Handcrafted local beers, accompanied by “comfort food with a twist.” That is what owners Jim and Jean-Marie Bellington say will distinguish their Lazy G Brewhouse when it is finished this spring.
“We want to build our fan base – one pint at a time – in a comfortable, friendly park-like setting,” quipped Jim Bellington before a group gathered to celebrate the start of the new establishment.
The couple broke ground for construction of the 5,000-square-foot single-story brewery and restaurant on Nov. 5, located at 220 W. Leroux St., three blocks south of downtown Prescott. They anticipate the grand opening sometime in early to mid-spring.
Prescott-based Haley Construction will build the Lazy G Brewhouse. Haley CFO and Operations Director Diane Travis said local supplies, materials and sub-contractors will be used as much as possible.
The architect is Miguel Berastegui from DS 3, a regional Phoenix-based architectural firm.
“We’re confident this will be more than the typical brewery,” said Jim Bellington. “Architecturally, we think of it as ‘rustic industrial.’ With its high ceilings, open floor plan and ready access to the landscaped outdoor ‘park’ complete with fire pits, we want customers to think of the Lazy G as a comfortable place to hang out, have a beer and a meal and enjoy times with friends – both people and the four-legged kind.”
They envision the Lazy G will be playing a role similar to pubs in Ireland, Scotland and the United Kingdom – a place for family and friends to socialize and spend casual time together.
“We want this to be a neighborhood bar,” Jim said. “We’ll be open for lunch and dinner, Wednesday through Sunday. The emphasis will be on casual comfort food with a good selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and burgers. Our brewery will feature a 10-barrel brewing system. We’ll also serve a large variety of handcrafted beers, and we’ll have a rotating selection of wines, cider and mead.”
Plans also include having local musicians and bands entertain on selected dates.
Bellington said they wanted guests to come often and use the WiFi, bring computers, play games, and “just hang out in a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere. Best yet, we have plenty of space – no worries about having to hunt for a parking place.”
The Lazy G will employ as many as 35 people, full-time, part-time and some seasonally.
Prescott Chamber of Commerce board member Joe Howard said he was delighted to see a new business with such a family-friendly attitude.
“What we’re seeing here is another example of how Prescott is attracting out-of-town people who want to become part of this great and growing community,” said Prescott Mayor Pro-tem Billie Orr.
The Bellingtons, who currently split time in homes between Prescott and Phoenix, said they fell in love with Prescott several years ago and made the firm decision that when the right property came along, they would buy it and construct a brewhouse. Jean said they both have a passion for beer and breweries and often focus on visiting such places when they travel. Professionally, Jim is involved in golf and the hospitality industry, while she is involved in home owner association management.
They bought the property when it was the Lazy G Trailer Park. “That’s why we kept the Lazy G name,” said Jim. “Our logo shows a small house trailer. And we’ll still be in the trailer park, except that we’re going to use reclaimed lumber, concrete slabs and other items we’ve salvaged to keep some of the heritage that made this place an integral part of the community.” QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
Photo by Ray Newton
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