USA, DE: Volunteer Brewing Co. becomes the first brewery in Middletown, DE

Volunteer Brewing Co. opened its doors during the Peach Festival on Aug. 19, becoming the first brewery in Middletown, the Middletown Transcript reported on September 24.

The business is owned by local resident Kevin Schatz and his wife, Dawn, who also owns Wellbeing on Main, on West Main Street.

Beer is brewed at that location at 120 W. Main St., Middletown, and sold at that location or at special events.

The concept to build a “tiny brewery” was founded on the three principles of serve, local and brew, Kevin Schatz said.

It was a response to the town’s growth and the desire to retain the small-town roots of Middletown by establishing a neighborhood brewery and center point for community involvement, he said.

In addition to serving craft brewed beers, the brewery is committed to serving the Middletown-Odessa-Townsend community, he said.

“Our customers and staff will be focused on volunteer opportunities that will contribute to improving our town and helping to maintain the small community feel that is core to Middletown’s history,” he said.

So, the brewery was named “Volunteer” as a reflection of the organization’s commitment to stay involved in the local community.

“We are local and independent and will support local, independent businesses first. We will brew superior, small batch, craft brewed ales and make our mark on Delaware’s growing craft brewing scene,” he said.

Located in a renovated two-car garage on the alley behind the firehouse, Volunteer Brewing Co. is the smallest brewery in Delaware.

Beer is brewed on-site and will only be available through the brewery. Beer can be purchased in pints and 32-ounce cans filled and sealed in the brewery.

Beers and hours will vary monthly, depending on availability.

The brewery will be open on Friday, Sept. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. and will also be selling pints at the upcoming Corntober Brew Fest State Cornhole Championships Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Town of White Hall.

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