Vancouver, Washington’s popular Final Draft Taphouse has new ownership
New Chapter in the Story of Vancouver’s Final Draft Taphouse
Mike Bolt & Kimberly Johnson are passing the torch to Payton O’Neal after 7 years at Final Draft Taphouse
In 2017, Mike & Kimberly opened Final Draft Taphouse with an excitement that shook up the Northbank beer scene. A curated taplist that remains elite tier for the area 8 years later, a story-telling brand that inspires guests and opens doors for the craft beer curious to become craft beer lovers — but more than anything, a community cultivated by love and enthusiasm.
Many words can be said for Mike’s expertly curated taplist that regularly features beers from the likes of Ruse, Brujos and Wayfinder, and cannot be found elsewhere in Clark County. Before leading his trademark "Right On!" toast, Mike shared about his experience at Bayern Brewing in Missoula, Montana where the hugs and high-fives of a community originally sparked his passion to work in craft beer and own a taphouse.
"I wanted to recreate that communal friendship, love, energy that I saw in that brewery," as the standing-room-only taproom listened on Monday Night, Bolt said, "Now look at this, we recreated that. You recreated that." Mike continued in his own whimsically chaotic way, "Now Payton is going to take that into abysmal greatness, if that makes any sense."
Kimberly’s passion for seeing new faces fall in love with craft beer inspired the creation of Brew Bevy – a group of women who gather once monthly at the taphouse for beers and togetherness and once monthly for “Bevy On The Road” to flash mob local breweries and taprooms with support. Her passion to see women succeed made the passing of the torch to Payton that much more significant. Amidst tears, Kimberly shared to the crowd of over 100 gathered, "We couldn't be more excited to turn it over to someone who just loves craft beer and is like all of us. And for me personally, to turn it over to another woman is just really really fucking cool."
Payton O’Neal has been behind the bar at Final Draft for more than 2 years. She said, "I've been in the industry in some way since I was old enough to join the workforce." Upon first meeting Kimberly, she expressed her desire to open a taproom of her own one day. On October 1st, that dream comes true when Mike and Kimberly give Payton the keys and complete the ownership transition.
"Final Draft found me at a hard time in my life," shared Payton. "These walls have seen a lot of things others haven't. I've been here on the hard days, the fun days, the hungover days. But I've always left this place happier than when I entered." That's a legacy that Payton is committed to continue.
Payton was the last to speak to the crowd on the announcement. "Something that's always resonated with me," said Payton. "Treat others as you would want to be treated." She continued, "I'm really excited to have a place where that's the number one fucking rule!"
An application with WSLCB reveals that Final Draft may soon serve liquor and welcome minors after being a 21+ only establishment since its inception. Both changes that Payton says will come in phases. "Nothing crazy immediately," she says.
Final Draft Taphouse
11504 Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98684
