Cool expansion idea: Westbound & Down Brewing opens a general store in its brewpub

Now that growing via wider distribution is often a cut throat game to play, expansion via location is often a more effective way for craft breweries to grow and control their own destiny. But it’s also tough! It’s a whole nother operation to manage and market. That’s why I’m intrigued by this new half-step expansion move by Westbound & Down Brewing Co.

Westbound & Down Brewing Co. (Midsize Brewpub of the Year award at the GABF 2019) runs a small but mighty brewpub in Idaho Springs, Colo., that prides itself in brewing well-executed beers in a wide array of beer styles to pair with great food— all in a welcoming atmosphere where people can gather to share the Colorado beer experience. To take this one step further, Westbound & Down announced the grand opening of a cool new concept — a grab and go shop at the brewpub in downtown Idaho Springs called Westbound General.

So, an extra way to sell some beer and further build itself as a community gathering spot, but with a slightly different focus and catering to people at different times of the day.

This news comes fresh off Westbound & Down’s debut of packaged cans that will be distributed through their partnership with Culture Beverage across Colorado. These canned brands, which include Colorado Pale Ale, Westbound Double IPA, and Chicago Peaks Kolsch, will be available to-go from the new shop. 

In addition to beer to-go, Westbound General will offer award-winning java by Colorado’s Sweet Bloom Coffee, new brewery merchandise, and other functional, locally curated goods for neighborhood shoppers and travelers alike. The new space is a fun, casual extension of the brewpub— with clean, upscale yet approachable aesthetic designed by award winning space creator Kevin Nguyen of Regular. 

Westbound General, an ideal stop for mountain explorers to fuel up before their adventures, is the newest member of Westbound & Down’s family of Colorado beer destinations, which also includes their award-winning Brewpub in Idaho Springs.