When shutdown orders for nonessential businesses were announced in mid-March to help combat the spread of COVID-19, the Valley's craft breweries were hit hard, losing not only taproom customers, but also orders from restaurants and bars that served their specialty beers. Unless they were equipped with a full kitchen, as the restrictions called for, the breweries were ordered to shut down.
Some breweries, such as Downtown's Able Baker, Chicago Brewing in west Las Vegas and Big Dog's Draft House on North Rancho Drive, had working kitchens and were able to offer package liquor sales. However, Tenaya Creek Brewery, Beer District Brewing, Hop Nuts, Astronomy Aleworks and others were out of luck as far as being able to offer curbside service. By the end of March, breweries in Henderson were given the go-ahead to offer some type of curbside service, and many began doing that in early April. But other outlets in Las Vegas and Clark County had to wait until later in April, and apply for a special license (and each entity had separate requirements). Complying with the rules in Las Vegas meant customers were required to purchase at least one meal for each order. Under rules announced April 30, those restrictions will continue until at least mid-May.
Each venue has different ways to get the word out to the public about what’s available, when they are open and how to pick up an order. (And all require patrons to be over the age of 21.) For instance, at the new Beer District Brewing on Main Street, you must order online (making sure to add the meal, a grilled sandwich with pretzels and cookies), and choose from their growlers, bottles and cans; varieties include the Norwegian Farmhand, a Norwegian farmhouse ale. (They also have merchandise available, and a gratuity is always appreciated.) Once there, park, text the brewery with your ID and card info, wait for the order to be taken to a pickup table and retrieve it for a contactless sale.
At Tenaya Creek Brewery on Bonanza Road, the process operates more like the drive-thru farmers markets operating around the Valley, with times and product availability posted on social media. Orders are taken and delivered while customers stay in their car, and must include a hot dog meal. Pre-filled growlers, six-packs and cases are available, with favorites like Bonanza Brown and Gypsy Fade, plus new varieties.
“Business has been steady. We are extremely appreciative of the local love being shown," says Tenaya Creek Brewery manager Katy Bozoian. "Tenaya Creek has been in business over 20 years. A lot of our customers have been with us from day one. These are people who feel like family. We know about their families, jobs, hobbies and hardships. It has been great to see them come through the drive-thru and be able to hear that they are safe and healthy."
Hop Nuts Brewing offers an online ordering system with pickup at both its Arts District and Tivoli Village locations.
Henderson's Bad Beat Brewing, Lovelady Brewing Company, Astronomy Aleworks, Mojave Brewing Company and CraftHaus Brewery all offer curbside pickup, with different methods of delivery. For instance, Astronomy Aleworks posts a list of available beers on Facebook and fills growlers. Customers pull into a spot and give a little honk for attention; they will also sanitize customers’ growlers. It has also scheduled release on May 4 of a This Is the Way IPA (a Mandalorian-inspired Ale). Crafthaus has an online ordering service with a pickup window and no growler refills. And some of the breweries offer delivery, usually with a higher minimum order and a delivery charge.
Other breweries, such as Scenic Brewing in the Lakes and Trustworthy at the Palazzo's Grand Canal Shoppes, are closed until restrictions ease.
