USA, OH: Uniontown Brewing Co. opens its doors in Ashland

The long-awaited Uniontown Brewing Co. opened on December 20 in Ashland, drawing a crowd downtown to check out the restaurant, try Uniontown's house brews by the glass, take home a growler or grab some gift cards as holiday presents, the Richland Source reported on December 20.

"We're excited to be open and finally getting going," said Anna Reynolds, who co-owns the restaurant and brewery with her husband, Doug. "We wanted to be open before Christmas, and today seemed like a good day.”

"It's amazing. People have been very patient and kind and so excited for us and that's overwhelming."

Though they didn't announce an opening date in advance, word traveled quickly once the news of the business opening hit social media.

"We've been following these guys on Facebook and couldn't wait until they opened, and as soon as they did I texted my husband and we came home from work," said Katie Davis, one of the restaurant's first customers at lunchtime on December 20.

Katie and Jason Davis said they have been driving to Wooster regularly to go out to eat and are glad to have a new option in town.

"We've both been saying for some time that we think Ashland's ready for not only good food but a brewery of some sort," Jason Davis said.

Uniontown Brewing Co. didn't disappoint.

Katie noted the attention to detail in the menu and the building were worth the wait.

"We both travel a lot nationally and internationally, and all the little details are great. Like even the cole slaw is current, and I would say Ashland has become reliant on the way it's always been," she said.

The details were important to the Reynolds, especially the historic details of the building and the business.

The name Uniontown comes from Ashland's original name, which was later changed because Ohio had another Uniontown. The Reynolds took care to preserve the tin ceiling, exposed brick and hardwood floor from the 167-year-old building, which was the former Gilbert's Furniture Company.

They hired local contractors to do the work.

"We were trying to keep the integrity and the history of the building, and that took some time," Anna Reynolds said. "We got into the building in October last year, and we've come a long way in a little over a year. This is our community and we want to be part of it. We purposefully chose to be on Main Street. That's important to both of us."

The company brews all its own beer in the basement of the restaurant, generally in the mornings and on weekends. For now the menu features a few starters, several varieties of sliders, a few entrees, a couple salads and some kids' selections. The menu is likely to evolve over time, Anna Reynolds said.

Neighbors Martha Young and Chuck Gepper were excited to come try Uniontown Wednesday.

"I had been here that one Saturday when they sold beer, and I enjoy their beer," Gepper said. "Their Ashland IPA is really tasty. It's always nice to have another place in town that sells good beer."

Young said she enjoyed the Local 1386 Amber Ale, which is named for the local firefighters' union, as well as a chicken sandwich and french fries.

Having lived in Ashland 44 years, Young said she is excited to see growth downtown, thanks in part to the work of Sandra Tunnell and Ashland Main Street.

"She's done a lot as far as bringing in new business and supporting the businesses that are here," Young said of Tunnell. "She's done a wonderful job."

Katie Davis said she hopes Uniontown can be an impetus for more positive change downtown.

"I'd say a good portion of the population here drives to Cleveland or Columbus on the weekends to shop, and this is just one more reason they don't have to," she said. "It just strengthens what's going on in our community."

22 December, 2017