Fisher Brewing Company
“We have a long history. Fisher Brewing Company was one of the largest pre-Prohibition breweries.” Tim Dwyer’s voice was filled with pride as he shared the story of his business. Tim continued, “One of our partners, Tom Fisher Riemondy, his great-great-grandfather, was the founder and brewer.” The brewery faced challenges, especially after it stopped producing beer in 1967 following its acquisition earlier in the 1960s. Today, Fisher stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and craftsmanship. With a history that stretches back to 1884, Fisher Brewing has been revived by Tim and his three partners, Tom, Steve Brown, and Colby Frazier, who have transformed it into a beloved local institution. The four men spent the majority of their careers in Utah, with backgrounds in renewable energy, mechanical engineering, journalism, and bar management before meeting each other through their common interest in brewing.
When they saw an opportunity to breathe new life into the storied brand, their research found that the trademark was available, so they were able to adopt the Fisher name. "Myself and the three others decided to go for it.” They found a perfect location in the up-and-coming Granary District. In February 2017, exactly fifty years after the original brewery closed, Fisher Brewing Company was reborn. The men had always aspired to be in the Granary District, drawn by its industrial character and the spirit of making things. “We are really proud of it. We keep the ethos of a place where people make things and keep things alive. We, too, are a manufacturer as we make beer!” The brewery sells its beer to other bars in the neighborhood and local food vendors, contributing to the neighborhood’s vibrant growth. “It’s cool to see things developing in the area.” Tim added, “We have been having a good go of it and are grateful for the community of folks who have rallied around us. We could never have done it without a solid group of customers.”
From day one, Fisher has brewed its own beer, honoring its legacy by bringing back the pre-Prohibition lager that Albert Fisher, a German immigrant, originally crafted. “Outside of that beer, we do a whole lot more.” The brewery is known for its craft pilsners (a specific style of pale lager), American Pale Ales, IPAs, and a wide variety of fresh draft beers made with unique yeast strains and other local ingredients. With up to eighteen beers on draft and others in cans, they offer something for everyone.
In 2023-24, the brewery expanded. “Our tap room, private event space, and a rooftop venue allow us to say yes to more things – art markets, live music, private corporate events, weddings, movie screenings - there are so many different ways to engage with the community.” The brewery’s space retains the old factory character, a nod to its historic roots. “We give people all kinds of good reasons to come down and enjoy themselves.”
In addition to their focus on high quality beer, the team has figured out a unique way to offer a culinary experience without a kitchen. They have been collaborating with a rotation of food trucks. “None of us are restaurateurs, so we weren’t interested in following the food part. Our emphasis is on beer.” One can find a different food truck parked at the curb every day, as the brewery works with some forty vendors. On the day of our interview, Turkish food was on tap. Guests are invited to order their food and bring it inside to enjoy with a beer. “We harp on three things at Fisher Brewing Company: quality beer, great service, and creating a welcoming environment.”
