THE BRIDGEVIEW BEER AND WINE SUPPLY STORY

THE BRIDGEVIEW BEER AND WINE SUPPLY STORY

 

Bridgeview, 'The accidental Beer and Wine Supply store', opened in 1994. It was not my plan to open a supply store but to open a brewery.

 

After attending school for brewing science I refinanced the building at 622/624 Main Street, Oregon City to fund a brewery. When I went into sign the papers I was shocked. The mortgage co. had written checks to all of my creditors for my music store 'Loud Music Company'. They said the income to debt ratio was too high and there was a small check for me in the amount of 32K. I new that if I tried to go through with my plans on 32K, one month would go by, the money would be gone and there would not be a brewery here.

 

I thought long and hard. What to do? Well, one of the ideas I had for the brewery was to sell supplies for making beer at home. Then it hit me, start a Beer Supply store and just keep working on the brewery idea.

 

I really didn't know how big this would be. Of course I had to ad wine making supplies and eventually many other specialty items.

The timing was perfect. The home brewing thing was getting huge. Wine making was on the rise and there was nowhere else in Clackamas County to go. The business is very fun. Most of my customers become friends and we share libations with each other often.

 

Nearly twenty years have past now and it has been a great time. I love my job and I love helping people make their beer, wine, mead, liquor, soda, cheese, vinegars, kombucha or whatever. I like to joke with people by saying 'The reason I want to help you make sure it turns out good is so when you bring in a sample for me it tastes good'. The brewery idea is still alive and finally after twenty-two years the dream is about to come real. The supply store will continue to be a love of mine and I will always consult with my friends (customers).

 

Always Remember-Relax, Don't Worry, Have a Homebrew! Or Whatever!

 

Larry Medearis/Owner

Bridgeview Beer and Wine Supply