Microbrewery opening in S. Utah

SPRINGDALE, Washington County — Dale and Derek Harris are ready to pull the tap on their first commercial keg of Springdale Amber Ale, a hand-crafted beer the brothers hope is a big hit with customers.

"We've been working on this for a long time," said Dale Harris, 38, who left his position as the Springdale public works director for a less visible life in an industry new to southwestern Utah. "People are anxious and want to try the beer. They're really getting antsy."

The Harris brothers are diving into the competitive world of microbreweries with Zion Canyon Brewing Co., located in the basement of the Majestic View Lodge in Springdale.

The brothers pitched the concept to lodge owner John Lonetti last year. He liked the idea so much he signed on as the brewery's financial backer. The Springdale City Council last November also approved the microbrewery after addressing concerns over how much water the facility would use and capping its production at 5,000 barrels a year.

The state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission approved an application for a manufacturing license in May, giving the brewing company a green light to make and sell beer with 4 percent or 6 percent alcohol levels.

"It was unanimous," said Derek Harris, 28, a Marine Corps veteran and self-described "computer nerd." His older brother, Derek brags, is a wizard at all things mechanical.

The Harris boys grew up in nearby Rockville, a tiny town of about 250 residents along U-9, not far from the mouth of Zion National Park.

"We knew we wanted to always live here," said Dale. "But we weren't sure how to make enough money so we could stay."

Then Derek had an idea.

"He says, 'How about we make some beer?' " said Dale. Now they recall wondering how they could ever get enough money together to buy the needed stainless-steel vats and other equipment.

Their sister, Jennifer Withers, manages the Majestic View Lodge and told her brothers that her employer might be interested. The lodge already had a restaurant and pub, which would make the microbrewery a natural fit, she said.

Once again, Derek stepped up and told his brother, "Dude, I'm gonna pitch this. Let's talk to John."

They did, and now the Harris brothers say they are serious about producing the cleanest, healthiest and best-tasting beer possible.