By Anna Skinner
Husband-and-wife team Greg and Jackie Dikos believe they have the next new idea when it comes to a restaurant and brewery.
The couple introduced the $3.6 million proposal for Field Brewery to the city council at its March 13 meeting. The introduction highlighted a change of zoning proposal at the southeast corner of Ind. 32 and Cherry Street to allow for the restaurant/brewery.
The Dikos’ presented to the Grand Junction Task Group Jan. 31 and received favorable comments from the group.
“Over the past 10 years, Jackie and I have been developing our concept of a brewery,” Greg said. “Our concept is not a stereotypical brew pub. It is a family friendly neighborhood destination that serves higher quality of food and beer. When we learned of the city’s commitment to development of the downtown area, we realized this was the perfect location to execute our vision of a neighborhood brewery.”
Six garden beds are proposed in front of the brewery, where Jackie said the couple plans to grow fresh food to use in menu items. A courtyard is positioned in the middle of the development where Jackie said would be an ideal place for children to play while parents sat inside with a brew or dinner. The courtyard is visible from inside the restaurant.
“We are really excited for the opportunity to be a part of this growing community,” Jackie said.
City Council President Jim Ake raised the question of the couple’s plans to also establish a distillery. However, the brewery must have a brewer’s license for three years prior to a distiller’s license. The portion of the proposed building that would include the distillery will be used for events prior to the distillery being approved.
“We are trying to make this a fun destination area to pull people out of their homes and make them escape a little bit,” Jackie said.
The couple’s timeframe is beginning brewing in December and opening in January or February of next year. Construction is expected to begin this summer.
For more, visit westfield.in.gov.
