Husband-wife open new brew-pub

AIRWAY HEIGHTS – After more than six months of planning, Matt and Monica Swansonhave opened the doors to West Plains Brewing.

The new, family-friendly brewery at 12622 W. Sunset Highway offers a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with handcrafted furniture, house-brewed beer, hard ciders and kombucha.

The Swansons said they bring a unique touch to their brewery.

Matt Swanson's passion for brewing began in his childhood, when he helped his father make dandelion wine.

"My earliest memories at 4 or 5 started with my father having me pick a bucket full of dandelion heads in order for him to brew dandelion wine," he said.

That early experience evolved into a love for brewing that now fuels West Plains Brewing.

His daughter inspired one of his creations, Chinook Blonde, a light beer named for her dislike of hoppy flavors.

While Matt Swanson handles the brewing, his wife Monica Swanson manages marketing.

With her background in marketing, she has launched initiatives like the Mug Club and themed discount days, such as Stay-At-Home Mom's Day.

"Beer is the fruit of the spirit," she said, reflecting on their vision for the brewery.

The path to opening West Plains Brewing wasn't without challenges.

Initially, city paperwork mistakenly classified their brewery as a distillery, causing delays, they said. Financing was also tight, with the couple relying on a small business loan and their own labor.

To save costs, Matt Swanson even built the furniture from reclaimed wood, including pieces made from his old cedar porch.

The Swansons chose Airway Heights after carefully researching local demographics. They said they were drawn to the area's diverse, young population, largely influenced by its proximity to Fairchild Air Force Base.

They also noticed a gap in family-oriented venues.

"We didn't want to be a sports bar," Matt Swanson said. "It's all about family and unity ... that's why the American flag hangs above the bar."

The couple credits fellow entrepreneurs for their helping them with knowledge and advice.

"Get multiple bids from contractors and check references," Matt Swanson said. "Find someone with a good, basic, successful business and ask them for advice."