Stickmen Brewing closes their original Lake Oswego pub, but plans to open 2 more
Stickmen Brewing Company has quietly closed their original Lake Oswego location, signing over remainder of lease to a new local tenant. A new tenant is scheduled to take possession of the building in mid-January 2024 with plans for a remodel and a future eatery/drinkery not affiliated with Stickmen. But this is just the closing of one chapter for Stickmen, who opened a Happy Valley location in 2022 and brews primarily out of a production facility and taproom in Tualatin. More locations are on the way in 2024.
Stickmen Brewing Company opened in prime real estate on Lake Oswego’s namesake body of water in 2012. Founded by Tim Schoenheit and John Turner, the original name was Stickmen Brewery & Skewery because the food focus was on Japanese-style skewers like Yakitori and noodles and stir fry, but a few years later they dropped that theme and settled on traditional American brewpub fare. While the initial Stickmen beers were highly experimental with ingredients like bay leaves and cucumber, and some fermented with sake yeast, that also went away after they opened their larger production facility in Troutdale and began canning and distribution.
According to Stickmen, the closure of their first location is about focusing on the upcoming projects that align with the current brand identity and operational framework of Stickmen’s other thriving locations.
Tim Schoenheit, principal owner of Stickmen Brewing, shared insights into the decision, stating, “Our Lake Oswego location has always had its difficulties. Being super seasonal in nature, we’ve struggled through winter months for pretty much every one of the 11 years we’ve been open. While we will greatly miss the lakeside patio and the lake Oswego community, we need to focus on the future. Having all the current and future locations aligned with the same concept and standards, just made sense.”
Currently, Stickmen’s headquarters are at their production brewery and beer hall in Tualatin. In July of 2022 they opened their third location, a taproom in Happy Valley. The brand is poised for further expansion with two upcoming locations. A taproom in McMinnville is set to open its doors in late February 2024, followed by a taproom in Cedar Mill, anticipated to welcome patrons in early summer 2024. Both new locations will follow the same concept as Tualatin and Happy Valley. Wood-fired pizzas, salads, appetizers, beer, wine, cider, and limited craft cocktail menu. Family-friendly atmosphere and dog-friendly patios.
Rendering of Stickmen Brewing’s much delayed Beaverton/Cedar Hills location
All of Stickmen’s current and future brewing takes place in their 27,000sqft production brewery in Tualatin where they have their original 7bbl system from Lake Oswego and a 30bbl system. With room to expand with more tanks in the future.
Stickmen Brewing Company continues its mission of staying true to its commitment of quality and innovation in their brewing and to community engagement. For more information and updates, please visit www.stickmenbeer.com or follow @stickmenbrewing.