JCL: Congrats on your 2-year anniversary! Through COVID, no less. What pivots did you make that helped keep your business on track?
Alisa Tanner Wall: Resilience is the first word that comes to mind. We fought as hard as we could to keep food and beer flowing for the community. We immediately had to cut back our hours, labor, and menu since we were takeout only. However, we added tons of different family packs that were easily executable and enjoyable. Included in each family pack was a roll of toilet paper, of course! We also organized all third-party delivery services. We hosted a handful of staff fundraisers and provided a meal a day to all staff members. We are very blessed to have come out of this stronger than before!
JCL: Boos and Brews Beer Mile is coming up in October 30!
ATW: Come out in your most fun costume and join us for a wicked beer mile! This event will be capped at 300 so make sure you sign up early. We'll have three waves to choose from. You’ll enjoy a brew sample (apple juice for the kiddos) with each lap to make the mile AND receive a large finisher pour. Children run for free with adults in the 10 a.m. wave. We will have boo bags for the kids. RunSignUp.com
JCL: Your GM is celebrating a 10-year anniversary with your company. What a superstar!
ATW: Kirstie Allen is a true unicorn. Her passion, love, and dedication for the business and employees can’t even be put into words. She is the force behind our culture here and it would not be the same without her. She started with us as a server and has climbed the ladder, working every position. When it was time for us to open the Halcyon location, it was no question that this would be her next step as our general manager. As we continue to expand into Chattanooga, she will transition to our regional manager. It is beyond wonderful to see her grow with us and we look forward to her continued growth.
JCL: What are your "entry-level" beers and, at the other end of the spectrum, what do you suggest for the aficionado?
ATW: Our easiest drinking beer is our Lake Beer Lite. It is a crisp, easy-drinking lager. As for the adventurous drinkers, any of our sours or barrel-aged beers are unique and still approachable. One of our most popular beers is our Halcyon Haze IPA. It is a double-dry hopped, hazy IPA with tropical and grapefruit characters. Our Friend of the Farmer Pumpkin Pie Porter is our biggest fall hit!