Business & Tech
Local Craft Brewing Restaurant Celebrates Grand Opening
Montara couple embarks on first business venture in Pescadero.
Just a few weeks ago, the coast got a little more brews and a little more food. Pescadero welcomed Highway 1 Brewing Company to a 3,000 square foot location at 5720 S Cabrillo Highway.
The new restaurant is the first entrepreneurial endeavor from Montara couple Melissa and Jeff Page, who are hosting a grand opening celebration St. Patrick's Day weekend.
Highway 1 is also a family affair, with the Page’s teenage children helping out around the restaurant. Melissa, originally from San Jose, is a former nurse for San Mateo County. Jeff, who hails from Southern California, still currently acts as Operations Manager at Montara Water & Sanitary District.
“This is something we’ve thought about doing in the past, but on a smaller scale,” Jeff, 40, said. “Melissa likes to cook and I like to brew beer.”
Jeff said their friend urged them to lease the building, which was formerly Gazos Grill, in October 2012.
“We didn’t set out for Pescadero, but it’s a beautiful location,” Jeff said. “You can see the most amazing sunsets; we fell in love with it.”
Jeff initially began brewing on Father’s Day five years ago when he got a gallon kit as a gift. He then moved his way on to making 10 gallon batches.
“It was love at first brew,” Jeff said, adding that the restaurant is made unique by the fact that customers can see him brewing the beer himself in a back room of the local venue.
“We’ve seen good traffic from Santa Cruz, Montara, Half Moon Bay and people from Concord and San Jose,” Melissa said. “People have come long distance since craft brewing is booming and they are willing to travel for good beer.”
What advice does the pair have for those looking to start their own restaurants?
“Plan on working like an animal,” Jeff said. “And you’ll spend way more money than you think you will,” Melissa added.
Every night this weekend featureed musical performances. Mark Kostrzewa and Coastal Acoustic Guitar played Friday, another band performed on Saturday and Andy Markham and the Jazz Quartet play on Sunday. St. Patrick’s Day specials include corned beef sandwiches and mac and cheese.
The eatery is open Sunday, Monday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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