Carson City’s The Fox Brewery expanding to Reno; shows continued popularity of regional ‘brewpubs’
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Tue, 01/31/2023 - 11:23am
On Tuesday, Carson City’s The Fox Brewery and Pub announced an expansion into Reno, taking up residence at the previous Silver Peak Brewery and Restaurant in Midtown, located at 124 Wonder Street.
Silver Peak closed its doors in 2020 after 21 years in operation and will be given new life with the Fox.
"We are fortunate to have worked out this opportunity with David and Trent,” said Fox Manager Jim Phalan, who will also manage the new location. “It is a fabulous facility in Midtown, with a foundation of success dating back to a time when craft brewing was just becoming familiar to consumers. We feel confident that we can continue their commitment to craft, while bringing our famed Fox energy and operational concept to the Reno market.”
The Fox recently announced a branding change, including physical renovations at its historic Carson City location inside the 1862-built St. Charles-Muller Hotel. They also plan to expand their brewing, with two new tanks purchased to increase production.
Finally, the Fox announced they were bringing on Chef Charlie Abowd to “elevate” the food offerings. Abowd was the chef and owner of Carson City’s famous Adele’s restaurant, and also offered his expertise in the creation of Carson Piazza Bar.
The Fox’s expansion is one of many breweries in Carson City and the surrounding area that have recently expanded, reaching out to the ongoing popularity of local craft breweries.
Carson City’s popular Shoe Tree Brewing Co. expanded to a Minden location July 2021, and Reno’s Great Basin Brewing Co. held a grand opening June 2022 after it merged with the Union in Carson City.
The popularity behind local breweries has been growing for many years, due in part to the popularity of small craft beers and supporting local businesses.
While breweries used to be considered industrial and were often relegated to the outskirts of towns or within heavy industrial zones, the tides have changed for small craft breweries. In Reno there is even a recently coined “Reno Brewery District” on E. Fourth Street, following in the footsteps of larger cities who elevate their hand crafted brewers as a must-see for tourists and locals alike.
Historically, Carson City is no stranger to breweries.
The Brewery Arts Center was once home to the renowned Tahoe Beer, created by the Carson Brewing Company, which opened in 1860 during the silver rush in Virginia City, and was the longest operating brewery in the state until its closure.
Will the region continue to see the creation and expansion of local breweries? Only time will tell. As for the newest expansion, The Fox brewpub in Midtown will host its grand opening sometime during the summer.
