LANCASTER – Kinetic Brewing Company, a full-service restaurant featuring a wide range of one-of-a-kind microbrew beers, is the newest addition to The BLVD.
“Fourteen years ago as a burgeoning homebrewer, I dreamt of doing something like this,” said partner and brewmaster, Steve Kinsey. “I never would have thought it possible if it were not for Scott Ehrlich and his vision for this downtown.”
Kinsey joined partner Scott Ehrlich and several Lancaster City officials Tuesday to celebrate Kinetic Brewing Company’s grand opening at 735 W. Lancaster Boulevard.
“We’ve got a piece down here that just fits with downtown Lancaster and The BLVD,” said City Councilmember Ken Mann. “This is so great to see a vision like this come to light.”
Kinetic Brewing Company offers lunch and dinner menus featuring a variety of dishes that use local ingredients to provide a fresh alternative to traditional pub food. The restaurant also features a full bar with several original beers on tap, all manufactured on-site.
“This is a one-of-a-kind destination,” said Lancaster City Manager Mark Bozigian. “The only locally owned microbrewery in the Antelope Valley… a product that is brewed here and a wonderful product.”
Kinetic was one of 10 businesses selected to receive a facade improvement grant through the City’s Downtown Commercial Property Improvement Program. Through the program, businesses were eligible to apply for up to $40,000 in grant funding, with the requirement that they contribute additional funds on a 1:1 matching basis.
Applicants were evaluated on a competitive basis, with funds awarded to those who best met the program criteria. Criteria included whether the business was a locally-owned, entrepreneurial venture; whether it met the target tenant mix for downtown; whether it filled an existing vacancy; and its strategic location.
“The purpose of the Commercial Property Improvement Program was to attract new businesses to enhance The BLVD’s synergy, create jobs, and stimulate private investment, in addition to further beautifying the downtown area,” said Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris in a City press release. “Kinetic Brewing Company was an ideal candidate for this program, and its opening furthers each of these goals.”
Construction of Kinetic, which encompassed a complete interior and exterior overhaul, pumped about $500,000 into the local construction industry, according to the City press release. Partner Myrle McLernon, who also owns MDM Architects on The BLVD, served as architect and general contractor; and all subcontractors used on the project were local. In addition to construction jobs, the microbrewery has created 24 permanent jobs.
“One thing you should know about locally-owned businesses [is] they provide 70 percent more economic impact per square foot than chains, it’s documented in national studies,” said Bozigian.
“What we have here is someone who is giving back to the community something that’s not only fun, but provides all of us with additional economic activity, jobs and funds in support of other local businesses,” Bozigian continued.
Kinetic Brewing Company is one of 40 new businesses to open in downtown Lancaster since late 2009. It is open Monday through Wednesday from 4 to 10 p.m., Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, call 661-942-BEER or visit www.kineticbrewing.com.
