Flood Valley Brewery Finds New Home in a House That Hops Built in Chehalis

Third time’s the charm.

That’s what Chris Rohr hopes.

Now open at his third location in five years, Rohr has an infectiously plucky sense of optimism that his Flood Valley Brewery has found its forever home. The past is the past, he said, and the focus now is the future.

“Stuff from the outside can cause issues but it’s what you do on the inside that matters,” Rohr said.

Rohr originally opened a brewing supply business about five years ago on Tower Avenue in Centralia. But he eventually decided to move his business because the location was too far outside the downtown core where special events happen. Last December, he opened his dream taphouse in the former location of the Matrix Coffeehouse on Prindle Street. He hoped he could convert the large building into a space to house a brewery.

This spring, Rohr was notified by the City of Chehalis that the location would need a sprinkler system and fire wall installed, which would cost about $100,000. Despite fundraising efforts and even extensions from the city, Rohr was not able to raise the necessary amount, and the location officially closed Oct. 1. But even before closing his doors, Rohr already had plans in motion to relocate the brewery just across the street at 289 NW Chehalis Ave., the former location of Rumrunners and previously the Devilfish Public House. Rohr said giving up or closing his business were not options.

“I could have left town and did what I’ve been trying to do and I could have been successful but that’s not the point. I want my brewery to be something successful but I also want to help Lewis County,” Rohr said. “It’s absolutely the hardest thing I’ve ever done. There’s days I’m fighting to keep my eyes open because I’m so tired, but there’s nothing I’d rather be doing because I’m doing this for my family and my friends and my community.”

Flood Valley Brewing Craft Taphouse officially opened for business on Chehalis Avenue Dec. 1. In the few weeks between locations, Rohr said the work included setting up a back area for homebrew equipment and extending his preferred rustic, northwest feel to the space’s décor.

“A lot of it was just lighting and cosmetic,” Rohr said. “It was getting rid of fluorescent lighting and anything that didn’t fit with the feel I was going for.”

Previous businesses at the site did offer food, but Rohr said the kitchen needs some additional work in order for him to be able to offer food. He hopes that work will be completed within the next month or two, but until then, patrons are welcome to bring in their own food. Rohr even provides menus for nearby eateries.

Rohr said his vision for the Flood Valley Brewing taproom is to create a “craft brewing experience.” At the moment, the brewery offers 21 taps of microbrews, and that number is planned to expand to 24. The rotating taps steer clear of beers and breweries common in other local establishments. And Rohr is excited to help people navigate the menu.

“Someone comes in and goes ‘what should I have?’ and I’ll say ‘let’s have some tasters and find out,’” Rohr said.

Creating a different kind of hangout includes staying true to what Rohr started at his last location, including the popular weekly Floodgates Open Mic comedy nights as well as special events such as live music and the upcoming New Year’s Eve party, which includes a plated dinner.

“I believe in supporting entertainers and what they’re trying to do because there’s no place for them to go,” Rohr said.  

Once the restaurant portion of the brewery is open, Rohr said all ages will be welcome during appropriate hours. He said he envisions something that feels like a European pub, which is viewed as more of a community gathering place where families hang out than a place that is only for adults to drink.

By mid to late 2018, Rohr plans to have his brewery up and running in the space and be able to offer his own craft brews to the public.

And in a strange way, Rohr believes his business was simply meant to be in its new location. The building, which includes 249-289 Chehalis Avenue, was built in 1908 by John Garbe, who at one time was the valley’s largest hops dealer. Until 1923, the building housed Garbe’s offices, lodging spaces and the Garbe Hotel. Garbe would have brokered deals to sell hops grown in the Chehalis Valley for farmers such as the famous Herman Klaber of Boistfort.

“This is one of those parts of history that Lewis County forgot and I think it’s high time we remember it and use it,” Rohr said. “We’re in the midst of a craft brewing boom and this building was built by hops money.”