Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Thorn.
Mary, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I got my start working with Saint Arnold Brewing Company at a time when the current location on Lyon Ave, was in its beginning stages of demolition and remodeling. The opportunity to learn the business from the inside out was enormous and I was fascinated with the industry and its cooperative mentality.
Brewers and breweries sharing information, supplies and attitudes to grow the Craft Beer Industry has now become a passion. It created such a thirst that it was an easy decision to make when the time came to do something different. Open a Craft Beer Bar and Bottleshop, why not.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle was deciding to sign on with a franchise or step out on our own. The path to the project was methodical and of course, not flawless. Relatively speaking the process was fairly predictable and exciting to plan.
From conception to completion the project lasted 18 months. The challenges comprised of the usual delays and unpredictable excessive costs from the water municipal utility district. It truly was an exciting project to plan and expedite.
Please tell us about Thistle Draftshop.
Thistle Draftshop was created to support the Craft Beer Industry. We do this by being loyal to the concept of Independence (small, independent and traditional). Small – annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less; Independent – less than 25% owned or controlled by a beverage alcohol industry member that is not a craft brewer; Traditional – beers whose flavors derive from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients and their fermentation.
This is a place where like-minded craft beer geeks, enthusiasts and the curious can enjoy the products created from the art of brewing. This is a unique space with a non-corporate/chain feel providing our neighbors with a best in class experience.
The Thistle Draft “Shop” was previously an auto repair shop which included four bay doors, a large floor plan and opportunities for patios. Today the “Shop” has a racetrack style bar with a white granite top, tables made from railroad boxcar floors, reclaimed pine from the Bastrop Texas Fires and used barrels with creative artwork. There is a lounge area with a library of craft beer books where one can sit, sip and enjoy a seat away from the bustling bar area.
An event room for private parties, beer dinners, painting classes and learning center for homebrewing, style tasting, Cicerone study groups and other beer and wine-related events. Thistle Draftshop also offers a bottle shop, food from our kitchen created by our very talented Chef and craft beer from all over including close to home. We also offer wines, ciders, meads, craft sodas, specialty mixed drinks and coffee in the very near future.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5210 FM 2920 #100 Spring, TX 77388
- Website: http://thistledraftshop.com/
- Phone: 832-823-0194
- Email: talktous@thistledraftshop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thistledraftshop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thistledraftshop/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thistledraft
Image Credit:
Nathan Kiergaard
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