During a challenging economy a couple of dreams come true

During a challenging economy a couple of dreams come true

These days, you can't have a conversation, watch the news, read the newspaper, or Martinez Patch :-) without some mention of our challenging economy. So I find it reassuring that even in the midst of all the bad news we have some signs of progress in our own historic little neighborhood.

Of the many good things going on in downtown Martinez, the soon-to-be-opened Creek Monkey Tap House (there's a great little story behind that name) is near and dear to my heart. I met the owner, Jim Blair, about 18 months ago when a friend dropped by my office with Jim in tow. This particular friend, (and most people I know for that matter), have known for some time that I have long had a goal to lure a brewery to downtown Martinez. My husband is an enthusiastic home-brewer so I have become very familiar with the Craft Beer industry, and our combined interest has led to a discovery of a brewery or two in our travels, most of which were housed in historical or funky buildings much like the ones in downtown Martinez. (And, if I do say so myself, craft beer drinkers tend to be rather nice people).

Before meeting Jim, I had met with a couple of groups that wanted to open a brewery and was considering downtown Martinez as a possible location. But, for various reasons, they didn't work out.  Recruiting new business is an integral part and goals of what Main Street Martinez. From day one, I could tell Jim was going to achieve his goal of opening his own brewery, and my goal, as executive director of Main Street Martinez, was to make sure he chose downtown Martinez as his location.

Every time Jim and I talked, I admired his passion for the craft beer industry, and knew he would be a perfect addition to the downtown business community. BUT, as the days, weeks, then months went by, Jim would tell me about possible locations in nearby cities that he’d been considering and I’d find myself extremely disappointed because I knew what a great fit he would be for downtown Martinez.

Undaunted, I gave Jim a tour of our charming downtown, showed him available spaces, and introduced him to property owners. Happily, there were several options that he thought might work for him so began the process of elimination. The good news was that Jim, already a Martinez resident, was definitely interested in the untapped (no pun intended) potential of our downtown, and how he might be able to contribute to future growth. (It didn’t hurt that he had both a legal and commercial real estate appraisal background so we cut through some of the red tape.)

Encouraged, I set up meetings for Jim to meet with council members, and city staff so he could share his plans. Each meeting resulted in a new level of excitement about the possibility of a Martinez Brewery. I started to think that maybe, just maybe! it may actually happen and, someday soon, we'd be hoisting a mug or two of craft beer brewed right here in Downtown Martinez!

About this time, I had attended a popular Craft Beer Festival in Monterey and came back from that inspiring event with the wheels turning ready to create our own Craft Beer Festival in Martinez. I had a couple of goals in mind....to raise money for Main Street Martinez (the board liked that idea) and bring education and awareness about the craft beer industry to downtown Martinez. I strongly felt that having a Craft Beer Festival in downtown Martinez would help achieve both of my goals.

The board of directors of Main Street Martinez approved the event concept, and I immediately set out to make it happen! The first order of business was to put together a top-notch Beer Festival committee. The committee needed a  chairperson that could lead and was passionate about the craft beer industry. I could think of nobody better for the job than... you guessed it.....JIM! Event though his schedule was already extremely busy, he said yes and the end result is not one, but two very successful craft beer festivals. (We are working on the third festival to be held on Sat., Oct. 22. Save the date.)

So now, fast-forward a few months, and the Creek Monkey Tap House micro-brewery is about to open. It is a dream come true for Jim (and me) and I know it's going to be a huge success and welcome addition to Downtown Martinez. Jim is determined to do it right and has created a unique and welcoming space that I am sure you will absolutely enjoy. Check it out; you’ll be glad you did.

There's going to be 20+ unique craft beers on tap, and the restaurant will include locally sourced food on the menu.

Without a doubt, the hard work and investment kudos go to Jim, his family and friends, and the property owner, Earl Dunivan.  Like me, they all believed in the dream and were willing to take a leap of faith and invest the dollars and time to make this happen. I believe, based on what I've seen in other downtowns, that the Creek Monkey Tap House will be a catalyst for future business investments.  Come on down, share a beer or two, and enjoy a good meal with your favorite craft beer enthusiast and celebrate our untapped potential.

Thank you, Jim, for making your dream and mine come true. 

Cheers!