Airways Brewing Spreads its Wings in Downtown Kent

Airways Brewing is about to begin an expansion project. The brewery and tasting room will remain at the current location on West Valley Highway, but Airways Beer & Bistro on W. Harrison Street in downtown Kent will be expanded and transformed.

The project increases seating capacity from 35 to 150 with the addition of a family-friendly seating area. A new and expanded kitchen will be added, as well as new ground-floor level restrooms.

The remodel includes a transformation of the currently vacant 3,000 square foot patio into a gated garden space for outdoor music and entertainment. Fire pit tables and a retractable awning will allow the garden to be used year-round. Also outside, Airways intends to add a grill and smoker, which makes Executive Chef Ken Buckley very happy.

The Bistro was something different for us and we didnt quite know what to expect, said Alex Dittmar, founder and head brewer at Airways Brewing Company. We took our already strong brand and built a solid reputation for quality. Thanks to our fantastic customers, weve decided to grow in downtown Kent and I think people are going to love what we have planned.

The patio remodel will come together first, with plans to open the new outdoor space in early summer. Interior remodel plans are being drawn and the process is in motion, however Airways Brewing is not yet able to provide a firm timeline for the project. They expect work to get underway within the next six months if not sooner, with the goal of completion by the end of 2014.

Part of the City

Since opening approximately two years ago, the Bistro has become a beloved downtown business and even earned the Best Economic Engine award from the Kent Downtown Partnership in 2013.

Were very excited about what these changes mean for our company, and the team that has helped build it, said co-owner Dione Dittmar. We also feel that our expansion fits in well with the City of Kents long-term plans for the area, as well as demand from Kent residents for more restaurants and retail in the heart of downtown.

Samples of the deliciousness that will spring from the new kitchen.

The Wall Street Journal published a story last year about the positive impact that craft breweries have on communities and local economies. Other publications have suggested that small, locally owned breweries create jobs and generate revenue, but also foster a valuable sense of community. Such reports validate something that many of us have believed for years: breweries are good for neighborhoods. The ongoing relationship between Airways Brewing and the City of Kent is a manifestation of that observation.

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Airways Brewing Spreads its Wings in Downtown Kent