Columbia’s food and drink scene continues to grow as the highly anticipated Trail Stop Brewery sets its sights on opening in March.
Owners William Kinney and Robert Zitsch have been friends and beer aficionados for many years and decided on starting Trail Stop Brewery based on timing, location and their love of beer-making.
“You drive by this place and you know it’s the perfect spot,” Kinney says. “So as I kind of look back, ‘Why am I doing this?’ right? One of the things that I like best is entertaining … So why not create a space where people can just come and get together.”
The brewery is located next to the MKT Natural and Fitness Trail at the Scott Boulevard access point, Jay Dix Station. Their logo pays homage to the previous railbed of the MKT railroad that is now the trail. The location provides an excellent stop for families and individuals looking to quench their thirst with a beer or grab a bite to eat while cycling, running or walking.
Kinney is a third-generation ear, nose and throat surgeon, who recently retired, and Zitsch is a head and neck cancer surgeon. After meeting through work, one of the hobbies they bonded over was brewing beer. Kinney has been brewing beer for 15 years and wanted to offer a brewery unlike the four others already in town. He doesn’t look at Trail Stop as a competitor, but rather a way to find collaboration and community in the beer scene.
“Logboat’s done a really good job of becoming a community landmark, a community supporter,” Kinney says. “They’ve just really integrated with the community, I guess, and I think that’s going to be important and that would be my ultimate goal, right? Is to be able to give back to the city and the community where we can. I think that’s going to grow as we get our processes underway.”
The two paired with Brian Watson, a brewmaster and founder and creator of SmartBrew, to assist in creating the recipes for the beers on tap. His invention, SmartBrew, is an automated commercial brewing technology that guarantees quality and consistency in the process of brewing. Trail Stop will use SmartBrew for all of their brewing needs, which due to their space and capacity on site could be, at most, 60 barrels a year or the equivalent of 19,000 pints. Though Kinney doesn't anticipate reaching that number, it places Trail Stop firmly in the category of a nanobrewery, leaving much room to grow.
Kinney and Zitsch wanted to have fun with creating the beer names, choosing to tie in their health care experience with names such as Doctor’s Order, a 6% ABV porter; Double Dose, an 8% double IPA; and Tincture of Hops, a 7% American IPA, among at least four other options. The brewery will also start a beer club, where members can pay extra for a special, laser-engraved cup to use each time they stop by.
In addition to beer and simple cocktails, a major part of Trail Stop Brewing will include the second location of Marceline Pizza Company. They will craft wood-fired pizza, Chicago deep dish pizza, among other menu offerings. Andrew Welsh, president of Marceline Pizza Company in Marceline, Missouri, and his wife Carrie, who is a wine sommelier and the vice president of the company, will be the executive chef and social media director, respectively.
Inside the new building, Trail Stop accommodates 100 individuals; with the outside patio that faces the Scott Boulevard roundabout, the capacity rises to 140. A hostess will greet you inside the door to seat you, and QR codes at the tables will allow for a hands-free model for ordering food and drinks.
“My biggest fear is we’re gonna be too busy and not be able to keep up with demand, but as Drew says, that’s a good problem to have,” Kinney says.
And who can forget the third component of Trail Stop Brewery? Pickleball. Outside of the building are four pickleball courts with large, direct court lighting that have been constructed and will open at 7 a.m. for those looking to get in an early game. The courts are a great local option for tournaments as well, as the grassy hill leading from Brushwood Lake Road to the courts provides the opportunity for stadium seating for spectators. Those wanting to play will need to reserve online. The brewery will have open play hours, as well.
Trail Stop Brewery is located at 3901 Brushwood Lake Road. For more information, visit trailstopbrewery.com.
… why not create a space where people can just come and get together.
My biggest fear is we’re gonna be too busy and not be able to keep up with demand, but as Drew says, that’s a good problem to have,