CHICO — Once again, the historic brick building at the corner of Broadway and East Eight Street will hear the sound of clinking beer glasses as it welcomes another taproom.
But it isn’t a new taproom.
Jim Hardesty and his son Sean Hardesty will be moving NorCal Brewing Co. from south Chico to the busy downtown corner before the end of the year.
For nearly two years, the brewery has been on Erma Court, off Meyers Street, as part of what’s been called Chico’s “Beverage District,” but that’s been part of the problem. People had problems finding his brewery, Hardesty said, describing the process of turning around this corner, then that corner, then to the back of a row of industrial-looking businesses.
That shouldn’t be an issue anymore when the business moves to one of the busiest corners in Chico that was formerly occupied by the Winchester Goose. The latter business closed earlier this year.
Growing slowly allowed NorCal Brewing to set a strong foundation, Hardesty said, confirming he was ready for the next step, and a busy one.
“We knew we were going to grow out of the first location, but we weren’t quite there yet. But when we saw the rent sign on the corner, we decided it was time. We couldn’t pass this up.”
The brewing process will stay on Erma, with the taproom moving to the brick corner, once the Alcohol Beverage Control board licensing comes in, which he expects will be in December. Because it’s a like use, Hardesty doesn’t think there will be any problems.
Hardesty will be moving his current taproom furniture once all the interior work is done. To save money, he is doing most of the work himself, putting up wainscotting but retaining the exposed brickwork. The building dates back to the 1870s in the area called The Junction, where the stagecoach turned around. It was also the home of the Chico Brewery, and a saloon, according to historical records.
“I look at this like being a steward for the building. It’s got great history.”
Since opening in south Chico, Hardesty has grown his selection of beer from five to seven, light to dark, all made inhouse.
At the new location, he’s going to stick with what’s worked for him.
“I’d like to be known as the neighborhood taproom.”
Besides being on a busy corner, Hardesty is grateful for afternoon and evening use of the adjacent parking lot that he will share with surrounding daytime uses.
Dorna Andersen still owns the building.
