Brian and Mattie Place knew they wanted to have their own brewery…much later, down the road, after the kids grew up.  Until a local favorite came on the market. When an established brewery with a great reputation becomes available, you seize the opportunity, even if it comes much sooner than planned. 

As locals, the Place family had frequented GoatHouse Brewery dozens of times. They loved the family-friendly environment, the animals, and, of course, the beer. Now alongside brewer Ricky Landrum, they are making it their own. Brian and Mattie, along with the help of their three young kids and Brian’s dad (“At 75 years old, he’s still the hardest worker we’ve ever known.”) are slowly but surely sprucing up the space.  

With a strong customer base, the Places say they have “felt nothing but welcomeness, support and kindness” since taking over at the end of last year. They appreciate the opportunity to vision cast with regulars that have a bit of institutional knowledge as well. Future plans include expanding the outside area and parking lot, adding TVs (Sunday football or Summer Olympics, anyone?), and bringing back live music. 

As local business owners (the couple also owns several Dutch Bros. franchises with more in the works), they know how to run a business.  But the beer business is a whole different ballgame. They are now learning how to maintain the integrity of a community business while expanding the brand through canning (new!), distribution (new!), merch (more!) and marketing (new logo!). 

But let’s get back to the beer. This month, you can expect to see three new brews on tap and in 16oz cans available in 4-packs: 

  • Casa de Cabras – new Mexican pale lager 
  • Bang Bang – West Coast IPA for the 9er Gang 
  • Cloud 9 3/4 – Hazy IPA in honor of Harry Potter 

They will soon be joined by more hard seltzers, a lighter a hazy, and a double IPA. 

A long-term priority for the couple is investing in the product and property. That means higher quality ingredients, maintaining the hop garden, and bringing in new animals, including a micro Highland cow named Wyatt arriving late-April. 

A young family themselves, they welcome all beer lovers on the Ale Trail including well-behaved kids and leashed dogs. Until you can get there yourself, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.