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

Making a bigger noise

Rick Bonino

As it celebrates its first birthday, North Spokane’s Growler Guys outlet is moving beyond the growler.

Over the past two weeks, the Newport Highway location has added pint pours and pizzas to its menu, and begun filling 32-ounce “Crowler” cans.

All that and more will be highlighted in an anniversary celebration Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which also will include brewery merchandise giveaways and raffles for EWU football tickets and an eight-person beer and pizza party.

Several fall seasonal Oktoberfest and pumpkin beers will be featured, with $1 off pints and free pizza slices.

“We had a really good first year,” says store manager Alex Arent. “It’s been very successful.”

Expanded options has become a big part of the planning for the Oregon-based franchise’s future success. The new Coeur d’Alene location, expected to open next month at 225 W. Appleway (just off Highway 95), also will offer onsite beer and food. (There currently are no plans to do so at Spokane's South Hill outlet.)

The North Spokane store is pouring full pints as well as flights of four tasters, with seating at eight tables (two sit-down and six taller barstool-style).

Following the lead of the original Growler Guys in Bend, pizzas are available in five varieties – three cheese, triple pepperoni, meat combo, chicken/ranch and sweet barbecue chicken – to take out or eat there. There also are breadsticks and chips and salsa, and ice cream floats can be made with either beer or soda.

Arent said they’re exploring the possibility of growler and pizza delivery, depending on customer feedback.

And as is becoming common throughout the franchise, Crowlers can be filled and sealed on the spot, for a container that keeps beer fresher for a longer time than the traditional glass growler. There’s no extra charge for the cans.

Word is just starting to spread about those, Arent says: “People see other customers getting them and they want one, too.”

Along with beer, the store’s 56 taps also pour cider, root beer and kombucha.