I am thrilled to congratulate my client, Silver Branch Brewing Company, on their official opening today!
I first met Christian Layke almost three years ago, while he was still the head brewer at Gordon Biersch in Rockville, MD. At that first meeting, I knew immediately that this was going to be a very different brewery client. His dreams were huge and anyone else wanting to take on the scale of project he was describing, I would have thought them crazy. Not Christian. He was aiming high, but something told me he could hit his target. Later, when I met his business partner, Brett Robison, who was the General Manager at Republic in Tacoma Park, I was certain. These guys were the real deal.
I first met Christian Layke almost three years ago, while he was still the head brewer at Gordon Biersch in Rockville, MD. At that first meeting, I knew immediately that this was going to be a very different brewery client. His dreams were huge and anyone else wanting to take on the scale of project he was describing, I would have thought them crazy. Not Christian. He was aiming high, but something told me he could hit his target. Later, when I met his business partner, Brett Robison, who was the General Manager at Republic in Tacoma Park, I was certain. These guys were the real deal.
Together, we worked through several stressful trademark issues, a very thorough operating agreement, and a long lease negotiation. But, that was just the tip of the iceberg of what these guys had to go through to get their doors open. They have been working non-stop and what was a gleam in Christian's eye three years ago is now a reality.
My wife and I had the pleasure of attending the Founder's and Investors party this past weekend and the place is fantastic. It's open and inviting with something for everyone. Of course, Christian is well-known for his outstanding beer, but they also have a full bar and will be open for gourmet coffee in the mornings. There are different areas of the brewery with high-top tables, picnic tables, and a more coffee-house type area. There are corn-hole boards and a foosball table with a big screen TV, but it's not a "sports bar." |
The focus of the brewery is "gemütlichkeit," the German word for the sense of camaraderie, coziness, and a sense of belonging one gets when enjoying time with good friends. They hit that goal right in the bullseye.
3he grand opening is Sunday, March 3, 2019. I encourage everyone to come enjoy this amazing new brewery in Silver Spring at 8401 Colesville Road (right across from the Silver Spring Metro station).