Dozens of family and friends along with city officials were on hand to celebrate Hemlock State Brewing Company’s grand opening and ribbon cutting event on Wednesday evening, May 15. This new company is located at 23601 56th Avenue West #400 in a ground floor space on the west side of Arbor Village near the front entrance. Hemlock State Brewing opens to the public on Friday, May 17 at 5:00 p.m. and initially plans to offer five brews on tap.
Hemlock State Brewing Company started out as a home brewery operation and gained a great following in Shoreline and at several local bars. Their name hails from the official state tree of Washington, the Western Hemlock, to give their company a local touch.
The first licensed brewery in Shoreline, Hemlock State Brewing was open to the possibility of staying there, but said they were really intrigued by the work the City of Mountlake Terrace was doing with its Town Center Plan. “It was clear that Mountlake Terrace wanted to do serious, focused business development that would grow the area to coincide with the extension of Sound Transit’s light rail system,” stated Mark Dunford, Co-Founder and Director of Operations. “Our conversations and experience working with the folks in the city planning office were awesome,” he added. “We felt really supported as a business and we’re excited to call Mountlake Terrace home.”
“Our new space is intentionally built for folks who are interested in beer,” stated Michael Ernst, Co-founder & Head Brewer. “We designed our brewing area without glass between our customers and our equipment. So anyone is welcome to chat us up while we work back there and learn more about the process or chat through what they’re brewing at home.”
Hemlock State’s founders noted that they love all the families that they’ve met in Mountlake Terrace. Some of their ownership team are parents of young kids and they wanted to create a space where adults could enjoy themselves, but also one where families were welcome.
“The city is excited to welcome another new business to our Town Center,” stated Community Relations Director Virginia Olsen. “Hemlock State Brewing Company offers a great place for people to gather downtown which is what our community has been asking for.”
For more information about Hemlock State Brewing Company, visit their website at www.hemlockstate.com.
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