Check out the write-up by Mike Blackerby by clicking the cover image above.
Owner Chris Keevers saw an opportunity for a unique beer garden experience when he decided to build Crafter’s Brew Market & Social on the former site of a swimming pool demo store. Crafter’s provides an open venue for people of all ages to come and enjoy each other’s company as well as live music and fresh food off the grill.
Seeking a short respite from the sun's heat baking the paved patio, I chilled out inside Crafter's and snapped this shot from behind the bar. Fittingly, Pink Floyd's album "Dark Side of the Moon" was playing over the speakers
Details including ubiquitous palm trees that provide shade and a gong which sounds last call give testament to the relaxed atmosphere that seems to surround the establishment
Crafter's Brew hires local food vendors daily to satisfy the appetites of hungry patrons. This gives creedence to the sense of community involvement that Keever's was aiming for when he opened the doors of Crafter's Brew. I had to snap a foodie shot of these bbq sliders (one brisket and the other pulled pork). Midway through this supper, a local police officer walked through the gates and approached Keevers who I was dining with. The officer quietly told him something and forlorn expression took over my host's face. Not wanting to pry, but overwhelmed by journalistic curiosity, I asked if anything was wrong. Chris went on to tell me that a former part time employee had been arrested for robbing a nearby Subway's tip jar. The man, a homeless addict, had been employed by Crafter's Brew as part of Keever's attempt to help him back on his feet. Unfortunately, their arrangement had not worked out and they had to let him go. Nevertheless, this gives credence to the impact that locally owned and operated establishments can have within a community.
