BONUS: All perks claimed and contributions above $10 also include FREE BEER ($15 gift certificate to Portner Brewhouse)
Our Story
Between 1869 and 1916, Robert Portner, a German immigrant, built the largest brewery in the southeastern United States.
In 1916, the State of Virginia enacted Prohibition, outlawing the sale, production and consumption of all alcoholic beverages - wiping out an entire industry overnight including The Robert Portner Brewing Company!
Thankfully, Virginia and the rest of the country came to its senses some years later and repealed it.
Almost 100 years later, his great-great granddaughters have set out not only to extend their family legacy, but also launch the next generation of craft brewers in Old Town Alexandria, VA, by opening Portner Brewhouse.
Portner Brewhouse is….
- a living history museum
- a restaurant
- a brewery
- a craft beer business incubator
- a fantastic new venture to support!
Make this possible by contributing now!
Like a phoenix, a brewery restaurant and Craft Beer Test KitchenTM will soon be born out of the ashes of the old brewery. Portner Brewhouse will be a beacon for other budding craft beer entrepreneurs to test their recipes in the actual marketplace before setting out on their own – reducing risk and expense. Their beers will sit alongside recreations of those brewed more than 100 years ago allowing the pub patron to enjoy a unique combination of local beers. Come, experience (and drink) history first hand and simultaneously shape the future of craft beer.
The pioneering duo – Catherine and Margaret Portner – not only are passionate about re-kindling the family business and helping others but also producing great food and beer. With over 15 years of experience in the restaurant and brewing industries, the sisters see Portner Brewhouse becoming a cornerstone of the Old Town community. Your help will get them there even sooner!
The Grand Exchange
This crowd funding campaign is a piece of a larger funding puzzle. (Wouldn’t it be great if a brewpub only cost $30,000 to start?!) The total amount required to truly launch this concept will be $1.3 million – daunting but very possible. The remaining funds will be supplied by personal savings, outside investors and commercial debt. Some 75% of the total raised will be used for developing the property and purchasing all of the equipment for the brewery restaurant. The remaining funds will be put to use securing staff, implementing technology, marketing and of course – artifact preservation.
In exchange for your contribution, we are thrilled to offer a variety of physical and experiential perks!
BONUS PERKS: Every contributor (at any amount) will receive the following:
- “Thank You” shout-out on our Facebook Fan page & Indiegogo website
- Invitation to upcoming tasting events and updates
- Name listed on our first menu under the heading “We all made this possible!”
One of the most exciting perks we are offering is a limited edition replica beer stein. Inspired by the original Robert Portner Brewing Company beer stein, the updated version includes the new company name and more room for beer! Only 250 of these bad boys will be made. An artisan potter will make each one by hand and inscribe a number on the bottom accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
The Portner Promise:
In the unlikely event, we do not reach the goal and do not secure enough funds from the other sources to open by the end of 2014, we will send a hand-written explanation note and a check for a weighted percentage of any remaining funds.
Building a landmark
The craft beer industry has experienced an explosion of growth during the last few years, gaining ground from macro-breweries such as AB-Inbev and MillerCoors. According to the Brewers Association, there are more than 1,300 breweries in planning around the US, as of July 2012, and 2,142 operating. Most are started by passionate homebrewers setting out on their own to brew the best beer around. This is fantastic. However, far more can be done to support these small businesses.
Celebration of The Robert Portner Brewing Company legacy will serves as a backdrop for the Craft Beer Test KitchenTM at Portner Brewhouse. It will operate within the brewery restaurant and be the first of its kind to do more than just brew and serve a beer. Pub patrons are invited to submit their critique of the beer they are enjoying and Portner Brewhouse combines this information into a report the brewer can use to further his/her own development. This information is crucial to success. We are building a springboard for other businesses within a new landmark.
Let’s get started – contributing is easy!
Contributing beyond the dollars
The dollars are great but your support is better!
- Join our Taste Test Team - receive tasting event invites and updates
- Share our story on Facebook, Twitter or anywhere else you see fit
- Email a friend/family member/colleague! We have already done the work for you - just copy and paste the text below to others to support Portner Brewhouse
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Dear [Friend/Family/Colleague],
I know it has been [only since yesterday/a few days/a while] since we last talked, but I wanted to share with you an amazing new venture I recently came across.
Catherine & Margaret Portner have set out to relaunch their great-great grandfather's old company - The Robert Portner Brewing Company as a brewpub and craft beer test kitchen. They will be recreating some of the old recipes and working with other budding craft beer entrepreneurs to get them started. This innovative approach to experiential history and the local economy is definitely what Old Town needs!
Please support Portner Brewhouse (www.indiegogo.com/pbh) on their quest to resurrect a piece of American history - a pre-Prohibition brewery in Alexandria, VA! If you cannot offer financial support right now, I hope you will join me for a tasty beverage once they open and share this great news with your own friends and family.
Cheers,
Your [awesome friend/family member/colleague]
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If you have any questions or remarks, please send an email to portnerbrewhouse@gmail.com
Thank you for your time, support and contribution!
Catherine & Margaret Portner
