A 10-barrel microbrewery in North Little Rock, Arkansas, is spreading its wings and migrating southeast.
Named after one of North America’s main bird migratory routes, Flyway Brewing opened in North Little Rock in 2015 and now has locations in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee, with a West Point location already in the works. With the West Point location being the company’s fourth, I think the bird-focused brewery falls perfectly in line with the area’s focus on agriculture and conservation.
“Everything from the design of the brewery, with earth tones and natural landscapes of the migration, to the brews themselves with their convergence of Arkansas native flavors reflect this magnificent natural phenomenon,” the Flyway Brewing website reads. “At Flyway Brewing, we see it as our responsibility to think deeply about the lessons that only nature can teach.”
Ray Hamilton, owner of Anthony’s Market, will serve as operating partner along with several investors and the Flyway owners. The goal is to open by fall in the historic Justice Company Building at 26355 W. Main St., just across from Anthony’s.
“I don’t think there’s anywhere else we could do this,” Hamilton said. “The space is so big, it’s got old pine floors, the architecture, old skylights, iron tension rods and the original framing, and we’re going to use all of it.”
The building, dating back to 1910, offers approximately 9,000 square feet for the brewery and restaurant. Hamilton added that the group will renovate the outdoor space to include lawn games and live music.
The building has sat vacant for a couple of years, but Hamilton is working with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History to restore the character that’s been hiding under the dust. He hopes the revitalized space will become a family-friendly stop that catches the eye of anyone driving through West Point. This project is so unique to the region, and my wife (a huge duck and bird enthusiast) and I (a huge beer enthusiast) will be first standing in line when the doors open.
“We will have a 15-barrel brewhouse and produce about 3,000 barrels annually for starters,” Hamilton said. “We will have small batch canning capabilities for specialty batches unique to the Golden Triangle. … We need something like this. West Point has all the potential in the world, and this could be the spark plug that kicks things off. It’s going to be a unique and cool space.”
The menu is still coming together, but Hamilton said to expect elevated bar dishes such as wild game options, artisan pizzas, quail sliders, burgers and more. Flyway will brew its seasonal and signature beers on-site, and the building could hold up to 300 people.
Meanwhile in Starkville, O’Sake Steakhouse has officially opened at 211 Hwy. 12. The new spot brings a range of Asian cuisine to town with poke, ramen, hibachi and more. Hours run 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-9 p.m. on Sundays.
There’s also progress on a long-awaited project on my side of town. The Waffle House near the Neighborhood Walmart Market has finally broken ground. More than a year after announcing plans for a new location near the Hilton Garden Inn at 975 Hwy. 12 E., construction is underway. For some of us, it’s not just a Waffle House, it’s a Waffle Home (and it’s about to be within walking distance).
With Thanksgiving approaching, several Golden Triangle restaurants are stepping in to take the pressure off busy kitchens. Cracker Barrel is offering holiday meals for pickup through Nov. 30 with at least 24 hours’ notice. Georgia Blue is accepting catering orders through Saturday with pickup on the day before Thanksgiving. There are several options to help out a local business and kick back and relax.
Most folks will gather around full tables with family and friends next week, but as always, that isn’t the case for everyone. If you know someone spending the holiday alone, this is a good time to reach out or pull up an extra chair.
I’ll see y’all next week!
Former Dispatch reporter Mary Pollitz writes weekly about interesting business news. Have a tip? Send it to [email protected].
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
