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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Roaring into town

Rick Bonino

Good news, South Hill beer buffs – your very own Growler Guys opens Friday.

The store at 1314 S. Grand Boulevard is the second Spokane location for the Bend-based franchise chain, joining the one on Newport Highway, and the third in Washington. Like the North Side spot, it will have 48 taps.

Owner Geoff Gruetzmacher, who also operates the state’s first Growler Guys in Richland, originally had hoped to open in Lincoln Heights across from Trader Joe’s, but a nearby church lodged a complaint against that liquor license.

While the location off Grand isn’t as visible from the street as he might like, Gruetzmacher says, “The cool thing about the South Hill is that it’s totally a community. Once people know about it, it will start to get popular.”

In addition to craft beers from around the region and beyond, the new Growler Guys plans to pour cider, root beer, cold-pressed coffee and kombucha.

Brewery representatives are expected on hand for Friday’s opening, including Orlison, River City and Lagunitas, but Gruetzmacher isn’t planning a grand opening until January after things quiet down from the holidays.

The store will be open daily from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. (8 p.m. on Sundays).