Rogue Brewing Ales & Spirits launches a vibrant new pubhouse in mid-March, spotlighting a focus on community engagement and Salem-exclusive brews.
Its new location is in West Salem, at 555 9th St NW, formerly owned by Gilgamesh Brewing. The space will be lively and inviting, a high-end bar experience with a large industrial footprint that seats around 250 people (including the patio).
For the opening month, president Steven Garrett plans a series of events in March, culminating in a grand opening. They hope to include a variety of community partners, ranging from nonprofits to local breweries.
Garrett wants this new location to be a “community hub,” reflecting the Willamette Valley, as his other locations reflect, for example, Astoria or Yaquina Bay. As for socializing, the pub promises sports, live music, and extensive local collaborations.
Aesthetically speaking, Rogue is designing the space around wood, paying homage to the area’s historic timber industry. Garrett used words like comfort and safety to describe the atmosphere. His ultimate goal is for families or sports teams to consistently take advantage of the space.
Rogue also promises product lines and beer from the Willamette Valley, mentioning food products exclusive to Salem. Given the brand’s history of collaborations, including a previous partnership with Xiche Brewing, more local involvement is expected.
It has been four years since Rogue closed its tasting room and hop farm, formerly in Independence. Ever since, Garrett has been searching for an avenue back to the Salem area, energized by his positive experience with Polk and Marion County.
“On a personal level,” he says, speaking as a Sprague High School graduate, “I’m excited to bring a brand like Rogue back to my hometown.”
Garrett has been with Rogue for 10 years, since 2012 as an intern, fresh out of college. “I just fell in love with the brand,” he says, reflecting on the past decade.
He later left his internship and took a position in business development, developing new product lines such as spirits and cocktails. Garrett says that innovation, pushing boundaries, and simply trying new things are inherent to Rogue.
In August 2023, he became president with creativity remaining in the forefront of his strategy. He recently launched the Rip City IPA with the Portland Trailblazer, exemplifying his innovative approach and local commitment to Oregon.
“We’re an Oregon brand, through and through,” he said. Creating a flagship location in the Willamette Valley was an act of further dedication to the community that created Rogue.
“We also want to introduce new people to the essence of Rogue,” Garrett said, “in the hopes that people will think, ‘Wow, this is a brand that really cares about what it does!'”
Despite the failures of the draft beer industry in recent years, Garrett remains confident. With top-notch beer, a welcoming atmosphere, and dedication to the local community, Rogue’s return to the Willamette Valley promises to be a success.