USA, CA: Couple launches Pond Farm Brewing Co in San Rafael

A bonding over the fondness of craft brews not only turned into a wedding but also landed San Rafael couple Trevor and Stephanie Martens a labor of love with the April opening of Pond Farm Brewing Co., the Marin Independent Journal reported on May 7.

The family-friendly microbrewery and taproom in their hometown offers six rotating craft varieties with more varieties to come. Snacks are available for purchase at the bar (chips, popcorn, nuts, fig bars and Goldfish for kids) and there’s a changing line-up of pop up eateries scheduled nightly and beginning mid-afternoon on weekends.

Most recently, San Rafael-based Porchetta and Pibil were set up in the beer garden and theme nights have included taco Tuesdays and pupusa Wednesdays.

Another option is to bring food in or have it delivered from nearby restaurants Café del Soul, Moonlight Deli, Stone’s Jamaican Roots & Juice and Halal Indian Cuisine. Some waive the delivery fee. Eventually, the owners plan to make food onsite using an allocated kitchen area.

The open and airy industrial-style building the Martenses scored in the former Wooden Duck furniture store in the West End seems born to be a brewery. There’s plenty of room to spread out in the naturally lit space with high ceilings, communal tables, Adirondack chairs, a large projection and two smaller televisions, a dedicated children’s play area and a small, dog-friendly outdoor beer garden.

“We focused on creating a place where we would want to hang out, socializing with friends and meeting neighbors over a beer,” shares Stephanie Martens.

Nothing structural was necessary but they added 1,400 square feet of concrete flooring, expanded the bathroom and did a major utility overhaul. During the drawn-out process they began in early 2017, they were able to connect with the neighborhood with a platform that invites community engagement.

Settle in at 1848 Fourth St. in San Rafael from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and Sundays, and noon to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The taproom is closed Mondays.

12 May, 2019