Bazi Bierbrasserie Joins the Thirsty Monk Brewery and Pub Family

Today it has been announced that Bazi Bierbrasserie will be the new home to Portland’s new Thirsty Monk. The news came as a bit of shock as proprietor Hilda Stevens has developed some very strong connections in the beer scene both locally and a far. The transition to the new Thirsty Monk will be completed in mid-December with a small batch brewery being installed next year.

The news on the Portland location joins the recent announcement that the Thirsty Monk has now taken over the former Deep Draft Brewing in Denver, Colorado located at 1604 E 17th Ave. This Denver location has a 12-barrel brewhouse that will be under the guidance of Brian Grace that has recently held positions as Head Brewer at Crooked Stave and Production Manager at Jolly Pumpkin.

Here are more details from the press release…

“It is with much delight that I announce Bazi Bierbrasserie will be joining the Thirsty Monk family, an organization that shares the same passion for Belgian beer and values a sense of community” says Bazi’s owner, Hilda Stevens. “This provides an opportunity for my employees’ growth aspirations in the service industry while also aligning with an institution that embraces crafting exceptional Belgian-inspired beers and providing a superior customer experience,” adds Stevens.

Over the past six years, Bazi Bierbrasserie has become a Belgo aficionado oasis, quickly receiving recognition in hop-centric Portland and at the national level. Bazi Bierbrasserie was named “Top 100 Beer Bars in America” by DRAFT Magazine for three consecutive years, “Top Beer Bars in Portland” by the Oregonian and Thrillist, “Portland No. 1 Soccer Pub” by the Oregonian, and “SE Portland Best Happy Hours” by Willamette Week.

“Bazi and Thirsty Monk have been on such similar paths since inception, with the experiences we offer patrons and seats on the same “Top 100 Beer Bars” lists. Hilda’s values, attention to detail, and compassion towards her employees resonates strong at Bazi, and those are all shared values of Thirsty Monk that make this addition of them to our family feel even more natural,” shares Barry Bialik, Thirsty Monk CEO.

As to Stevens future, she adds, “I’ll be staying to help through the transition, while also ensuring our existing clientele continues to receive the same level of service they’ve come to enjoy. Some of our back end processes might change slightly, but the customer experience should remain the same. I’ve lived in Portland for 20 years and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to grow a business in such a welcoming community, but after Hurricane Harvey my priorities have changed personally. My intention is to eventually head south to be closer to my siblings and parents in Houston.”

It is expected that the ownership change should be completed by mid-December.

About Bazi Bierbrasserie. If Monks lived in Portland, this would be their watering hole. Bazi brings centuries of Belgian inspired beer and food under one roof plus a premium liquor selection. Explore with a nationally recognized Bier-Cocktail or simply sip on a glass of wine. As a Euro-centric establishment we embrace bringing community together through sports. We are an official Thorns, Timbers, Liverpool FC and American Outlaws partner, and showcase these and other events on our 114″ HDTV with surround sound. Named “No 1 Soccer Pub” by The Oregonian 2016, “Top 100 Beer Bars in America” by DRAFT Magazine 2014, 1015, 2016 and “Top 10 Best Beer Bars in Portland” by The Oregonian, 2014. Located in the heart of the Hawthorne District, tucked away just off of SE 32nd Avenue.

About Thirsty Monk, Inc. Thirsty Monk, founded in 2008, brews Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales in Asheville, NC, a world recognized craft beer destination. Thirsty Monk currently operates Thirsty Monk Downtown, Thirsty Monk Biltmore Park, Top of the Monk craft cocktail bar, and Brother Joe’s Coffee Pub, all in Asheville. Find the company online at monkpub.com.