Get To Know The Shop Beer Co. | 5 Year Anniversary Event

When people decide to take their shot in the craft coffee or beer industries, they by and large do it out of pure passion, not so much for the financial gains. And because of this, it’s easy to understand the abundance of genuine fandom and culture that surrounds the two. Although the love for the craft is the same, these two unique beverages entertain different moods and occasions, which takes us back to 2013 at a little coffee shop in Tempe, AZ, Cartel Coffee Lab, that started brewing their own craft beer alongside their delicious coffee. Successfully growing Cartel came directly from the grit and ambition of a large group of creative people, each bringing their own niche to the table.

It wasn’t long after David Arnce, Jason Calhoon, and Dylan DeMiguel started brewing beer together that they began to realize that in order to keep growing the beer side of things they had to entertain the idea of branching off with a brewery of their own. With Dylan also finishing up at college, he had an important decision to make: pursue law school as originally planned or continue with the brewery? Guess which one he picked.

Credit: The Shop Beer Co.

Being the brother-in-law to David and possessing genuine people skills, it only made sense for Dylan to join the team. As we all know, every team gets taken to another level with a “Work Mom” so the guys knew Mikel Anne Arnce had to be a part of this new venture. Bringing her exceptional photography skills and stellar artistic vibe, Mikel would later put The Shop Beer Co. on notice without a hitch.

Now the hunt was on for their new home location and after turning down a handful of spots in Tempe, this Brew-Tang Clan finally found their home. And interestingly enough, the team turned down this location twice during their search, but as David puts it, they “just kept coming back to this spot.” Even with David, Jason, and Dylan all having other full time obligations at the time, they happily spent every spare minute making this place their own, often working until the earliest hours of the morning.

Credit: The Shop Beer Co.

When asked about the process of making the building into what it is today, David and Jason both let out long exhales and grin at each other, a true testament to all that went into this epic project.

Credit: The Shop Beer Co.

Credit: The Shop Beer Co.

So, next time you find yourself at the brewery and itching for a good laugh, be sure to ask them about some of their favorite stories of The Shop’s early days. One of my favorite things about the craft beer community is how willing everybody is to help one another. So it came as no surprise when the team received eager and willing workers to help them build their dream brewery; and their only request: pizza and beer.

Credit: The Shop Beer Co.

Realizing just how expensive this endeavor would be they decided they would do it themselves; and today, they get to reminisce of the perseverance and handwork that got them to where they are today. Needless to say, after months of putting their blood, sweat, and beers into their brewery, they were finally able to open the doors to a nearly unrecognizable creative space we now get to call The Shop Beer Co.

Credit: Eric Walters

How the neighborhood brewery turned out is a direct representation of the incredibly rad people behind it and in more ways than one. Firstly, the way they were able to make this brewery feel like home to anyone who walks in the door is exceptional and is something people really take notice of. Secondly, you will not find a more consistent lineup of unparalleled craft beer anywhere else. You can taste the artistic personality that you’re surrounded by when enjoying a fresh pint at The Shop Beer Co., so much so you might be urged to say aloud, FYITM – another fun story worth asking the team about. It’s safe to say that all those grueling hours put in by the team has paid off in a big way. Now five years later, The Shop Beer Co. has a place they can be proud to call home, and so do you.

Credit: Mikel Anne Photography

Now it’s time to come celebrate with your favorite neighborhood brewery this weekend for their 5 Year Anniversary Party, where good times will be served up by the pint. Only $10 at the door for entrance and a 12oz pour of your favorite brew; designated drivers and youngsters get in free. Beer will also be poured by Dark Sky, Four Peaks, Goldwater, Helton, McFate, Prison Hill, Modern Times, Pizza Port, Stone, and The Whining Pig. Serving up mouth-watering dishes will be Fire & Foraged, The Main Lobster Lady, and more. Not to mention a pig roast, so come hungry, my friends!

Musical performances by:

Blaine Long & Rosas Del Rey, from 2017 NBC The Voice

The Donnie Dean & Diana Lee Band

The Dry Surfinis

5 Year Anniversary Party

When: Saturday, March 31, 2018
Where: The Shop Beer Co, 922 W 1st St, Tempe, AZ 85281
Cost: $10; designated drivers and children get in free

Keaton Arnlund

Keaton has had a passion for beer ever since he can remember. From dark stouts to light and crisp lagers, Keaton's palate can appreciate a beer of any style. In early 2017, Brewz Traveler was born and has become his passion project dedicated to helping lift up small independent breweries by showcasing their delectable hoppy concoctions. In late 2018, Keaton and his fiancé will be hitting the open road in a motorhome with their puppy Lily to explore North America, checking out all of the awesome breweries along the way.