Public Coast Brewing Company Opens in Cannon Beach
Owner Ryan Snyder realizes lifelong dream
CANNON BEACH, Ore. — Ryan Snyder, president of Martin Hospitality, announced the opening of Public Coast Brewing Co. today in Cannon Beach. Construction started in October 2015 on the former Lumberyard restaurant space, transforming it into a 10-barrel craft brewery and family-friendly pub. The brewery pays homage to the Oregon Beach Bill, signed into law in 1967 by then Oregon Governor Tom McCall, declaring all of state’s 363 miles of coastline free and open to the public. Opening in time for the summer season, and just steps from the beach, it’s the ideal place to relax and enjoy a delicious beer made onsite after a day exploring all Cannon Beach has to offer.
Public Coast Brewing fulfills a lifelong dream for Snyder, who always planned on opening a brewery at the downtown Cannon Beach spot. He and his wife Stephanie purchased the restaurant over 10 years ago. “Cannon Beach has been our home for over 20 years,” says Snyder. “I wanted visitors and locals to have a place that celebrates the free and open spirit of the Oregon Coast, where they can kick back after a beautiful hike along the cliffs of Ecola State Park or tide pooling at Haystack Rock. When people think of craft beer in Oregon, we want them to think of the North Coast.”
The brewpub, designed by Seattle architect Mike Skidmore and with branding concepts by Central Office, Lookout Co. and Sokoloff Creative, seats 110 inside and 42 outside on the patio. Interior décor reflects the northern Oregon coastline with heavy use of exposed timber and salvaged wood, and the signature Public Coast red throughout. Guests will dine and drink under a large-scale mural painted by Portland-area artist Zach Yarrington, a playful take on the brewery’s high and low tide inspired logo, and its motto, “Beaches forever. Beer for everyone.”
Public Coast Brewer Will Leroux, former Martin Hospitality corporate chef, spent time at Big Dogs Brewing in Las Vegas to prepare for his new role. A longtime beekeeper, farmer and forager, Leroux uses his extensive knowledge of locally-sourced foods to include Northwest flavors in the brews. The initial beers are a Blonde Ale, Pale Ale, Northwest Amber Ale and Stout. Public Coast will also be brewing Stephen’s Ankle Breaker Root Beer, named by Snyder’s 13-year-old son after his favorite soccer move. Stephen worked with Brewer Will to create the signature root beer. Fred Bowman, co-founder of Portland Brewing Company and Portland craft beer legend, is on board as a consultant.
Food options feature pub fare and locally-sourced coastal cuisine. The menu includes housemade brats, seven specialty burgers made with Harris Ranch beef, chicken wings, caramel sundaes, the Wayfarer Restaurant’s famous clam chowder recipe and fish ‘n’ chips prepared with the seasonal catch. Public Coast Brewing is committed to supporting local and regional businesses. Guests will enjoy food prepared with ingredients from Rogue Creamery, Tillamook Cheese, Jacobsen Salt Co. and Petaluma Poultry, among other local suppliers. Public Coast Brewing will also donate $1 from each “Save our Beaches Burger” sold to the Haystack Rock Awareness Program, which has provided an onsite education and preservation program for over 30 years to teach children and adults about the unique ecology of Haystack Rock.
Public Coast joins the world-famous Stephanie Inn, Surfsand Resort and Wayfarer Restaurant under the Martin Hospitality masthead. The brewery is located at 264 E Third St., and will be open daily from noon to 9 p.m. for the summer, with beer service continuing later in the evening.