Big Lake welcomes newest dining option

There is now a new dining option in Big Lake — the Susitna Brewing Company. Sitting on the shores of South Big Lake, the new restaurant recently enjoyed a successful soft opening in its Little Su Café.

“We recognized there was a need for something out here on this side of the Valley beyond the casual diners here,” said General Manager Scott Bedford.

While Bedford is the general manager, there are also four partners: Nathan and Darcy Hickman, and Matthew and Whitney Dow. Everyone has a vested interest in making the brewery a success.

While there is only a preview menu right now, the café does boast a variety of homemade soup, salads, handcrafted specialty pizzas and half-pound burgers, along with several craft beers from Midnight Sun, Kenai River, and Peninsula Brewers Reserve. They also offer weekend specials such as a 10-oz ribeye or filet mignon.

Bedford elaborated on the long-term plans that are in motion for Susitna Brewing Company that will include a taproom featuring beer brewed on site, a banquet room that will seat 140 for sit-down meals, a separate dining area for 160, a wraparound deck, beer garden, and a gift shop.

“We fill a unique niche that people can come to and they seem to be pleased to have another option for dining out here. To have a place that has good quality food and good quality craft beer,” Bedford said.

He also hopes to feature local artists who would be interested in putting their pieces up along the spacious wall space.

After the soft opening last weekend, Bedford said he couldn’t be happier with the support the brewery has received from the community already.

“We are just so excited and pleased to be part of the community. We’re so thankful to the community already, to the people that have already come in and supported us,” Bedford said.

Bedford acknowledges that the supply chain has made plans challenging but remains undaunted and excited in their dream to bring the brewery to life. He is also excited for the open concept brewery that visitors and patrons will be able to walk through and is working with tour groups to host tastings and tours.

As the work continues, the Bedford praised his staff and team for the “wonderful work they have been doing. I just couldn’t be happier with the team we have here.”

The Susitna Brewery is open on a limited capacity basis, Fridays-Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and they will be opening on Thursdays very soon. The Susitna Brewery is located at 5120 S Big Lake Road in Big Lake.