In September 2019 RCS CBA learned a group of local friends was considering opening a brewery on Main Street in Ravena. Word spread and public support for Rail to River Brewing, now an RSC CBA member, has been refreshing. We look forward to Rail to River Brewing's opening and sampling its products, of course! However, RCS CBA is equally excited to see a new business on Main Street that has the potential to attract local craft beer lovers and visitors from outside our community too. We hope this is the start of a great revitalization on our Main Street!
Turning a hobby into a business is a huge undertaking and we thank Steve Douglas, owner and brewer, for taking on the challenge. Learn more about Rail to River Brewing in Steve's own words here.
We are Rail to River Brewing LLC. We are a Nano Brewery which will be leasing the ground floor space located at 109 Main St, Ravena New York. Any brewery that produces less than 15,000 barrels of beer annually is said to be a nano Brewery in the United States of America. We will be utilizing an electric 2 barrel brewing system to produce 5 ale recipes and one rotating recipe. Rail to River Brewing came about as an idea between friends in early 2019. The selling point of nano breweries is their unique
flavor, the quality of their beer and their brewing technique. New York State has a rich and varied brewing and hops growing history. This all ended during prohibition but is now making a comeback. The number of New York State breweries grew from 95 in 2012 to 415 in 2018 (Information from the NYS Brewers Association).
We will provide a comfortable, quiet destination for our clientele to meet, socialize and enjoy our fresh offerings without the noise and distractions found at other taprooms/brewpubs found in the surrounding area. We have a number of restaurants located within a mile or two of our location and we will encourage outside food to be brought into the tap room. We will be family friendly with games and activities for our younger visitors along with displays, photos and literature showcasing the rich railroad
and riverfront heritage of our village, town and surrounding region. Above all, our opening will act as a catalyst in the revitalization of Main Street and entice others to see what our village has to offer for small business.
As of this writing, R2R is still scheduled to open in 2020. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the loss of two partners and the length of time it takes to have applications for permits reviewed and approved, opening will more than likely be opening at the end of the year.
Improvements to 109 Main Street are ongoing. The floor has been refinished. Addition of a handicap access restroom is being completed among other infrastructure improvements. Our electric 2-barrel brew system has been purchased and we are waiting for its arrival. Our crowdfunding operation is still ongoing and we still have plenty of t-shirts available. Thanks to all who have contributed. Visit our facebook page “Rail to River Brewing” for information on how to contribute and find out about our
continued construction and other milestones.
Above all, Tracy and I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and positive comments.
Steve Douglas. Owner/Brewer @ Rail to River Brewing
6/2/2020
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