Jackie O’s

SUSTAINABLY CRAFTED WITH PURPOSE

BY ERIN FINAN PHOTOS BY CLAY STARK

Jackie O’s Brewery is a cornerstone of Athens and is currently spearheading a mission toward sustainability. President of Jackie O’s, Andrew Arthur Oestrike, better known as “Art,” bought the bar in 2005 and has been making active changes to build a more sustainable presence ever since. In 2011, the company acquired 45 acres of farmland and forest. The farm, dubbed Barrel Ridge Farm, now exists as a key supplier of seasonal vegetables and whole cone hops for both the restaurant and brewery. This practice keeps the agricultural traditions of southeast Ohio alive while also providing Jackie O’s with sustainably sourced, local ingredients. Jackie O’s Bakeshop opened in 2019 and offers a plethora of both sweet and savory baked goods all made from scratch using ingredients from the farm. The bakery sells cookies, galettes, scones, cheesecakes, cupcakes, pepperoni rolls, hot sandwiches, and more. Oestrike recommends visiting the shop on Saturday mornings to get the best goods. Oestrike showcases many of his sustainability efforts through blog posts on the Jackie O’s website. “I like to try to be a leader in the community and lead by example with the different things that we do,” said Oestrike. “It’s good to give Athens things that it deserves to have.” The company’s most recent project has been working toward opening a taproom in Columbus. In the effort of further pursuing sustainability, Jackie O’s is working with local architectural and design firms to plan the next steps for the new location. The new space will feature an outdoor greenspace and solar array. With the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, the company has made many steps toward a better future over the past decade, and it is not stopping anytime soon. Jackie O’s has already implemented many sustainable practices including more efficient packing equipment, a carbon dioxide reclamation system, and completely biodegradable six-pack holders. “It’s just so important to think towards the future,” said Oestrike. “And that means both for the betterment of the company, the humans who work here, the humans who purchase our products, and the Earth that we live on.”

Sunrise over Alum Creek Lake on a foggy October morning in 2022. The 3,387-acre reservoir is found within Alum Creek State Park north of Columbus, Ohio.