USA, IN: 5 Arch Brewing Co. coming to Wayne County next August

An old building in one of Wayne County's historic downtown areas will soon be home to a new store and a craft brewery, the Palladium-Item reported on October 16.

The building at 206 N. Morton Ave. — the northmost of a pair of structures situated directly across from Maplewood Park — is undergoing renovations to be turned into a storefront for Fountain City-based Johnson Family Farm.

Another part of the building will be turned into a new space for the 5 Arch Brewing Co., a joint venture by a local insurance agent and an area beer aficionado.

"The Johnson family is going to have a farm-to-table type of store — essentially a small grocery store — that will focus on items that they produce and grow," Kyle Turner, a partner in 5 Arch, said. "Our area will be completely separate, but in the same building."

He said the lower part of the building will be occupied by 5 Arch Brewery starting next August.

Turner, who also runs Turner Insurance in the town, said the brewery's space will be about 1,200 square feet, with seating for about 30 to 50 people. There is an additional 6,000 square feet of space behind the building for outdoor seating and performances, he said.

"We're going to really focus on the outdoor aspect and make that a very nice area," he said. "We want to bring a unique experience to Wayne County."

Turner said the idea for the brewery came about when he first tried some beer made by his business partner and 5 Arch brewmaster Scott Laster, who was an insurance customer of his at the time.

"Honestly, I tried his beer and it was so good that it just made sense," he said. "It's just really, really good beer ... plus the outdoor seating and the opportunities that come with that. It's going to be killer."

Laster said the brewery will offer a variety of beers, though the complete list of what 5 Arch will produce hasn't yet been finalized. He said stouts, India Pale Ales (IPAs) and wheat beers are among those that patrons can expect to find at the brewery.

"We don't have our specific styles (figured) out yet, but we're going to span the spectrum," he said. "I like drinking beer, I like making beer and I like sharing my craft with friends and family and the broader community."

Both partners in the brewery said that they'll be working with area food trucks to provide food sales for the space once it opens. They expect to have different food trucks on-site each day of the week.

Turner said the company will be open to working with other area breweries and businesses for events.

The new brewery will join Noble Order and New Boswell breweries in Richmond and Norris English Pub and Brewery in Liberty, all of which have been around the area for the past several years.

"I think collaborating with them is a wise move," he said. "A lot of people travel to go to breweries and try out craft beers. If they come and they like our place, they're going to come back. And they may go to other area breweries, too."

Laster said he is eager to have those from around the area try the beers he makes, and he is hopeful that will help the business continue to grow.

"We're excited to bring my beer to the community," Laster said. "I think it's going to be really fun to bring the community together so they can enjoy what we have to offer."

The Johnsons could not be reached for comment for this article, but Laster and Turner each said they are looking forward to working with the family to revitalize the building their businesses will occupy.

"We get along really well, so I think it's going to be a great opportunity for both of our businesses," Laster said. "We think our customers are really going to enjoy the new space."

The Johnson Family Farm has been a mainstay at the Richmond Farmers Market for a few years now, and it will offer a variety of farm-grown meats, fruits and vegetables.

"Our customers will be able to get some fine-quality food and swing by downstairs for a pint," Laster said. "I'm really looking forward to having that kind of anchor there on the corner. It's a great location for each of the businesses."

The building sits near the corner of Morton Avenue and Water Street.

"We are looking forward to bringing more great craft beer to the area," he said. "We're excited to give those living in Centerville and elsewhere in Wayne County a great place to spend some time."

A timeline on the opening of the Johnson farm-to-table store has not yet been released, but Turner said he expects that it will be before or around the same time the brewery opens its doors.

"We still have a lot of work to do there," Turner said. "But things are going well."

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