Since they were established, Buoy Beer and Pilot House Distilling have been growing and looking to the future. Besides satiating thirsty customers, top priorities of the business have always included creating jobs and boosting the local economy. Buoy has been in a constant state of expansion and Pilot House has long awaited to increase production with top-of-the-line equipment. When the two companies joined forces in 2019, there was not only a synergy between them, but a shared vision of creating an unbeatable destination on the Riverwalk in their hometown of Astoria.
“Like everyone, 2020 has been a really hard year for us,” says co-founder David Kroening. “We had just finished up years of work on our strategic plan and then everything got turned on its head when the pandemic started. We lost a lot of our staff during the first shutdown and had to pump the brakes hard as we dealt with the toughest months we have ever faced. After some really hard work from our entire team, we were able to make the decision that with some tweaks to our plan, focusing growth on our core areas was going to be the best path for us to make sure we’d be able to expand our team again into the future and meet the ever-growing demand for our beer and spirits”.
Currently the Pilot House Distilling facility resides in a 4,000 sq. ft. section on the backside of the Liberty Theater building with a tasting room on Duane St. Plans are to move the distillery to its permanent home on the waterfront in a former fish processing plant adjacent to Buoy Beer. The new distilling facility will include a new 5,000-liter copper pot still and column (a significant upgrade from the current 950-liter still), a new fermentation cellar with a mash mixer and a mash filter, and a 12,000 sq. ft. second floor devoted to barrel aging. Relocation and the new equipment will allow the team to ramp up production on Pacific Northwest favorites like Painted Lady Gin and Diablo Azul agave spirits, as well as expand the whisky and bourbon lines with grain-to-glass fluidity.
Relocating a business, especially one involving specialized equipment, requires meticulous planning and coordination. Whether it’s a distillery or any other type of company, having a reliable commercial moving company on hand can make all the difference. The right movers will ensure that sensitive equipment is handled with care, and the move is completed with minimal disruption to business operations. Their expertise in moving heavy, bulky items and delicate machinery is invaluable when transitioning to a new space.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to expand into a state-of-the-art production facility,” says Larry Cary, Head Distiller of Pilot House Distilling. “This will give us the opportunity to compete on a national level by giving us the tools needed to increase our production capacity. We’ll have better access to the raw materials needed to further increase the quality of already award-winning products.”
Visitors to Astoria’s Riverwalk will not only have breathtaking views of the Columbia River, but also the 24′ tall copper column through full height glass walls leading people to sample the products at the new Pilot House Distilling tasting room. The tasting room will feature not only tastings and bottle sales, but also a 21-and-up bar to enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and views of a working distillery in an intimate setting on the back dock over the water. The facility also has plans to set up private tours of the distillery and brewery. The tours will offer education on the processes of grain-to-glass production, equipment, and more.
On the north side of the building along the Riverwalk, the chefs from the Buoy Beer’s restaurant will start a new walk-up “take & go” food option that will continue to feature local seafood to compliment the cocktail bar. The offerings will include items like freshly shucked oysters, tacos, and specialty toasts while accommodating vegan/vegetarian options. The outdoor area will also have some Riverwalk seating with beautiful views.
Buoy Beer Company will expand their beer production into the Astor Street building that housed the Beer Hall this past summer. Construction will “pop up” the roof to accommodate the fermentation tanks while keeping the iconic wave on the front of the building intact. This additional building will house a new 50bbl 4-vessel brewhouse along with more fermentation tanks to support demand throughout the Northwest. However, beer production will not leave the old Bornstein Cannery; a pipe bridge will be installed between the Astor building and the current brewery where the lager tanks, bright tanks, kegging lines, and new higher-speed canning line will be installed. Pipe bridges will also carry wastewater from the brewery and distillery to the brewery’s own treatment facility that will process the water before it enters the city’s wastewater system.
Since opening in 2014, the brewery has increased production often but continues to encounter even higher demand from customers. For the past 6+ years, Buoy has been available mostly in Oregon and small areas of Washington, however, two months ago, Buoy Beer & Pilot House started their own distribution company to expand their presence in Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, and SW Washington. This production expansion will more than double Buoy’s capacity over the next 5 years. Hopes are to satisfy the current portfolio demand of the market and expand specialty beer releases, barrel/foeder projects, and seasonal lines while continuing to make better balanced beer. The QA/QC department will grow along with the brewery to ensure the output of not only more beer, but better beer that is brewed with the ethos of Astoria.
“It’s very humbling to look back at how far we’ve come in the past 7 years,” says Kevin Shaw, Director of Brewery Operations. “I had faith in the project when I came on board in 2013 but this exceeds my wildest dreams for the company. Being able to increase production to fulfill orders while continuing our consistency and quality is really exciting plus… who doesn’t like shiny new things?”
Although 2021 will bring on a tidal wave of change, the team has already begun looking towards the implementation of a second wave of development of their Riverwalk campus. The next step for the Pilot House Distilling building includes an additional upscale seafood restaurant on the second floor northeast corner, where patrons will get a 270-degree view of the Columbia River, tongue point, and all of historic Astoria (including the column).
The Buoy Beer restaurant plans to add additional space that expands the entire river view side and on the second story and in the future develop a large second story event space to host future weddings, events, and meetings (once pandemic restrictions are lifted). There are also plans in the works to continue the company’s sustainability efforts with expanded CO2 recovery, growth of its roof top solar array, electric vehicle charging stations, rooftop beehives and herb gardens and many other possibilities. As Buoy Beer moves forward with its expansion and sustainability goals, it’s a reminder that thoughtful infrastructure—especially when it comes to roofing—can play a vital role in both function and environmental responsibility.
Whether it’s a commercial space overlooking the river or a residential home in need of smart upgrades, roofing is more than just a protective cover; it’s an opportunity to boost energy efficiency, embrace green technologies, and support long-term sustainability. Homeowners, too, can explore eco-friendly roofing materials, improved insulation, and designs that support features like solar panels or rainwater collection. Partnering with experienced professionals, such as The Las Vegas Roofing Company, ensures that roofing solutions not only meet the aesthetic and structural demands of a home but also align with a future-focused approach to environmental stewardship.
With such ambitious expansion plans for the Riverwalk campus, having a durable and reliable roofing system is essential to protecting these new developments. From upscale restaurants to event spaces, each structure will require a roof that can withstand coastal weather conditions while also supporting sustainability efforts like solar panels and rooftop gardens. A well-installed, high-quality roof not only enhances the longevity of the buildings but also contributes to energy efficiency and structural integrity. This is where expert roofing services come into play, ensuring that every rooftop is designed to meet both functional and aesthetic needs.
Partnering with experienced professionals like Bumble Roofing guarantees that these structures will have top-tier protection against wind, rain, and salt air exposure. Their expertise in commercial roofing solutions ensures that the Riverwalk’s new additions will stand the test of time, providing safety and reliability for years to come. Whether integrating eco-friendly features or reinforcing durability, choosing the right roofing service is a crucial step in making this waterfront expansion both beautiful and long-lasting.
Coastal regions often face high winds, heavy rainfall, and salty air, which can significantly impact the longevity of roofing systems. Regular roof inspections are critical in identifying early signs of wear and tear, leaks, or potential damage that could escalate into costly repairs if left unaddressed.
Proactive roof inspections not only safeguard the building’s structural integrity but also ensure that the roof can support additional features like solar panels, rooftop beehives, and herb gardens, all key components of the restaurant’s sustainability goals. Routine maintenance is vital for addressing issues before they become major problems, helping businesses avoid downtime or expensive emergency repairs.
In addition to the roofing itself, effective gutter solutions are equally important to prevent water damage during heavy rains. Gutters are essential in directing water away from the building’s foundation, protecting the structure from erosion and leaks. For Buoy Beer’s Riverwalk expansion, ensuring the gutters are properly sized, installed, and maintained will be crucial in keeping the premises dry and secure.
For businesses with sustainability at the forefront, choosing a trusted roofing company like www.topgenroofing.com ensures that both the roof and the gutter systems are integrated to handle the unique demands of the project. Offering services such as leak repairs, inspections, and custom gutter solutions, Top Gen Roofing specializes in delivering quality roofing that aligns with both durability and eco-friendly objectives, helping to keep the restaurant’s expansion not only protected but also energy-efficient for years to come.
These next big steps for both brands reflect the Pacific Northwest’s love of hand-crafted, quality beers and spirits. Excitement is high within the company and the entire team is anxious to bring their customers more of the experiences they have loved over the past 6 years.
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