News
Largest Self-Distributing Local Brewery Supports the Economy of Small Town
<p>PALISADE, Colo. — Palisade Brewing Company, the largest self-distributing brewery in Mesa County, continues to make a significant economic impact while staying deeply connected to the local community.</p>
<h3>Brewing Success Across Western Colorado</h3>
<p>According to Connor Jones, Head Brewer of Palisade Brewing, the company packages around 140 cases of beer three to four times a week, reaching destinations from Steamboat and Aspen to Telluride.</p>
<p>&#8220;I can go anywhere from Aspen to Telluride and drink the beer I make, so it’s a wonderful feeling,&#8221; said Jones.</p>
<p>Sales Manager Brett Zahrte highlighted the role of the brewery in bringing people together. &#8220;It really lets people enjoy the fun that we create here in this community and experience what we experience here every day in this community.&#8221;</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10297" src="https://budgyapp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Palisade-Brewing-Company-Mesa-County.jpg" alt="Palisade Brewing Company Mesa County" width="692" height="371" /></p>
<h3>Supporting the Local Economy</h3>
<p>Zahrte emphasized that revenue from in-house and distribution sales directly benefits the Town of Palisade.</p>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>Local Arts and Culture: The brewery invests in local musicians, artists, and events that attract visitors to downtown Palisade.</li>
<li>Business Growth: Increased foot traffic from brewery events supports surrounding businesses, strengthening the town’s overall economy.</li>
<li>Community Impact: The Town of Palisade itself benefits from the brewery’s ongoing financial contributions.</li>
</ul>
<p>&#8220;We injected a significant amount of money into local musicians, local artists, and events that draw people into downtown Palisade, which then helped support all of our surrounding local businesses,&#8221; Zahrte noted.</p>
<h3>Navigating Economic Uncertainty</h3>
<p>During periods of economic slowdown or supply chain disruptions, the brewery remains committed to its core values.</p>
<p>&#8220;Whether there’s an economic slowdown, or a supply chain challenge, or anything of that nature, we always come back and refocus on the community,&#8221; Zahrte said. &#8220;We try and stay close to home where it really matters as much as we can, and the community fosters that support.&#8221;</p>
<p>Unlike some other businesses, Palisade Brewing has not been impacted by recent import changes. Instead, the company is focused on expansion while maintaining its strong local presence.</p>
<h3>Future Growth and Community Engagement</h3>
<p>&#8220;We have the opportunity that a lot of other craft brewers in the state maybe don’t have as much of, and that we still have a lot of untapped market here in the Western Slope,&#8221; Zahrte said.</p>
<p>Kitchen Manager Chad Howard added that the brewery is preparing for a series of events throughout the summer, both as a host and participant, reinforcing its commitment to community engagement.</p>