When we started our business plan nearly 7 years ago, we assumed people would just do growler fills, and that we would distribute most of our kegs to local bars and restaurants where people were already patrons. We went ahead and built a small taproom with a bar, just in case people wanted to have a pint or two with friends.
Our opening night was something completely different. Wichita wanted a taproom to gather and enjoy beer with friends while meeting new friends. We ran out of beer so quickly, we hardly distributed any outside of the taproom for the first 6 months. Regular customers started calling it “The Gnome,” and we noticed a seat at the bar was a hot commodity. We also noticed that people were having conversations together and making new friends, coining us the Cheers of Wichita breweries, where everyone knows your name.
After being open for nearly 5 years, we can’t believe we have to tell our gnomies that they can no longer drink a beer in our taproom. While we have not yet been mandated to shut our doors, we feel a social responsibility to limit the number of people coming in. We tried to spread out our tables and chairs, but we have a cozy space and people like to be close together. We were also getting close to the 50 people limit, so we made the very difficult decision to limit our taproom hours for fills and to-go orders only, with limited staff.
This makes us nervous, because while this was our original business plan from the beginning, we have this community of gnomies now, and know that you may not want to drink gnome beer if you can’t be together in the taproom and participate in our events.
You proved us wrong again Wichita, with your overwhelming support of to-go orders and air high fives. Words cannot describe the amazing feeling on St. Patrick’s Day as we shed a few tears while sharing stories. So many of you continue to tip our bartenders as they fill your orders, and we are very grateful for this. The large tips on small orders do not go unnoticed, and reminds us that it’s small acts of kindness that will get us through this difficult time.
We know we won’t stay this busy for long with the economic pressure on all of us, but we also know this won’t last forever. We will be partying in the taproom again soon.
You are the ones who built our little community and keep it going, and we know you will help us continue this community in a different way, as we shift the way we do business and the way we shop.
We will be updating our website daily in order to keep the beer menu current, and have started offering to-go specials. We will also keep our online merchandise current and will be starting sales soon. This will all be shared on social media, and you can pre-order on our website, via Facebook messenger, or text your order in at (316) 771-2110.
We hope to see you briefly as you get a fill or grab a crowler to go, and if not, please continue to stay engaged with us on social media. Share pictures of your gnome beer at home using the hashtag #GnomeAtHome
We will get through this crazy time, and keep you posted as we continue to adjust daily and weekly.
We need each other...and also beer.
Wash your hands,
Torrey, Stacy, & Team Gnome