A fast-growing craft brewer is making a lot of beer at its new production facility in space that had been occupied by a Sears department store at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City.

Beer Tree Brew Co. founders Chris Rhoades and Brendan Harder say the opening of brewing operations and a restaurant at the north end of the mall complex went well.

About 90 percent of the company's production now is taking place at the Reynolds Road site. With the bulk of regular production happening in Johnson City, Beer Tree is able to develop more "experimental brews" at its original location on Route 369 in Port Crane.

Beer production has been increasing in recent weeks at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City. Photo: Facebook/Beer Tree Brew Co
Beer production has been increasing in recent weeks at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City. (Photo: Facebook/Beer Tree Brew Co)
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A label on a can of craft beer produced at the Oakdale Mall. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A label on a can of craft beer produced at the Oakdale Mall. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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The craft brewers are working to expand distribution throughout New York and outside the state.

The Johnson City Beer Tree site also has a restaurant with an outdoor deck that will be able to accommodate about 300 people during warmer weather.

Beer Tree has been making plans to establish a presence in downtown Binghamton, although that project is still being finalized.

The Sears store in Johnson City as it appeared in January 2017. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
The Sears store in Johnson City as it appeared in January 2017. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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