Steve's Brew Shop

April 8 2021 --

For those of you who follow the shop on Facebook, this will be old news, but I want to be as transparent and accessible as possible while at the same time helping you understand why I've kept such unpredictable store hours lately.

Shirley Felton
1935-2021

Shirley Felton Obituary

Most importantly, my mother, Shirley Felton, suffered a stroke in early March. She passed away on March 31. Her funeral will be Friday, April 23. While she struggled with her final days, I was hospitalized and had a stent placed in a coronary artery. I'm doing OK, but there's still a long row to hoe. I'm working on my cardio rehab, and while I don't know what the future holds, I am hopeful and feeling better and stronger as time goes along.

I'll continue to follow the City of Fayetteville, CDC, and my doctor's guidance as it relates to Covid-19 protocols. Believe me, I am as sick of wearing masks and keeping the shop on lock down as anyone, but for now, it's still the best course to ensure the safest environment for all.

Thanks to everyone who has continued to do business with us, and thanks for your continued patience as we sort through some difficult times. On April 23, I and my family will say good bye to my mother. Perhaps, you too might raise a glass in farewell remembrance of a remarkable woman who lived life as it was meant to be: with passion, perseverance, a good heart, a good Scotch once in a while, and love, mostly love.

Peace, Steve

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August 20121 -- Friends,

I have some difficult news to share with you. I’ve been diagnosed with a serious heart condition, specifically coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, and diastolic heart failure. As you may already know last April, I was diagnosed with pulmonary embolisms (PE) — blood clots — in my lungs.

I’m managing all these with medications, and I am doing well all things considered. However, my illness is affecting my ability to provide the highest level of service at the shop. I felt that an explanation for somewhat erratic opening hours and a drop off in the response or turn around time in orders was due.

I sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience and continued support as I sort out this difficult time. It would be tough enough just navigating a small business with Covid-19 to worry about, but when I add these health concerns and limitations to the mix, some days it’s more than I can do. This is why I shortened the shop operating hours by one day per week and two hours per day. It’s also why I continue to operate with curbside service only for my local customers. It’s a total hassle, but it’s the safest way for me to continue to run the shop for now.

I had planned to operate it for three to five more years before I fully retired. That doesn’t really seem to be an option any longer, but it’s important to me that the brewing community in NWA has this resource locally available. I’ll continue to offer the best service I can and finest ingredients available until another path presents itself.

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you what a strong, smart, supportive, resourceful, and loving partner and care giver my wife Gretchen is for me. She has more than enough on her plate as a public school teacher during this public health crisis, yet she finds the time and energy to care for me and take up the slack left when I can’t go anymore. She is simply amazing, and I love her beyond words.

Take care. Wear your mask. Wash your hands. Be well. There are people who need you.

Cheers, Steve

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