Take a peek inside Johnson County’s newest brewery, now open. ‘The beer was amazing’
Matt Britton and his wife, Amanda Luiso, have spent months fine-tuning things for their new brewery in Overland Park at 7211 W. 97th St.
The space in the Windmill Square shopping center had good bones, Britton said — high ceilings, tall windows, space for a patio — and on Thursday the couple proudly opened Discourse Brewing.
Britton, who spent several years teaching history in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, is inviting Johnson County’s beer lovers to converse and mingle.
The brewery’s name harks back to a time when pubs were public meeting spaces for political movements and spiritual discussions. Britton hopes to create a similarly community-driven space with Discourse.
Customers entered the brewery Thursday to find a space with white walls, high-top tables, exposed brick, houseplants and a brick fireplace. Tables in front of steel kettles allow customers a front-row seat to the brewing process.
The space barely resembles the old Window Door & Trim Store.
“It came out almost exactly how I envisioned it,” said Luiso, who was shaking hands and greeting customers.
Dave Olson was one of many who came for Discourse’s opening day. He found the brewery through social media pages for beer fans, and he told The Star on he planned to come back soon. Luckily for him, it’s not too far from home.
“The beer was amazing,” Olson said. “The atmosphere was pretty electric.”
Britton’s brews include a milk stout and “splendid sunset” blond ale. Customers can also order Popculture popcorn and cupcakes from Sugar Beats.
A “pay-it-forward” wall allows customers to buy a beer for someone else. The buyer’s name is jotted down, then removed when the receiver redeems the gift.
The brewery’s menu is centered around beer using hops, which is why Britton’s logo features two rabbits. (Get it? Rabbits hop.)
Britton hopes his space will be a major attraction in the area, which he says has few breweries. The closest brewery is Brew Lab in downtown Overland Park. Of course, patrons can travel north to beer-loving downtown Shawnee for a brew: places like Friction Beer Co., Transport Brewery and Servaes Brewing Co.
Britton is happy with the space. It makes up for many sleepless nights spent putting the last few details in place. He’s been overwhelmed by the support of the neighborhood, city and other brewers.
“It’s that Kansas spirit,” Britton said. “I love it, man.”
Discourse is open from 3 to 10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays, noon to 8 p.m. Sundays, and 3 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.
