Garrett County Business Development joined the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce recently to celebrate another exciting step in the growth of homegrown Garrett County business Brewery and the Beast—the opening of its new Social House in downtown Oakland.
For Garrett County Business Development, the story is about more than the opening of another restaurant. It is an example of a local entrepreneur building a business, responding to opportunities, and continuing to reinvest in Garrett County.
Owner Craig Frazee’s business journey began more than a decade ago with a food truck. That venture eventually grew into Brewery and the Beast in Accident. Two years later, Frazee and his team have expanded again with the opening of the Social House on Alder Street in downtown Oakland.
The new location brings many of the elements customers have come to know from Brewery and the Beast, including creative food, locally brewed craft beer and a welcoming place to gather. At the same time, the expansion adds another locally owned business to downtown Oakland and contributes to the continued activity and investment taking place in the community.
“Seeing a Garrett County business grow from a food truck into a successful brick-and-mortar operation and now expand into another community is exactly the kind of entrepreneurial growth we want to see here,” said Kim Durst, Garrett County Manager of Business Development. “Craig has continued to invest in his business and in Garrett County, and his story is a great example of what can happen when a local entrepreneur recognizes opportunities and keeps moving forward. We’re excited to see what this next chapter brings for Brewery and the Beast.”
A great group of local and state leaders came out to celebrate the new location and show their support, including Garrett County Commissioner Paul Edwards; County Administrator Kevin Null; Oakland Mayor Andrew Sauder; Mountain Lake Park Mayor Don Sincell; Oakland Town Council member Fred Gregg; Andrew Sargent with the Maryland Department of Commerce; Garrett County Business Development's Kim Durst and Connor Norman; Greater Oakland Business Association President Kate Buchan and representatives Sabrina Liggett and Bill Crawford; and Chamber Board member Nathan Walter.
Garrett County Chamber Diplomats Carol Calhoun, Crystal Dayton, Stephanie Filsinger, Julie Mead, Connor Norman, Kristin Skeweris, Dave Stephens, and Macey Wells also joined the celebration. The Diplomats presented Brewery and the Beast Social House with its First Dollar of Profit and helped make the new location official with the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
The celebration also gave guests a chance to experience some of what the new Social House has to offer. Brewery and the Beast served pulled pork sliders, Cuban sliders, Texas Twinkies, pretzel bites with beer cheese and seasonal baked goods.
The expansion of Brewery and the Beast is another example of the important role locally owned businesses play in Garrett County’s economy. As entrepreneurs grow, they create jobs, occupy commercial space, attract customers and visitors, and contribute to the activity and vitality of local communities.
“Small businesses are a big part of what makes Garrett County’s communities unique,” said Commissioner Paul Edwards. “When a business that started here continues to grow and invest here, that benefits not only the business owner but the entire community. We’re proud to see Craig and his team continue to expand and create new opportunities right here in Garrett County.”
Garrett County Business Development congratulates Craig Frazee and the entire Brewery and the Beast team on the opening of the Social House and thanks them for continuing to invest in Garrett County.
From a food truck to a brewery and now a second location in downtown Oakland, Brewery and the Beast is a great example of a homegrown business continuing to grow—and bringing that growth back into the community.
Photo courtesy of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.
