January 24, 2023 – A few years back, if it came to naming the most controversial restaurant issues area restaurants might confront in 2023, not many would’ve had “parklets” on their bingo card.
But here we are, with disputes arising in places like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pacific Grove. In P.G. the intensity rose to the level that planning commission members were feeling harassed for not being bigger parklet fans, partly because they wanted nicer sidewalk and street constructions.
Now comes a less controversial parklet plot line, and one that just got a happy ending.
The City of Seaside allowed improvised parklets amid peak COVID, then recently required any which sought to continue to meet higher standards of safety, durability and aesthetics. The deadline caught Other Brother Beer Co. flat-footed, so they sent out an SOS on Instagram to raise funds and complete buildout before the city’s deadline.
As of yesterday, they were on the cusp of meeting their $15,000 KickStarter goal with hours to spare.
As this piece publishes, they’ve just posted an update.
“Well, we done did it! Thank you to all who contributed, we love you. Big shout out to the good homies @goodvibezpresents came in CLUTCH with the 11th hour Hail Mary and put us over our Kickstarter goal!” it reads. “Holy heck, what a feeling!”
Construction of the new and improved parklet—built with custom-fabricated metal, railings and concrete—is 40 percent complete. A permanent roof structure will be the last piece to be installed.
The target date is March 1. The work is being done by co-founders Evan Loewy (creative director) and Kevin Brown (head brewer), with Ben Higson, the foreman from Other Brother’s original buildout, directing traffic.
The aforementioned Good Vibez Presents—the same group behind Night Market 831 and Cali Roots—are on board to throw a ribbon-cutting party in early March.
In other Other news: OBBC hosts the Bay Area Brewers Guild Coast Chapter Kick-Off Party for San Francisco Beer Week on Saturday, Feb. 11.
The plan is to present top craft beers from all over the Central Coast. While a live DJ spins, ticket-holders receive a taster glass to take home, and enjoy exclusive access to the taproom for unlimited taster pours 5-10pm.
Tickets via OBBC’s Eventbrite link.
About the author
Mark C. Anderson, Edible Monterey Bay's managing editor, appears on "Friday Found Treasures" via KRML 94.7 every week, a little after 12pm noon. Reach him via mark@ediblemontereybay.com.
