If all goes to plan, Mission’s newest brewery will be pouring its first pints in less than a month.
HUBco (Hands Up Brewing Company), located at 33211 N Railway Ave. directly across from the West Coast Express terminal, plans to open in mid-to-late February.
The name is a reference to Billy Miner’s famous 1904 holdup of a Canadian Pacific Railway train near Silverdale, west of Mission.
The store is owned by 36-year-old Kylan St. Jean and his wife, Jenna. St. Jean, who grew up in Mission, says he started thinking of opening a brewery four year ago when he was living in Abbotsford and Langley.
“I saw these little craft breweries pop up, just the way it shaped the downtown and shaped the community to make it a really great place to hang out with people,” he said.
“It had a positive impact on most of the businesses in the area, so I really liked that and thought it’d be great for Mission.”
The couple bought the location two-and-a-half years ago, and had building permits approved in August, 2020, but COVID-related issues delayed the opening date.
The location, which used to be a karate dojo, has undergone extensive renovations and has an occupancy of 100 patrons (80 with COVID restrictions).
There are two floors, a small kitchen, and six 6,000-litre brewing tanks behind the serving bar. St. Jean says there will be five original craft beers available to order by opening.
“It’s been a challenge trying to get to where we are now, so happy to be here,” he said.
Looking Back: The real story behind Maple Ridge and Mission’s famous train robber
@portmoodypigeon
patrick.penner@missioncityrecord.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.