MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A new brewery is opening in downtown Memphis, hoping to create change in the area.
Memphis Filling Station (MFS) LLC will open its 4,300-square-foot space next summer at 206 G.E. Patterson Ave.
For co-owner Bryan Berretta, the incoming opening is about more than beer. It’s about changing the narrative surrounding crime and the downtown area.
“If we can create some more lighting, create some walkability between South Main, us, Wiseacres, the Grizzlies...if we can create this and help foster some of that community then we’re doing our part," Berretta said.
With a new city and downtown commission leadership on tap, promising to foster a better downtown, Berretta sees this as prime time to push for more growth. Berretta praised downtown Memphis’ Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) program, which offers tax incentives for small and large businesses alike.
“Downtown was the heart and soul of this city for over a century," Berretta said. “We have a lot of organizations that are built to benefit the downtown community.”
The brewery shares a building with Renee’s Sandwich Shop. In MFS' portion of the property, there will be three parts divided by pillars, with a section for production, a section for servicing customers' drinks, and a community section with tables and chairs.
“If we focus on just the problems, and we forget how many great things are actually happening in this city, you know, some of the absolutely amazing small businesses up and down South Main," Berretta said.