USA, CO: FlyteCo Brewing saying goodbye to its original location

Six years after debuting at 4499 West 38th Avenue just off Tennyson Street, FlyteCo Brewing is saying goodbye to its original location with a going-away blowout on Saturday, April 5, Denver Westworld reported on March 21.

Going forward, it plans to focus on operations at the FlyteCo Tower, which it opened in the former Stapleton Airport control tower at 3120 Uinta Street in 2022.

FlyteCo co-owner Jason Slingsby says the current market is difficult for brewery-only locations, and the transition allows the business to offer a wide range of entertainment options in addition to beer.

"I think part of the changing market is, especially with larger groups, people are looking for more. The tower fits that really well. We've got golf simulators and darts and axe throwing all up on the third floor," he notes. "There's a lot of arcades, mini golf outside. It's very family-friendly, especially on the main floor. It's great for all the parties and birthdays. Bring your kids, there's a full restaurant and bar, and there's still great adult vibes throughout the entire building."

Plus, having a location in a former flight control tower is ideal for the aviation-themed brand. "We've got tours going up the top of the tower. The tour guide is there almost every day of the week and you can go up and see the old air traffic control tower from the top," he says. "It's history. It fits our brand so well too. It feels incredible to be part of such an amazing piece of Denver's aviation history out there at the tower."

FlyteCo will maintain the current three-barrel pilot system (no pun intended) at the tower, brewing a variety of specialty beers. "We'll still be making fun and interesting beers and one-offs along with some of our staples that we've loved over the years and the customers have loved," Slingsby says. "But in addition, we can also cater to larger parties and events with a great cocktail program and mocktails. All of the options that make it a little more versatile."

It has also been able to offer special brewing experiences for private events. Recently, one group was "able to add on a brew day as part of their experience, so when they come in and host their event, the brew that they made will be on tap for their party," Slingsby explains. "They get to hang with me or [brewer] Mike [Baraco] during the brew day and pick the style, have it put in the process, and really be involved in it."

No decisions have been finalized on contract brewing, but Slingsby says FlyteCo would likely have some fast-moving beers such as its Mexican lager brewed by a third party. It has a small roster of distributed draft accounts in the city, and he adds that it hopes to be able to focus some energy on expanding that.

The brewery was leasing its original location, where rent and other costs have increased considerably in the six years since it opened. The 15-barrel brewhouse there will be mothballed and likely sold off, but Slingsby says that no decision has been made yet.

He adds that it was a difficult and bittersweet decision to move on from the Tennyson neighborhood, where FlyteCo had become part of the community, hosting run clubs, open mic nights, events to support local schools, baby showers and birthday parties.

"It is a cool neighborhood and we will definitely miss it, but hopefully everyone will come say hi at the new location," Slingsby says. "We're still there every day, and working and hanging out and being part of it. Hopefully, we'll still get to see a lot of the old regulars. ... We're really excited for all the future community engagement, albeit over in the Central Parkin neighborhood now."

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