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In the Chef ’ s Corner
Big Draft Brewing
MAGGIE HATFIELD TRACY A . TOLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Left to right : Elkins , Groseclose and Bostic .
A group of entrepreneurial friends is at the center of the revitalization taking place in Greenbrier County . When Clay Elkins , J . W . Groseclose and David Bostic came up with an idea for a new brewery , they decided from the start that they always wanted it to be more than just a place that crafted and served beer . They wanted it to be a place that brought people together .
Big Draft Brewing officially opened in July 2021 after a private lunch event for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the U . S . Clarence Thomas .
“ We looked around at each other and said , ‘ Hey that went well , let ’ s go for it .’ Then we sent out texts to folks letting them know we were open ,” says Elkins . “ Our first night , when we were rocking and rolling , we lost power due to the transformer going out . That ’ s how awesome our opening night was .”
As a company , Big Draft Brewing has made it a point to be very supportive of the surrounding community . Currently , the business is focused on supporting local artisans , musicians , painters and photographers . Big Draft Brewing is a big supporter of the youth in the community as well .
“ We know this is tricky since our main focus is a brewery , but we have donated our event space to celebrate award parties for leagues and are big supporters of the school bands , sports teams and the youth mountain biking team , The Hellbenders ,” says Elkins .
By merging the space and atmosphere , Big Draft Brewing designed a place of gathering . The Brewery features versatile garage doors to incorporate an indoor and outdoor experience when the weather is warm . The brewery also has an amazingly large beer garden that is the ultimate setup for live , outdoor music . The space shows off a lot of wood and a live-edge bar top for patrons to enjoy a few drinks . For a meal and a show , there are two large windows that look into the actual brewery where the team might be cranking out the latest creation .
“ One of the things we really love is that it ’ s a gathering place for folks of all backgrounds ,” says Elkins . “ On a given night , you ’ ll see local construction guys beside lawyers and tourists , and that is so rewarding for us .”
Big Draft Brewing is known for its extensive alcoholic and non-alcoholic
offerings , and the bar team , led by Austin Ramsey , can help you find whatever you are in the mood for .
“ We have a very diverse beer menu with something for everyone . Each beer is very distinct and representative of the style it was brewed to be ,” says Elkins .
The culinary team , headed by Chef Hunter Sabbag , brings creativity to each dish and has fantastic selections for lunch , dinner and brunch . For a large party that wants to share a meal during an evening out , Big Draft Brewing has a few choices called Plates for Friends that include the Big Draft Brewery Pretzel , Lager House Nachos and some flavorful flat breads . For their main dining choices , patrons can indulge in hardy classics such as shepherd ’ s pie , tender- loin and taters or the fried chicken breast . The brunch menu is offered from 11 a . m . to 4 p . m . and has favorites such as chicken and waffles , biscuits and gravy and steak and eggs .
Since it has opened its doors , Big Draft Brewing has been able to create a lot of buzz in Greenbrier County , even from those just visiting .
“ We have become a favorite for the locals because folks are excited to have
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE