August 26, 2015
Rising from the ashes Recipes
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Easy ideas with grilled leftovers
Community Voices
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By Daniel Isom Ph.D.
Photos by Ray Rockwell
Restoration work continues inside Ferguson Brewing Company following a fire that destroyed the kitchen in July.
Ferguson Brewing Company set to reopen after fire closed its doors in July By Sara Hardin The highly-anticipated return of Ferguson Brewing Company is finally becoming a reality this September, and crowds are sure to be scrambling to get their fill of the same great food, brews, and hospitality in the new and improved facility. After suffering a fire in mid-July that destroyed the restaurant’s kitchen and left the whole building with smoke and water damage, tireless efforts have been poured into the restoration of the treasured community hot spot in order to get it back into business and looking better than ever. “It’s definitely going to be quieter and cozier, and everything is going to be new, fresh and up-todate,” said Ferguson Brewing Company co-owner, Mike Lonero. Restaurant guests can look forward to updated amenities, including additional TVs, new tables, updated light fixtures and an overall more polished look to the
building’s interior. “I’m excited to see how everything works out,” said Michael Hutch, Ferguson Brewing Company Bar Manager. “The kitchen is going to be completely different and there are going to be a lot of new improvements and additions. I’m mostly excited to see how the community reacts to it.” During the reconstruction, the Brewing Company’s craft beer has continued to be brewed on-site in preparation for its reopening. In an effort to satiate customers’ cravings for the delicious brews until the doors open again, the restaurant has been offering growler refills on Friday afternoons. “[The support] has been really great,” said Hutch. “A lot of people show up to show support and are really excited to get their growlers filled. We’ve heard from plenty of people who can’t wait for us to
be back in business.” Several fundraisers hosted by both the brewhouse and businesses in the surrounding communities, along with a GoFundMe page for individuals to contribute online, have raised roughly $27,000 to help support the restaurant employees who have been out of work since the fire. “The support we’ve seen has been awesome. All the local restaurants came through and then all the brewery restaurants came through. People know how See RISING FROM THE ASHES page 2
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Home & Garden
Learn & Play
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Camp Pout
Movie: “Straight Outta Compton”
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