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A quick brief for the reader on the go:
- Swing Barrel Brewing Co. is back open.
- The taproom was only open for one week when the new business was shut down for COVID-19.
- There is a limit of 60 people inside because of Minnesota's COVID regulations, masks are required.
- A grand reopening is set for Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1.
MOORHEAD — Attention "Swingers": Swing Barrel Brewing Co. has officially reopened its taproom to the public.
It's a big relief for owners John Kapla and Sean Syverson.
The partners had planned to open Swing Barrel in the fall of 2019, but turning the Wright Building at 814 Center Ave. into a brewery proved far more difficult than expected. Then the coronavirus pandemic settled in with its mandatory closures.
Swing Barrel opened for business in July 2020, but the taproom itself was only open for about one week. Syverson explained that was because COVID cases spiked again after the Fourth of July.
"Because there was no vaccine on the horizon and John and I are both high-risk, we decided to shut down and do patio only," he said. They also continued to sell off-sale.
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Syverson said they're "excited" and "optimistic."
"Hopefully this time with more people being vaccinated and being more aware of how severe COVID can be, we can stay open this time," he said.
In accordance with Minnesota guidelines, the taproom will be limited to 60 people. Masks will also be required.
The delayed opening allowed the partners time to complete a full beer list, Syverson said. New offerings include Ugly Sally Sour, a watermelon and key lime gose with sea salt, and Rococo Bang, a coconut porter.
"And we've actually been able to hire people. It's not just John and I hanging out anymore," he joked.
In celebration of the grand reopening, Driftwood Food Truck will be on hand from 4-9 p.m. Friday, April 30, and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 1. Nathan Pitcher and Company will also play live on the Swing Barrel stage from 8-10:30 p.m. Saturday.
