New downtown brewery celebrates ‘transparency’

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A new business has opened in Downtown Memphis and it has a unique model.

Memphis Filling Station has finally opened its doors on GE Patterson with a menu full of fan favorites, such as the Bavarian pretzel.

“There’s not beer in the pretzel,” co-owner Bryan Berretta said. “There’s beer in the cheese.”

With signature drinks like “The Milk Stout with Coffee” and the “Left-handed Screwdriver,” MFS Brewing has certainly been able to keep its customers happy.

“It’s good. I just took my first drink, and it tasted really good,” customer Raksha Kamheh said. “They are very much welcoming that let me try and decide on which one I wanted to drink.”

According to its owners, transparency sets Memphis Filling Station apart. Customers can see the experimental brewing process up close with the equipment on full display.

“We want to have people just turn around and look and be like, ‘Yeah, all those flavors I’m picking up, that’s happening right over here,” co-owner Scott Kley-Contini said. “It happens at this temperature, this amount of time, and that beer is going to be available next week. We want people to come, get excited, learn about how their beers are made, and learn about what’s coming next.“

Contini, one of the four store owners, says as a retired school teacher, this is a lifelong goal achieved.

“I was in middle school teacher for about 25 years,” he said. “This is what helped me get through those 25 years of teaching.”

Luanne Yeley, executive director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, is optimistic about the downtown location despite recent closures, saying crime numbers are down, and this new development is a welcomed addition.

“I think that crime is certainly a reality. Glad to see that the numbers have decreased in our downtown area thanks to the law enforcement and community initiatives, continuing to make downtown a safe and welcoming environment,” Yeley said.

The brewery will also host food trucks for the launch and at special events.

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