6th Springfield brewery in the works

The operators of a new Springfield brewery are breaking away from the common center city destination for craft beers.

Dubbed 4 by 4 Brewing Co. LLC, owners Derek Shimeall, Chris Shaffer, Justin Steenburgh and an unnamed investor are targeting an August or September launch for their microbrewery concept at 2811 E. Galloway St. near Sequiota Park. Plans for the new brewery were first reported by 417 Magazine.

“We definitely wanted to have something on the south side of town, just to break up having to go downtown for a microbrewery,” Shimeall said. “We felt that culture and that type of feel down (south) fit a microbrewery.”

Shimeall said the owners signed a five-year lease for undisclosed terms to occupy 2,000 square feet in a building owned by Jeffrey Haymes. Shimeall estimated $300,000 in startup costs. The business also is near 2B Well and Trim Salon.

Head brewer Shaffer will start with eight beers, ranging from a double IPA to a salted caramel porter, made in four 10-barrel fermenting tanks. The owners have no plans to distribute initially, but Shimeall said that could come in the future.

Named after the four owners and their four wives, 4 by 4 Brewing Co. will start as an owner-operated venture that Shimeall called a “coffee shop for breweries.”

“Our goal is to build our relationships with customers as the owners,” he said. “With it being so small, you’re going to be open to the tanks. You’re going to be right there.”

Comparing the concept with Brick & Mortar Coffee, Shimeall said customers can bring in their own food, have it delivered or order from a rotating selection of food trucks.

Rountree neighorhood brewery Tie & Timber Beer Co. is targeting a March 2018 launch. Tie & Timber and 4 by 4 Brewing would join established breweries Mother’s Brewing Co., Lost Signal Brewing Co., Springfield Brewing Co. and White River Brewing Co.