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WOMEN OF BEER: SUSI FOERG OF RUSTIC REEL
Susi Foerg: Getting Reel
>> LUNDY DALE
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Kelowna’s craft beer scene began 24 years ago with the debut of Tree Brewing Company. Growth in brewery numbers remained quiet until five years ago, when breweries began popping up all over the city. Now with 15 breweries and counting, it has become a true beer destination.
From the first time I read about Susi Foerg back in 2017, I was I intrigued! The owner and operator of the now one-year old Rustic Reel Brewing Co. seemed different, as did her approach to opening a brewery. It was a woman’s approach. Susi certainly comes across as a strong woman who has carefully thought out and planned her operation and will take on as many roles as needed to make her brewery succeed. I have yet to meet her, but until I get that chance, here is my virtual meetup with Susi Foerg. HOW MUCH OF “YOU” IS IN RUSTIC REEL?
Everything about Rustic Reel is me.
When you look around our space, the comfortable, old-school vibe, with the little feminine touches were all put together and chosen by my designer, Tara Reavie, and myself.
WHY THE NAME?
A nice touch at your table The name is intended to remind you of fishing off the dock with your Dad or Grandpa; maybe they gave you their old rod and reel to use. In our Community Room, you’ll find a wall with photos of past fishing trips with family and friends. That nostalgic feeling is what I hope people feel when they come into our tasting room.
WHAT ROLE DID YOU PLAY IN THE CREATION OF RUSTIC REEL?
I got the idea of opening a brewery after visiting Persephone Brewing on the Sunshine Coast five years ago. I was in banking prior to this endeavour, and I’m not sure what possessed me to
decide on this venture, but I did. I worked on putting together a business plan for over a year, took online brewing courses, moved to Vancouver to work at a craft brewery, came back and designed the entire space with my interior designer, then physically worked on the site for the eight months that it took to put Rustic Reel together.
Since opening, I’ve spent countless hours in all areas of the business. I’ve worked in the tasting room behind the bar, running food, taking orders and filling growlers; I’ve worked in the kitchen dishwashing and cooking; and when my brewer went back to the US after COVID-19 hit, I spent three months handling all things brewery-related: brewing, cleaning, cellaring and kegging. I’m very happy and proud to say I have done every job in my business!
YOU APPEAR TO HAVE A FOCUS ON WOMEN, FROM EVENTS TO PROMOTIONS AND MERCH? IS THAT PLANNED?
It partly was, yes. Being in a very male-dominated industry, I was clear from the beginning on making sure that women felt welcome and comfortable in my space. I’m happy to say that with my designer’s help we definitely succeeded in creating that feel. This has allowed me to hold events that are focused on women.
Nothing against men! Love ‘em! But I have the opportunity to create awesome events in a space that’s usually deemed masculine, and it feels great! The BeerSeekers were impressed by both the beer and food (See p. 28)
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE MANY OTHER BREWERIES IN KELOWNA?
Mmmmm, that’s a question I have a hard time answering; I don’t like to sound as if I’m bragging or think we’re better than anyone. I’ll say that we are much larger than our close neighbours, and a ‘lighter’ vibe that’s relaxed yet classy. I like to suggest people just come visit and feel the difference; it is really cool. I don’t find that any two breweries are alike, and I love that!
HOW WERE YOU TRAINED?
I had originally planned on heading down to Chicago’s Seibel Institute for their brewing program, however I decided to take the online version instead and get some hands-on experience at a brewery in Vancouver. I had met one of the partners of Electric Bicycle Brewing back in 2017. When I was looking to get experience, they were in their final months before opening and needed someone to do odd jobs. I was that girl! I was able to spend time with their brewer, be part of brew days, do some home brewing, and also learn about all that goes in to getting a brewery open! It was an amazing experience.
DO YOU FEEL RESPECTED IN YOUR ROLE?
Yes. I feel respected by my staff because they have seen that I have Susi brewed these! done every job in the building and am never above doing any task. I’ve tried to make sure to create a space where my staff can share with me, approach me with issues, and ask me for help. I also generally don’t get mad about things. Screw-ups happen, move on.
FAVOURITE FEMALE IN THE INDUSTRY?
Truthfully, I’m a loner. �� I don’t know anyone in the industry outside of the Kelowna circle and Electric Bicycle. I wasn’t in the industry prior to this, and I’ve kept my head down working since, so I haven’t had much time for socializing.
BIGGEST ACHEIVEMENT TO DATE? GOALS FOR YOURSELF?
My biggest achievement is that I’m able to say that all of the beers currently on tap were brewed by me, and we get compliments on the beer all the time! I used the recipes we had in place, however it’s a huge accomplishment to have been able to supply my brewery with beer myself! It was INCREDIBLY exhausting, especially since I was doing this both while we were shut down and after we had re-opened. I was running a business while also doing very physical work. I’m proud to say that I can handle anything life throws at me and still remain standing.
ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR WOMEN GETTING INTO THE INDUSTRY?
Don’t listen to any voice other than your own. Focus, head down, work hard, and believe in yourself!
Lundy Dale
Among her other contributions to the BC beer scene, Lundy is a founder of CAMRA BC's Vancouver chapter, Barley's Angels' Pink Pints Chapter and BC Craft Beer Month, and Past President of CAMRA BC. # meet the new russell
CRAFT BEER, FISHING, AND COMMUNITY.
Chris
Q & A WITH CHRIS BUNNAGE OF FREDDY’S BREWPUB
Freddy’s is Kelowna’s original brewpub and the city’s longest-running brewery. But after two decades, craft beer fans around the province may still not know much about the brewery. Who is your head brewer, and what do they like to brew?
Keith Bennett has been with our company for over four years. He is very versatile and thinks of the brewing process like poetry. He's done an amazing job pairing local flavors to match the Okanagan seasons. If you ask our regulars, he makes the best beer in town!
Keith brews a wide variety, but he has a true passion: “Dark beers have more depth of flavour, and really showcase what craft beer is all about”, he says.
Countless Kelowna residents have spent a fun night at the Bowl and Brew. What are the most attractive reasons to come in?
Our facility is about socializing in a safe and fun environment. There are few places in our province to enjoy small batch craft beers, have an amazing dining experience, and get active with 30 lanes of fun (on our McCurdy Bowling Centre side).
This year, Freddy’s is undergoing a major renovation. How are things progressing with the reno, and what will be different when it’s complete?
To highlight our expanded brewery, we have taken the space right down to the studs and are rebuilding from scratch. There will be brand new booth seating, expanded indoor patio and lounge area, revamped menu featuring several new food items, 15 beers on tap with as many as 10 Freddy's beers, new brewing equipment with see-through windows and large, open-concept garage doors by our bowling centre.
We have been part of the Kelowna community for almost 20 years, so this reno is our way of saying ‘Thank You’ for all the support. Our incredible team is working hard to meet our planned Fall re-opening dates. When you visit, you will experience a brand new Freddy’s Brewpub!
It seems like good timing to conduct a reconstruction project in 2020. Did the lockdown have any effect on your plans?
to keep the brewpub side open during the renovations, but with COVID capacity limitations that changed. However, customers are still able to dine and enjoy a Freddy’s brew on the bowling side.
Our brewhouse is operational, although it will pause for expansion in October. Fortunately our cold storage is not affected, so we will keep pouring Freddy’s beers all Fall! Keith is brewing hard for this, and joining forces with other Kelowna breweries to expand from eight to 15 beers on tap for our re-opening (big thanks to Wild Ambition, Kelowna Brewing Company and Kettle River).
This Fall, our planned brewpub hours will be 3pm – 11pm Monday to Friday and extended hours Saturdays and Sundays. This will expand as COVID restrictions are lifted.
Stay tuned for this Fall's re-opening!
Freddy's Brewpub
124–948 McCurdy Rd, Kelowna, BC Tel. (250) 765-8956 www.mccurdybowl.com @bowlandbrewkelowna @bowl_n_brew
