Main – Front row employees (l-r): Bailie Campbell, Rhea Rupert, Maggie Hughes Coffey, Becky Guynn and Amy Still. Back row employees (l-r) Jeff Drinkert, Ethan Cockerham, Andrew Arrington, Kevin Campbell, Cliff Bordewisch, Josh Langford, Daniel Turk and Michael Turk. Kyle Franklin is sitting.
The best place in Salem to get a beer is at 21 E Main Street, according to Kyle Franklin. The co-owner of Olde Salem Brewing Company views his new establishment as a family-friendly atmosphere where people can hang out, watch sports and drink a well-crafted beer. “Our location is incredible,” he said. “It’s within walking distance to all the downtown restaurants as well as Roanoke College. There’s a lot of free parking spaces in the area.”
Located in the old renovated Tarpley’s building, Franklin said he thought it would be a good idea to invest in the company because of how popular the craft beer scene is.
Maggie Hughes Coffey is the company’s Tasting Room Manager. “I will be managing all of the bartenders, bands, food and anything that the public sees when they walk through our front doors,” she said. “We’ve spent the past few months developing craft beers in hopes of bringing a new taste and culture into Salem. We are open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. We are closed on Monday.”
“Co-owner Sean Turk had a dream, and he made it happen,” Maggie added. “From chipping away at plaster, building in a new ceiling, meeting fire, health and ABC regulations, and brewing a healthy amount of delicious beer, our team has worked very hard to create the finest aesthetic and tastes.”
A meet and greet was held on November 18; three days before the company officially opened to the public. Co-owner Michael Turk anticipates Kolsch, a Germany brewed beer, and Brown Ale beer to be among their most popular selections.
Maggie Hughes Coffey and Michael Turk.
Bartender Daniel Turk agrees. “Those are two of my favorites,” he said. “After all of the hard work, we are finally here. There have been countless long days of painting, running tap lines, cleaning kegs, laying the floor, installing taps and just getting all the pieces to fall into place.”
Kyle says they plan on being open for meetings, happy hours and certain holidays. The Olde Salem Brewery team is united by its mission: for everyone to come together and enjoy a great beer.
Downtown Salem is known for its antique shops, restaurants and lively vibe. When locals and visitors think of places to enjoy a great beer though, Olde Salem Brewing employees want to be the first name that comes to mind. “A lot of hard work went into making this a reality,” Michael said. “We look forward to serving the Salem community and beyond.”