Why Fort Collins?

“Fort Collins?! Aren’t there already plenty of craft breweries there?” This was the response we got (and are still getting) from many people about our decision to move back here to establish the Horse & Dragon. Believe me, we know about the abundance of craft breweries here — we have watched them spring up and grow (and we’ve contributed a fair amount to their bottom line) for the past 20 years — and we know there are many more on the way. We think this is a huge plus — it is a part of why Colorado remains a great market for craft beer growth. There’s still a huge number of beer drinkers who haven’t yet discovered the incredible world of craft beer. And there are plenty of drinkers-of-other-beverages who we think need to be coaxed on over into this incredible world of taste, fun, and community. At the same time, there’s a base knowledge here in Fort Collins and around the state about craft brews that enables all of us to present our products with a great chance of at least some level of acceptance and willingness to give them a try. Best of all, there’s a willingness on the part of those already in the business to aid and abet those of us opening new breweries. In the past 24 hours, TimCo has met with 2 established brewers who could NOT be more helpful, positive, and welcoming. In the past few months, several other brewers, bar owners, and other business folk have been ever-so positive and willing to help. The experience is reminiscent of stories we heard about living in the pioneer west — people and communities coming together to help each other make their way and further knit together for mutual benefit and enjoyment. We’re so glad this sense of community and willingness to help still exists, and to be entering a part of the beer industry where it’s on display every day. Look around at what your local craft brewery is doing for your community. I’ll bet it’s something substantial — economically or psychologically.

And then, of course, there’s this reason to move back to Colorado: