The Wheeled Brew Bottle Shop is now open at its new location at 19 Clapperton St.
The craft brewery and cafe-style bar moved to the old Painters Hall site at the end of January as it was previously a few doors down the street in a smaller location.
Owner Evan MacDonald says the move out of the old location was always planned, and the time was right when the current site became available.
“We always had it in our vision to have a larger spot to accommodate the really passionate community we have for the Bottle Shop and craft beer in general,” said MacDonald. “It was perfect timing that this location opened up at the end of our previous lease. It worked out in an off moment of luck and we’ve embraced it fully.”
The new space has some of the old exposed brick wall on one side of the shop. “I love it. It just has so much character and it's mentioned by nearly everyone who comes in,” said MacDonald.
The Wheeled Brew Bottle Shop opened in Barrie in March of 2021 and expanded to the bigger location in January.
With pandemic shutdowns and restrictions an ongoing theme, MacDonald said it was time to take a chance.
“The passion and loyalty of craft brewery drinkers is amazing and I knew they would support us as they have. The uncertainty of the times was definitely on our minds but again, when the opportunity presented itself to move up the street, I knew the reward far outweighed the risk,” said MacDonald.
This will be the shop’s first St. Patrick’s Day, which MacDonald is "very excited" about.
“I feel we’ll have folks trickling in throughout the day but I’m confident we’ll be full in the evening. I think a lot of people will be looking to get out and have a good time and maybe that’s at a spot like ours, tucked away, not too loud but a great place to enjoy some friends and craft beer," he said.
With approximately 70 different brands to choose from, the beer itself is an attraction to the customers who have filled the shop and the popular outside patio during the warmer weather.
But there are a lot of other elements in play to create a fun atmosphere for patrons.
One couch faces the small TV and N64 game system that allows one or two players to play. A game shelf beside that has different multiplayer games and items to keep people busy.
MacDonald said he's happy to have expanded capacity.
“We’re currently at 25 people plus staff, which is a far cry from having six people crammed into the old spot. We’re planning some fun nights like having brewers come in and do chats to date nights to trivia and comedy evenings,” said MacDonald. “We’re able to do so much more with the space and plan on being very active in that.”
Next month is the Bottle Shop’s Hazefest, highlighting the popular IPA style of beer (haze) which MacDonald says has such a passionate following that it is “a niche within the niche.”
MacDonald also noted the popular Bottle Shop patio will be back.
“That was a huge part of our success during the earlier part of the pandemic. It not only allowed us to serve more people, but it really took a life of its own and became extremely popular with everyone,” said MacDonald. “It will be a bit bigger and have some new, fun features when it opens.”
The last shop had one or two employees and MacDonald is happy to say they are able to hire a couple more staff to assist with the patron experience.
MacDonald is also still operating his Wheeled Brew mobile bars and said they are as popular as ever with people looking to do things outdoors.
That aspect of his company sees vintage trucks equipped to serve beer from taps at weddings, parties and other events.
For more information on special nights and available beers at the The Wheeled Brew Bottle Shop, head to their website and Facebook page.
