The Four Firkins Oakdale location opened last Thursday at 4 PM after months of hard work put in by owner Jason Alvey and his herd of beer nerds otherwise known as The Four Firkins Crew. "It's a hell of a lot of work" says Alvey. "It takes a lot of work to do this." By his count he hasn't had a day off since August, often working 14 hour days preparing for the new location to open.
The hard work paid off with a packed house on Thursday and the locals seemed to take a liking to the craft beer only store. "It's been a great happy vibe" according to Alvey. "A lot of locals stopped in that didn't even know about us." Although the work is not complete (there is still more decorating to do) it feels very similar to the St. Louis Park location with deep red walls and dark woods with exposed ceilings. This was of course by design.
"It is branding and we understand the importance of branding" said Alvey. "This is all custom stuff. If you want the same feel you have to make it yourself. It doesn't just come out of a box."
When you go to the Four Firkins in St. Louis Park you expect a certain kind of experience—one where both beer geeks and newbies to craft beer feel welcome. The same experience will also be felt at the brand new Four Firkins location right next to Buffalo Wild Wings in Oakdale. Their "Oakbury" location (coined by Sales Manager Michael Wagner) will be staffed by some of the same people as the SLP location and yes they will be doing in store tastings as well.
To celebrate the crew plans to throw a Grand Opening shindig on October 11th where they hope to serve food cooked on grills outside of the store. They also invited some breweries to pour beer (inside only) for thirsty beer shoppers who plan to celebrate with them.
Be sure to stop in and pick up something from Bauhaus Brew Labs or Steel Toe Brewing which aren't currently available anywhere else in the area.
Location:
Four Firkins
8338 3rd St. N
Oakdale, MN 55128
Cheers!
