Collegian | Josh Hypes
Hillsdale Brewing Company customers will soon be able to throw darts, hurl axes, and toss cornhole bags.
The brewery’s manager, Felicia Ray-Finch said the indoor beer garden will make Hillsdale Brewing Company “the place to be in Hillsdale.”
The renovation will transform a 3,000-square feet “junk room” into an entertainment venue for parties, live music, and other community activities. Ray-Finch said she and her husband always wanted to use the space since they bought the building six years ago. COVID-19 delayed renovation plans until nine months ago.
Before owning the building located on 25 Hillsdale St., the brewery was a hotel in the 1900s, according to the brewery’s website. Later the warehouse was built by Hillsdale wholesale grocery and changed hands several times before the Finches bought the building in 2018.
The room has high ceilings, a fresh coat of paint, new lighting, heating, and air-conditioning, according to Ray-Finch. She said the brewery hopes to make the space open for all ages by including arcade and board games.
“You don’t have to be over 21 to be here,” Ray-Finch said. “This place is going to be for all ages.”
Ray-Finch explained that she and her husband got the idea to build the axe-throwing targets after trying it for the first time in Jackson nine months ago. The targets will meet World Axe Throwing League standards. When the indoor beer garden opens, the targets will be staffed by a certified axe-throwing instructor who will teach patrons proper form and keep score during games.
Customers wanting to throw axes must be at least 14 years old and sign a waiver. Additionally, cocktails will be limited while throwing axes, according to Ray-Finch.
The indoor beer garden seems to be a hit among customers during private gatherings, as it is already getting booked, Ray-Finch said.
“We did our Valentine’s Day dinner reservations out here,” Ray-Finch said. “We have a big baby shower out here this weekend. We’ll have live music eventually again.”
Ray-Finch said the indoor beer garden will open to the public in a few weeks.
“I can confidently say it’ll be opened in early March,” Ray-Finch said. “Watch our Facebook and Instagram pages.”
