E-Malt.com News article: USA, WA: 7 Seas Brewery to move downtown

Demand for 7 Seas Brewery brews has grown so big that co-owners Mike Runion and Travis Guterson are moving their entire operation from its current location to the historic downtown waterfront, Kitsap Sun reported on January, 31.

“We need more space, a bigger facility,” Runion said. “We sell our beer in 90 different locations from Olympia to North Seattle. We don’t feel like we need to grow bigger and bigger and bigger. We just want to be able to supply our local Puget Sound area.
“Lots of people want our beer, and we can’t supply them properly right now.”

To keep up with the demand, Runion and Guterson have leased a portion of the former QFC store on Judson Street.

The new establishment will be approximately 10,500 square feet, of which 8,100 square feet will be brewery and 2,400 square feet will be the new taproom.

The current brewery is approximately 3,000 square feet.

Over the next several months, they’ll install a new stainless steel grain silo and brewing equipment for two new side-by-side brewhouses and the taproom.

Runion predicts they entire set-up will be functioning by the end of the year.

He and Guterson had looked at another property very close to their current space, “but downtown by the waterfront is such a unique location, and we have very specific parameters for brewing,” Runion said. “And the owners of the QFC store saw our vision and understood our needs. They’re really working with us to make the new place exactly what we want.”

The new space is mere blocks from 7 Seas’ original location, which was destroyed by fire just before the brewery was set to open in 2008, he added.

The move to the waterfront will be a gradual one. “First we’ll move the brewery down there and get it running. Then we’ll move the tap room,” he said.

Both he and his partner have local backgrounds.

Now they’re committed to “creating the Ultimate Proper Pint”.

Guterson is the brewmaster. “He’s absolutely amazing,” Runion said. “He has a knack for experimenting and coming up with unique, innovative specialty beers.”

Guterson himself calls what he does “making beer that has soul”. He gets an assist from brewer Chris Fagerlund. “Chris is really steppin’ up and making good brews, too,” Runion added.

Brian Lee handles sales and does most of the deliveries.

Runion does all the maintenance and manages the taproom. “I really enjoy the mechanical side,” he said.

Runion gives credit to the Northwest’s brewing community for helping with 7 Seas’ success. “They’re so supportive and the people really like what they do. We all do favors for each other and help each other out — just like good neighbors do.”

He thinks 7 Seas will fit right in. “Making an artisan product is fun and it’s satisfying. It makes us feel really good to see our customers smiling and enjoying themselves and each other and our good beer.


01 February, 2012