JACKSONVILLE, Ark. — Business is about to start brewing in Jacksonville as it prepares to get its very first microbrewery.
Microbreweries are popping up all over the place and it's one of the fastest growing industries. And Jacksonville Mayor Bob Johnson wants to get in on it.
"There's 13 in Fayetteville; don't know how many in Little Rock,” Mayor Bob Johnson said.
Johnson said a microbrewer contacted him a few weeks ago and wanted to know if Jacksonville allowed microbreweries.
“We didn’t. We didn't have an ordinance that said you can make and sell your beer,” Johnson said.
So, Johnson got an ordinance passed quickly, and Blade and Barrel will soon call Jacksonville home.
"It's going to be a big facility, he's even said I could come out and learn how to make beer,” Johnson said. The Denver-inspired brewery will be off of TP White Drive near the county line.
"He's going to have food trucks out there, so there's going to be good food, a beer garden for kids to play,” he said.
The owner's wife is a stylist, so it will also include a barbershop! "You can sit there and get your hair cut and watch them make beer!" Johnson said.
Johnson hopes Blade and Barrel will open up the door for more breweries to come to Jacksonville.
"I'm excited. New businesses are good to have in the city,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the owner is planning to open its doors in six to eight months.