From Brew to Float:
Our Root Beer Adventure At Bay Area Brewing Company, we believe in crafting more than just great beer. Our journey into homemade craft sodas, especially root beer, is a story rooted in family, community, and a little bit of fizz. Inspired by our head brewer and owner, Will, whose number one passion is providing for his family, our root beer venture started with a simple potluck request: âJust bring the root beer.â Will experimented with several variations, combining sassafras, caramel, ginger, vanilla bean, brown sugar, Mexican vanilla, marshmallows, and other ingredients to find the perfect blend. After many taste tests, tweaks, and a few burps, Bay Area Brewing Company’s unique, smooth, and enjoyable non-alcoholic root beer was born. This family-friendly offering quickly became a hit, proving that even a brewery can cater to all ages. A Brief History of Root Beer Root beer has a long history dating back to indigenous peoples who brewed beverages from sassafras roots. In the 19th century, it gained popularity in America as a medicinal tonic. By the late 1800s, commercial root beer became widespread, with pharmacists and soda fountains offering it as a refreshing drink. Today, craft breweries across the country are reviving root beer, blending traditional methods with modern twists to create unique, flavorful sodas that appeal to both kids and adults. Community and Family Fun One of the joys of having a brewery in Rockport is creating a space thatâs more than just a bar. It’s a community gathering spot where families can come together. Kids at breweries are part of this unique experience, making our venue a lively place where everyone feels welcome. We wanted to ensure that even the youngest members of the family could enjoy a special treat, which led us to our next exciting addition: root beer floats. When we discovered Blue Bunny ice cream had recently introduced individually wrapped single vanilla bean scoops, it was the perfect timing. These scoops are a clean, effortless treat that pairs beautifully with our homemade root beer, creating a classic root beer float thatâs sure to bring smiles. Fun for the Whole Family At Bay Area Brewing Company, weâre not just about making great beer for adults. Weâre excited about incorporating unique refreshment experiences for the whole family. As we plant our business roots here in Rockport, weâre one of the few family-friendly social establishments. We look forward to adding more menu items and activities that bring families together, creating memories and making people want to return with friends and family for more good times. Brewer’s Note Will, our Head Brewer and the inspiration behind our craft sodas, has a special message for you: “Creating our root beer has been a fun challenge in finding a balance with flavors and sweetness. I have been working on this for years, and finally have something both kids and adults will enjoy. From your first sip to your last it’s great till the end.” So, next time you visit, try our craft root beer and see why weâre “Making Rockport Brewtiful” â one frothy mug at a time! If any of our readers know of any Root Beer Brewing contests, we would love to enter Will’s root beer. Leave us a message or comment below. Diedra Amaya, Co-owner
Startup Glitches and Lessons Learned:
Forge on! Embarking on our Grand Opening at Bay Area Brewing Company was an exhilarating journey filled with excitement and valuable lessons. We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our community, with over 380 paying customers and 900 event attendees. Despite the success, we encountered some hiccups along the way. From slow-pouring taps to temperature adjustments, we faced these challenges head-on with determination and a touch of humor. Confession time: In our eagerness to ensure smooth operations, we made a plumbing decision that ended up backfiringâliterally. We thought we were being clever by replumbing the toilet and dishwasher directly instead of routing them through our RO filter to avoid competition. However, this brilliant plan resulted in the throne needing replacement for flushing efficiency, and our dishwasher suffering from horrible scaling due to city water. Lesson learned: sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. We’re currently on the hunt for products to tackle the scaling issue and restore our glasses to their sparkling glory. On the beer front, our initial excitement was slightly dampened by slow-pouring taps and carbonation issues. Despite our brand new adjustable flow tap system, we discovered that the coupler seals were using a weak material, causing a loss of CO2 pressure. To address this, we reached out to the supplier for quality assurance assistance. After some back and forth and mechanical support, we identified the problem and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of new couplers and seals in early May to rectify the issue. Additionally, we received feedback about the temperature in our cooler not being cold enough. While we had initially set it to maintain at 41 degrees, we realized this wasn’t adequate for the South Texas heat. With a few tech support calls to our walk-in cooler supplier, we were able to adjust the cooling governor and lower the temperature to 36 degrees, ensuring our beer stays refreshingly cold even as the temperatures rise. Despite these challenges, our team remained resilient, learning and growing with each setback. We’ve taken proactive steps to address issues, from improving our payment options to fine-tuning our tap system. With Will, our dedicated head brewer, ensuring strict cleanliness and quality standards, we’re committed to delivering exceptional beer to our patrons. Looking ahead, we’re excited about the future of Bay Area Brewing Company. In addition to addressing our operational challenges, we’re planning upgrades for our beer garden to enhance the overall experience for our patrons. This includes adding a play area with a climbing slide platform and covering the stage area to protect against minor weather interruptions and enhance aesthetics. Our goal is to provide a vibrant and family-friendly environment where everyone can enjoy great beer and live music. We’re grateful for the support of our community and fellow small business owners, and we’re honored to represent Rockport on The Bend Magazine’s Local’s List. As we navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, one thing remains constant: our passion for crafting great beer and fostering a sense of camaraderie among our patrons. We’re grateful for the journey thus far and look forward to many more years of sharing good times and great brews with our beloved community. Cheers to forging ahead and embracing the adventure together! Diedra Amaya
Community Safety:
A Commitment at Bay Area Brewing Company In the heart of Rockport, Texas, Bay Area Brewing Company stands as a beacon of community spirit and safety. We pride ourselves on being more than just a brewery; we strive to be a welcoming haven for all. Our doors are open to everyone, and we want each person to feel secure and at ease within our walls. Recently, we had an experience that exemplifies our dedication to our neighbors and community. A young mother, visibly shaken, sought refuge in our brewery after encountering a distressing situation nearby. With swift action, we ensured her safety, providing comfort and assistance while contacting the authorities. Thanks to the rapid response of the Rockport Police Department, the situation was resolved peacefully, highlighting the effectiveness of community cooperation. At Bay Area Brewing Company, community safety is paramount. We stand united with our neighbors, ready to support and protect one another whenever needed. Together, we create a space where everyone can gather, connect, and feel secure. Post Note: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Rockport Police Department for their prompt response and professionalism in handling the situation. Their dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of the old man and his medical needs, and of our wholesome community is truly commendable. Cheers, Diedra Amaya
