Adorned with wood paneling on the walls and embroidered kitsch as far as the eye can see, akin to the 1950’s, Grandma’s House at 1710 South Broadway transports patrons back in time to a world full of yarn and embroidery. But it’s bringing a fresh, collaborative space to Denver. Matthew Fuerst, Grandma’s House owner, noticed the clear enthusiasm of up-and-coming craft beer brewers and entrepreneurs. He immediately knew it was opportunity to become an “in-between step between brewing on an amateur level and opening what is a very capital intensive business.”

With Denver’s cultivating attitude towards startups, especially those that focus on craft and community, Grandma’s House is setting the stage for young brewers that may lack the necessary resources for building their business. Not to mention, it lets the community try a plethora of new beers—as Fuerst noted, “A brewery in planning that works with us benefits in many ways. They get to refine and dial in their recipes, gain experience brewing on a large system, and get exposure and objective feedback on their beers from our patrons.” This also shifts the paradigm for new brewers, as it no longer becomes a question of sheer survival, but rather a space for consumers to enjoy beer made by multiple breweries, all producing in one place.

Grandma’s House is the first collective brewery in Colorado and among only a handful in the country, which really sets them apart from the Colorado brewing community. The direct support from the brewing community has been overwhelmingly positive for Fuerst:

“I’ve been helped by countless others in the brewing community, and our collective brewery concept is a natural extension of that spirit in our industry. Beyond the local brewing industry, small business owners have an acute understanding of how important it is to support local small businesses, and I’ve been inspired by all of the amazing small business owners I’ve met in Denver.”

The comfort, nostalgia, and eccentricity are perfectly captured in Grandma’s House and cozying up with a tasty brew couldn’t be more enjoyable. Nestled on South Broadway’s own Antique Row it fits in with the old school vibe, but it’s also a perfect addition to the new industrial, modern faces moving into the ‘hood. As Fuerst enthusiastically talks up his neighbors, “We have possibly the best coffee roaster (Corvus) and dispensary (Wellspring) in the city, two brand new distilleries (Bear Creek and Laws Whiskey), and within a few months five breweries all under a year old (Former Future, Platt Park, Fermaentra,Declaration, and ourselves). Every new business that decides to open near us helps us by making the area a more exciting area to spend a day or an evening.”

So grab your knitting needles and have a pint—or share one. Bring your brew to Grandma’s. If you’re a brewer interested in partnering with Grandma’s House, contact [email protected].

by Addie Levinsky