Greetings from the FWB Family,
Well, we held our collective breath, cheered, jeered, groaned and watched as the intrepid men’s national soccer team was defeated by Belgium 2-1 in a heart stopper of a match during the Soccer World Cup “knock out round.” They call it that because one loss and you are knocked out of the competition, gotta pack your bags and head home. It was heartbreaking on many levels since the U.S. really got behind the team this year for a lot of different reasons. Soccer is becoming more popular here. MLS teams are gaining more and more fans. International players are coming to play on American teams. But at the end of the day, despite the valiant efforts of goal keeper Tim Howard, the US Men’s side were outplayed by Belgium.
It’s tough when you work so very hard for something, give it everything you know to give and then “lose.” But considering where the American team started this year expectations-wise they over-achieved on many levels. And you could tell how badly they wanted it by the end. The problem is, soccer is a long game, and the desire to win does not always match the will or the skill.
Owning a business is a lot about matching desire to will, skill and ability. It also comes with its own set of heartbreaks. We were dealt a bit of a blow last week as a matter of fact when we were denied an occupancy permit for our front building banquet hall due to a lack of state-mandated sprinklers. It took a day or two to absorb, ponder and make the decision we have made.
We WILL be opening the banquet hall building, along with our new tap room, retail store and beer garden on schedule.
It will be about $45k more expensive than we had planned. And that $45,000 is money we needed for carpentry, electricians, painters, kitchen equipment, you name it.
But we are 100% committed to this WHOLE project, not just part of it. So on July 31, 2014 we will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE For the public. By that time we plan to be fully functional in both bar and kitchen and have the banquet hall ready for its first customers. We are saying right now, however, that we need some help in order to cover the unexpected dollars we must pay to install a pumping station and sprinklers. So, we’re launching a new program:
#sprinkleFWB is our way of reaching out to the community to ask for help. Not just “donations in a jar” although we won’t turn those away. No, it’s more about asking that YOU come out to our new place; fill the hall, plan your outdoor events in our beautiful beer garden, purchase your home brewing and wine making supplies AND your beer and wine from us in our brand new place!
You’ll be hearing a lot about “#sprinkleFWB” in the coming days and weeks and what it means is this: We need to make sure you keep coming to Fenton Winery & Brewery, even though we have moved out of the Leroy Street location. Keep supporting us so we can get that banquet hall open according to state code on schedule. When you do come out, please note that the front building is NOT OPEN YET! However, keep driving past it, park and come on into the store/brewery during these hours to buy your wine, your growler fill, your supplies or just to say “hey”, have a quick glass and take a look around.
We are open:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 3-7 p.m.
Friday & Saturday noon- 7 p.m.
Sunday noon-4 p.m.
We do need your help to make this dream a reality. Help us spread the word! We are taking the next step in our journey and it’s a #sprinkleFWB one!
see you soon,