Pattern Break Brewing to open in former Sanitas space
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Pattern Break team members in the brewing room. Photo: Pattern Break Brewing
Pattern Break Brewing aims to open in Boulder's former Sanitas Brewing space next month, reviving a beloved taproom with familiar leadership — and a fresh twist.
Why it matters: The reopening preserves a popular community hub, even as the building faces eventual demolition.
Driving the news: Pattern Break Brewing is targeting a May 8 opening at 3550 Frontier Ave., Michael Memsic, who co-founded Sanitas Brewing Co., tells Axios.
Between the lines: The space will keep its dog-friendly patio along with a few "Easter eggs" for longtime Sanitas fans, but the space itself has been fully reimagined.
- The on-site taco truck, formerly run by McDevitt Taco Supply, will be replaced by an in-house food stand specializing in smash burgers.
- The brewery will can beer on-site but will skip distribution for now to keep the focus on the taproom experience.
What to expect: On the brewing side, Memsic says they are experimenting with new and innovative beers, like a Negroni IPA.
- They've also tapped Cannonball Creek Brewing's Brian Hutchinson to work part-time with head brewer Fred Rizzo, formerly of Denver's Call to Arms Brewing Co.
- "So we're bringing a ton of experience to make world-class beer," Memsic says.
Zoom in: A variety of nonalcoholic options will also be available, including "a beet, ginger, blood orange concoction that's electric pink, gorgeous and delicious," Memsic says.
The intrigue: The comeback comes with an expiration date. The building is slated for demolition as part of a project anchored by a planned 2,500-seat performing arts venue.
- Memsic says that he signed a five-year lease and that Conscience Bay Co., which owns the property, has been transparent. The arts district development is still in early stages.
- "For us, it's build this business, try to execute our goals as best we can, and we'll have plenty of heads up when the building is getting torn down," he says. "If we've accomplished the goals that we're setting out to do ... we think there'll be a lot of different options for us."
The bottom line: Memsic admits the craft beer industry "has had the shit kicked out of it over the last handful of years."
- But Pattern Break is betting on previously successful concepts, including broad drink options and a strong sense of place.
- "That's the thing that Sanitas did best ... it built community in a beautiful space," Memsic says. "So that is something that, with Pattern Break, we're committed to."
