Thunder Island Brewing Co. is looking to set anchor on WaNaPa Street.
The brewery, nestled west of Marine Park on the Columbia River, feels ready for a larger space — and one in the thick of things on the main drag of Cascade Locks.
Though the move is purely in the planning stages, Thunder Island’s owners have entered negotiations with the Port of Cascade Locks, discussing a piece of vacant Port property next to Jumpin’ Jax Java on the west end of the town’s thoroughfare. The parcel overlooks the Columbia River.
Thus far, the parties have entered talks over a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which lays out major deal points, but nothing’s set in stone.
Caroline Park, Thunder Island co-owner, said her company hasn’t entered a purchase and sale agreement yet, but the business feels excited about making a move to the center of town.
Their top motivators for a change: overcapacity at Thunder Island’s tight riverfront spot, as well as the sense of business community available on the town’s main corridor.
“It’ll be a game changer,” Park said of the move. “We literally have outgrown our space … the biggest challenge is we have such a limited inside seating area.”
Thunder Island Brewery opened on Southwest Portage Road in October 2013. They currently lease part of a Port-owned building, with seating for 20 inside and double that many on the patio overlooking the Columbia River and Thunder Island, which inspired the brewery’s name.
The brewery expanded production last fall with three additional fermentation tanks, a new head brewer — and quadruple production overall. They now ship out kegs to Hood River and Portland through their burgeoning distribution program.
But what Thunder Island doesn’t have is a full-service restaurant. They offer light fare at their taproom, from soup and sandwiches to salad and dips, but there’s no stove or full range to cook meals. A small oven and sandwich press are their main kitchen tools as of now.
Considering many customers are hungry hikers and bikers who just came off Mount Hood or the Pacific Crest Trail, full-scale culinary production will be key as Thunder Island grows.
Better exposure from “being in the town itself,” via a move to WaNaPa would also be vital, General Manager Roxanne Orlik-Hill said.
“People have a tough time finding us … we’re tucked in,” she said.
Park said because WaNaPa is a highway, site planning and permitting will go through not only the Port but the City and Oregon Department of Transportation.
Cascade Locks City Administrator Gordon Zimmerman explained Thunder Island’s development will need to garner city approval.
“The development will have to meet the requirements in the Community Development code and the city’s adopted design standards,” Zimmerman said in an email. “The application will likely have to go to the Planning Commission for approval.”
In the meantime, Thunder Island is gearing up for another busy year. Once the summer rush bursts in, the business will be back to its peak crew of about 30. Park and co-owner Dave Lipps hope to hold a job fair before then, pooling together seasonal or full-time hires.
“We’re very excited to continue to grow the business and establish ourselves here in Cascade Locks,” Park said in an email. “We see a fantastic opportunity to help provide more jobs and amenities to our community.”
Commented