Some Progress

Here are some pictures of what the building looks like right now. It's looked better and it's looked worse....Right now it continues to be FULL of potential (We're definitely going to want to do something about the exposed toilet).

We're Still Here

You may have thought that since we haven't posted in a while, that we've changed our plans....Not at all. Here are how things stand right now...

We have the 2brews building in Columbiana: the storefront level is cleaned out and ready to be prepped for 2brews. One of the upstairs apartments is rented (by a great renter). The other apartment has been our project lately (thanks, Steve and Jon). It needed painted and old carpet removed, etc. It should be move-in-ready soon, so (again) if you know of someone who may be looking for a space, let us know.

We've also purchased a house in Columbiana that needs quite a bit of work. We've done some stuff (thanks again, Jon&Steve - also Eric and John G.) Focus on this house is next on the list. We want to get moved into it, so we can then rent our house on South Ave. It may seem that all of these things are keeping us from 2brews, but in reality, they all work together. The income generated from the rentals is part of what will allow us to work on 2brews.

We're here. Can't wait to put some of this behind us and get on to the fun stuff of designing/working on 2brews!

Congratulations, Mom!

Last night we had a great time at 2Brews. We honored my mom with a surprise graduation party. After raising 5 kids and helping to raise over a dozen grandkids, my mom returned to school and completed her Bachelor’s degree. It was fun to honor her. It was also fun to have the opportunity to bring together a variety of extraordinary people.

I spent much of the evening standing back and watching as friendship formed. I love hearing the buzz of conversation. And I loved the opportunity to connect with people with whom I rarely, if ever, come into contact with.

The room looked awesome too – thanks to Sherri Garver and friends. They used the 2Brews building last weekend for a Creative Workshop. Steve and I were out of town, but I hear from Sherri that it was a great weekend. Several local artists offered to display their work for the creative weekend and were kind enough to leave it up for this weekend.

As I write this post, I am sitting in a Tim Hortons. All the chairs look alike, the signs and counter look like any other fast food place. To me it feels sterile. All around me, though, conversations are happening. The group of 10 retired men behind me are definitely sharing friendship, interesting conversation, & community. I hear discussion of politics (local and national), local happenings, personal snipits of family life...

I say all that to say that maybe the ‘look’ of the building is not as important as I think it is (at least if you are hoping to cater to a bunch of retired men☺). Still, the more time I spend in the building the more I think about how I want it to feel in there. I want it to be comfortable. I want it to invite people to stay – whether they are looking for conversation or just someplace to work on their laptop.

I love the ‘rough’ look of the building that is there right now. One of our goals will be to not to improve the building right out of its personality. Don't you think?

(not so) GRAND OPENING

Vic and I have come up with a means to raise a portion of what would normally be needed to launch this type of thing. We are setting a goal of opening by the Columbiana Street Fair. (the weekend after Labor Day, for those who aren't local) We won't be able to do every that we want to eventually do, but we felt it was important to set a date and get this thing opened.

We will most likely start on the coffee side of things and move toward the second brew as we are able. For those of you that look forward to hanging out over a beer right away, it is our current understanding that we can open and pour your beer without a license.

As always we desire input from our friends as we try to work this into shape over the summer.

Apartment Available

I sat down and realized it's been over a week and a half since we last posted. Life has snuck up and taken our 2brews focus. Steve was out of town, Liz was sick, life was hectic...

So, here's just a quick update...Our front apartment (upstairs) is empty. We have to replace the carpet and paint and we'll be looking for renters. That's priority number one right now, so if you know of anyone...

Thanks for journeying with us!

Dumpster Update

Turns out the dumpster has come and gone. Several guys showed up at the building this afternoon, loaded up the scrap, and drove it away.

If you were planning to come tomorrow, thanks for your willingness!

Thanks again to Jonathan and all who helped load it up. We're making progress :)