Amber’s Brewing Company, an Alberta-based beer producer, is under the gun to find a new home. For five years, the company has used an Edmonton warehouse as a main base; to store massive equipment like brew kettles, bottles, boxes of supplies, and a decades-old bottling machine.
“She’s seen more of Edmonton’s brewing industry than anybody,” says Jim Gibbon, the founder of Amber’s Brewing Company.
However, the business’ future years are a bit more uncertain, now that it has to pick up shop and move by July 6th.
One week ago, the micro brewery learned rent was going to nearly triple, so it’s forced to find a new home.
“It took us 4 months to set up and get brewing when we set up in 1st place, so this is a very nerve-racking thing,” says Gibbon. “We have to find a place and literally start moving equipment tomorrow, and we don’t know where we’re going yet.”
“We suddenly find ourselves without a building at the end of the month,” explains Gibbon, “so we have a panic move we have to make.”
“The other reason it’s sad is the 5 year mark came like this is that we seem to suddenly be seeing not only growth of our brand but local and craft brewed beers all of a sudden catching on in Edmonton,” he adds.
Amber’s still doesn’t have a new place established, which is really putting the pressure on the owners. Summer is peak season for the brewery, and owners worry what the move – and the break from brewing – could mean for business. The owners say this move could be disastrous for future promotion and sales. The company may have to cancel its summer events simply because it won’t have enough brew.
- Trudeau tight-lipped on potential U.S. TikTok ban as key bill passes
- Canadian man dies during Texas Ironman event. His widow wants answers as to why
- Hundreds mourn 16-year-old Halifax homicide victim: ‘The youth are feeling it’
- On the ‘frontline’: Toronto-area residents hiring security firms to fight auto theft
“We have to brew and move brew and move and hopefully take over the new place,” explains Gibbon.
“I don’t think you can underestimate what it takes to get something like this going.”
However, if it can weather the storm, and make this transition smoothly, Amber’s Brewing Company will be home-grown, and long-lasting, say the owners.
“If we survive a month we’ll be around the next 20 years,” vows Gibbon.
With files from Kendra Slugoski
Comments