It takes a lot to open a business like this from the ground up. Things like a location, certifications, permits, renovations, equipment and utilities, all before you’re even open and able to make money from a product. Most breweries begin with generous backing and likely an even more generous business loan. To our knowledge, many of our peers in the industry have multiple partners putting in funds or the ability to start big with some sort of financial help, which is so awesome for them. This industry is generally one of support and love and we have nothing but those feelings for each and every brewer in the market. And if we had that luxury, we’d surely make use of it. But the reality is, we don’t. Over the years, we’ve been able to build a very small savings which allowed us to get a small business loan this year, so we really had to decide how we were going to make our big time dream work with small time dream funds.
To look ahead, we have to know where we're at, first.
Where are we right now?
At the end of 2019, we found a property in Hutto that we knew would be perfect for what we wanted to create. It was a little over an acre of land with a rundown house on the property that had two large patios, one facing the stage of the Brushy Creek Amphitheater. It was a large enough space that we could host events, and the location next to the Amphitheater was perfect for introducing locals and travelers alike to our spot. We gathered our savings and began the process of getting a small business loan. Shortly after we began the process, the pandemic halted everything, including our dream. So we waited. We had no idea when we’d be able to try again as the country scrambled to figure out what was going on, and so many suffered from what was happening. In mid 2021, the owners of the property reached out to us informing us that the location was still available and if we were still interested, they still wanted to work with us. We discussed it for quite some time and we came to the conclusion, “if not now, when?” The pandemic stole so much from so many people…jobs, homes, lives…and we weren’t immune to those losses. It just really put into perspective that “one day” should be “today.” So we started the process again. At the end of 2021, we were approved for a very small business loan and, after having to pivot to make our small amount of money work, it really seemed like we could do this. We had planned on opening by summer 2022 but unfortunately, that date has continued to be delayed due to inflation on contracting materials and other unforeseen circumstances.
Given that we wanted this to be OUR baby, we had to start with a smaller, more affordable plan and work toward making it the space of our dreams. Here’s what that means:
Microbrewing
When we open, you’ll come on the property and see our BAD ASS, custom shipping container bar (Thanks Bobs!) and open, outdoor seating. We plan to have as much shading as possible and things like misters and fans to help keep you cool. To the right of the bar, you’ll see a spooky, old, rundown house. The best kind, right? We’ve updated bathrooms in the house for customer use, and will continue renovating the house outside of operational hours until we are able to turn it into an amazing bar with indoor seating, updated brewing equipment and offices upstairs. Guests will have access to two patios that overlook the gorgeous, arboreous property and (the crown jewel of this location) the Brushy Creek Amphitheater stage stationed next door to us. Pretty cool, right?
The first picture here is the cement pad where the shipping container will go. Right behind the container and to the right, you can see the Brushy Creek Amphitheater stage. The second and third photos are the house that's going to be renovated. Don't let the look of the house scare you! She might be an eyesore at the moment but she won't always be that way, and she's safe to be in currently, even if she doesn't look it.
Our goal from the very beginning, when Rockabilly Brewing was a brand new, tiny idea in our brains, was to be a family-friendly business. We have two kids of our own and sometimes, it’d be nice to take them out to play but also be able to enjoy a beer or a glass of wine. How fun would it be to take them to small, local events specifically for their age and still be able to enjoy a nice cold, craft beer? Forget needing to pay a sitter every time you want to get out of the house. Our plan from the beginning in 2017 was to have a fun playscape for the kids to enjoy while parents are able to socialize and relax. Locations with a similar idea have popped up since then in the south Austin area but the market in the Hutto/Round Rock area is ripe for a place like ours.
Don’t worry about being hungry while you’re here. We will have rotating food trucks ready to serve you delicious snacks to keep your appetite satiated while you enjoy our unique selection of beers.
Lastly, I’d love to tell you how we want to give back to the community, but also to just give in general. We have always wanted to be in the position to give on a larger scale so our plan is to host various events throughout the year that highlight local vendors while raising funds for local charities. We want to have the ability to do things like clear local teachers’ shopping lists and give away scholarships. We want to host events that bring the community together, not only in times of happiness but also in times of crisis. We want to be your neighborhood spot for years to come that makes you proud to support them.