Lewiston’s groundwork Brewery is known for family, music and blondes
Locals relax on the patio and enjoy dinner and beer during a patio concert at Groundwork Brewery in Lewiston. | Photo by Anteia McCollum
This story is the fourth stop in Project FARE’s 2022 Idaho Brewery Tour. We’ll be featuring breweries around the state throughout April for Idaho Craft Beer Month and May for American Craft Beer Week (May 16-22). Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for more stories.
Story and photos by Anteia McCollum
On a sunny evening after a week of April snow, Groundwork Brewery’s outdoor patio was packed nearly shoulder to shoulder on a Wednesday night in Lewiston. While local musician Ben Wagner performed on a small stage crafted from a shipping container, customers of all ages enjoyed drinks and food.
“Music nights are my favorite,” said Amanda Rigney, co-owner and manager of Groundwork. “The environment is fun, the music is fun and it’s a good way to make people happy. That’s pretty easy with pizza and beer.”
The crowd seemed like family, and many of them called out to the servers like they were good friends—and they were. Rigney said many in the crowd were regulars who came to enjoy the atmosphere of the family-owned brewery.
Rigney co-owns the brewery, which opened in September 2019, with her parents and two younger brothers. Her family also owns four other local businesses, including the O-Ring Store and Weaponized Media.
Just before Wagner’s performance began, Rigney set her drink on the table and explained she had just returned to work after dropping her four kids off at home.
As children roamed the Groundwork patio, their guardians followed with a drink in hand. In addition to Groundwork’s house brews, they also serve a variety of wines, canned cocktails and a unique Belgian golden ale called Heretic Bloody Bee, which a server said was “like an ale and a mead had a baby.”
The most popular beer of Groundwork’s own is the Down Under Blonde, which has a light, refreshing taste that Rigney said pairs well with nearly anything on the menu.
“Around here, everyone asks ‘What’s closest to Coors Lite?’” Rigney said. “The blonde.”
The high-demand beverage is part of a trio Rigney called “the blonde, redhead and brunette,” rounded out by the Ryerishman (an Irish red ale) and the Brunette (a schwarzbier).
Beer isn’t the only thing Groundwork is known for, either. The menu also includes different types of pizza, salads, appetizers and desserts.
But the variety of choices available at the small brewery isn’t what makes it stand out to its loyal visitors. Rigney said the family treatment is extended to employees and customers. They try to make sure there’s something there for everyone to enjoy, including the kids.
“We’re all tight-knit and pretty much family,” she said.
