyn Hatchel, who’d started working the taproom at 21 and spent years learning the business before taking ownership. Two owners. Thirty years. That’s staying power.
“Hood Canal Brewery opened its doors 30 years ago this month, and we cannot say thank you enough,” said the brewery on social media. “Don Wyatt built this brewery on a simple foundation: a passion for crafting amazing beer and a deep love for the people who walk through our doors. Over the last three decades, those simple pint glasses have helped build a tight-knit community, spark countless belly laughs, and foster friendships that will truly last a lifetime. Caitlyn and her crew now carry this passion on, keeping the dream alive.”
“To every single person who has pulled up a stool, picked up a six-pack, recommended us to a neighbor, or spent a rainy afternoon in our taproom—you are the heart and soul of Hood Canal Brewery. Running a small business is a labor of love, but serving this community makes every single late night and long brew day worth it. We care about this place and our loyal patrons more than words can express, and we are endlessly grateful for the way you have embraced us as your own.
Here’s to 30 incredible years of great beer, unforgettable memories, and the absolute best customers anyone could ask for.”
While there is no big hoopla planned to mark the milestone, they are offering limited-time-only, 30th anniversary t-shirts, crewnecks, and hoodies. With zip-ups, and long sleeves coming soon.
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