More demand than supply: best American brewpub shoulders the challenge.

• Author: Middleton, Saundra
• Position: Railway Brewing Co. of Anchorage - Company Profile

Best American Brewpub Shoulders the Challenge

Railway Brewing Company of Anchorage, the only brewpub in America operating in an active train depot, had the winning combination when Nightclub and Bar Magazine was looking for the best-of-the-best in breweries: Exceptional beer and a unique backdrop.

The magazine honored Railway Brewing as the Best brewpub in North America, based on its "intriguing blend of nostalgic atmosphere," combined with some of the region's best hand-crafted brews." An amazing honor considering owners Richard and Mary Sassara's inexperience in the industry.

The Sassaras have had a passion for brewpubs for many years. In their travels, they sought out brewpubs for the "relaxing atmosphere and great beer," says Brew Baroness Mary Sassara.

Brewing for themselves became a reality in 1993 with a home-brewing kit received as a Christmas gift. Three years later, their beer was winning awards at the Great Beer and Barley Winter Festival. Soon, the Sassaras were making plans to operate their own pub in the Alaska Railroad Depot, with a mission to produce the best hand-crafted beer in the state.

But their sudsy dream did not come without obstacles.

Competing for the property, owned by Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARC), was the first hurdle. Impressed that their business plan included a restaurant and...