Big changes are on the way for Snoqualmie Falls Brewing

New ownership at the brewery means a revamped interior and some canned beers.

By Aaron Kunkler • June 5, 2018 8:30 am
Snoqualmie Falls Brewing general manager Dave Eiffert stands outside of the brewery he helped found with other valley locals in 1997. It sold on June 1 to new owners, which Eiffert said he’s excited about. Aaron Kunkler/Staff photo
Snoqualmie Falls Brewing general manager Dave Eiffert stands outside of the brewery he helped found with other valley locals in 1997. It sold on June 1 to new owners, which Eiffert said he’s excited about. Aaron Kunkler/Staff photo

Snoqualmie Falls Brewing is operating under new owners following a June 1 sale, more than 20 years after the brewery was founded.

The brewery, which is tucked away next to the Snoqualmie River, has become a community staple, offering seven full-time beers, along with rotating seasonals and food. Of the group of five people who founded the brewery in 1997, Dave Eiffert is the only one who hasn’t retired yet. With the brewery’s sale, Eiffert moved from being the brewery’s president to its general manager.

“I think it means positive changes for the brewery,” Eiffert said. “This purchase comes at a very timely point.”

The brewery was sold to Vojislav and Juljia Kokeza as well as Dalibor and Bjanka Marceta, who have already started making changes, including revamping the kitchen, remodeling the taproom’s interior and adding an outdoor seating area — which should completd in a couple weeks. Deep fryers have also been added, meaning the brewery can expand its menu to include staples like burgers and fries and fish and chips.

One of the biggest changes will come as the brewery expands into canned beer production and distribution this summer. The Sunny Si Citra hopped IPA, Sno Falls Pale Ale and a root beer will be canned and sent out across Washington and Idaho. The brewery already produces 22-ounce bottles, but these “bomber” cans are getting squeezed on shelves in stores since they take up a large amount of space. Eiffert hopes to expand distribution to Oregon and Northern California in the future.

The brewery’s taphouse was filled with patrons on a recent Friday afternoon, but Snoqualmie Fall’s success wasn’t always certain, Eiffert said. When they founded the brewery, Eiffert made a bet with another founder, Pat Anderson, waging the taphouse wouldn’t do well in such a small town. He ended up losing the bet.

“The community obviously really has found great community in this place,” he said.

While the influx of tourists during the summer boosts business, locals keep the place afloat. With the changes, the brewery is set to keep pumping out beverages.

“We spent 20 years building this business from a small production brewery. We’re thrilled to see our business not only continue, but also grow in such significant ways,” Anderson said in a press release.

The brewery was originally founded by Eiffert, Anderson, David McKibben, To Antone and LeRoy Gmazel. Eiffert said he’s glad the brewery found new owners and will not be closing. Snoqualmie Falls Brewing is located at 8032 Falls Avenue Southeast.