A new kind of new development is in the QCA, and it's something you might not expect. Craft brews are gaining a growing part of the market share across the nation. In our area, we already have a handful of breweries. And another is on the way.
Craig Smith already has his first products, a pale ale called Oregon Trail 1974, Dark Side of the Moon and Smooth Operator. "It started as a hobby, sharing my brews with friends and family," Smith says. "The feedback that I got being positive, saying you could do this."
For Smith, who already owns a salon and spa in downtown Davenport, the question was not how, but where. That was a question he took to Facebook. "Every business does it. And if you're not using social media, you're pretty much like the Flinstones," he tells us.
In fact, his post asking where Quad Citians would like to see a brew operation and tasting room has gotten nearly 300 responses so far. From downtown East Moline to Sheffield, Illinois to Davenport's Dock Restaurant, everyone has an opinion. And Smith is taking them all seriously. "Also, some of the names of the folks that are posting suggestions, they're individuals in the community who understand the economics and also understand the direction commerce is going in the area."
Like Downtown Davenport Partnership Director Kyle Carter, who says the brewery scene is exploding nationwide. He tells us he'd like to build on that here. "The more you have, the more you draw, the more for everybody," Carter says.
Smith says he's heard the same from a handful of local brewers who are ready to welcome Wormburner Brewing Company to the mix. "Creating more of like a 'brewery Mecca' if you will." Smith says.
He tells us he'd like to have the brewery open by late spring.
