After 27 years as a staple in the local craft beer community, Steve Tracy, owner of Thunder Canyon Brewery, is retiring and passing the torch to his longtime friends and employees, James Owens (former General Manager of Thunder Canyon) and Michael Nixon (former Head Brewer).
“Thank you, Tucson,” said Tracy. “With a combined 20 years of experience in the craft beer industry, James and Nixon are poised to carry on many of the traditions and techniques we’ve honed over the years at Thunder Canyon Brewery.”
So, with Tracy’s retirement comes a rebranding — a new name, new beers, and the same great times that were had when it was Thunder Canyon Brewery.
Local beer-loving community of Tucson, meet Brick Box Brewery, located at 220 E. Broadway Blvd. (the same familiar taproom).
Combining innovation with a nod to brewing traditions, Brick Box Brewery promises a unique and immersive space for beer enthusiasts looking for a new kind of experience. Plus, the duo wants to establish a new mindset, generate ideas, and build the Brick Box brand in downtown Tucson to new heights.
Grand Opening
There’s a big Grand Opening event for Brick Box Brewery, too. The brewery is open now but on Wednesday, May 1, everyone’s invited to come on in to celebrate with the Brick Box team— enjoy craft beverages, art, and live music.
“Join us for a celebration of flavor and community,” Owens and Nixon shared.
There’s going to be an exclusive taste of their new craft beers and food (smash burgers and “classic brewery food”). Additionally, live music will be provided by Valley Fever, S. Beezy, and OCF (Our City’s Finest).
Also, Brick Box Brewery will still be offering a space for weddings and other big events, providing a space for independent brewers to can their beer, and a continuous lineup of live shows, food pop-ups, and vendor markets.
Brick Box Brewery is located at 220 E. Broadway Blvd. For more information, follow Brick Box Brewery on Instagram and visit brickboxbrewery.com.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
