A Tale of Two Breweries: The Hanseth Family Legacy in Flagstaff

In the heart of historic downtown Flagstaff, at the intersection of San Francisco Street and Phoenix Avenue, stands a monument to Arizona’s industrial past. Built in 1890, the J.D. Halstead Lumber Company building has been meticulously repurposed to house the Lumberyard Brewing Company, a cornerstone of the city’s thriving craft beer culture.

This architectural revival is just one chapter in the remarkable journey of the Hanseth family, whose dedication to brewing has transformed Flagstaff into a destination for beer enthusiasts.

From Roots to Brews

The story began in 1994 when Evan and Winnie Hanseth launched Beaver Street Brewery. Inspired by a timely article about the burgeoning brewpub movement—and supported by the encouragement of Winnie’s parents, Dick and Jean Wilson—the couple took a leap of faith. They sold their California home, relocated to Arizona, and established what would become Flagstaff’s very first brewery.

While Beaver Street Brewery found immediate success, the family harbored a grander ambition: to distribute their craft beer across the state. This vision reached a turning point in May 2010 when the Hanseths opened the Lumberyard Brewing Company. By partnering with the city to restore the historic lumberyard, they not only secured a spacious, high-ceilinged venue for production and dining but also preserved a vital piece of the community’s heritage.

A Community-Focused Culture

For the Hanseths, the business is as much about people as it is about beer. “One of our biggest values is empowering our employees,” says daughter Kelly Hanseth. “We strive to give them opportunities to grow.”

The family attributes their long-term success to a “hands-on” leadership style. By working side-by-side with their staff every day, the owners have fostered a team-oriented environment that prioritizes community engagement and constant product improvement. This commitment has been essential in navigating the hurdles of the industry, including the seismic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Having to shutter our doors and change our business models overnight was a unique experience,” Kelly recalls. “Reopening was such a challenge, trying to gain the public trust in what we were doing and eventually get back to our ‘new normal’ of business.”

Adapting to Changing Palates

The evolution of the Hanseths’ craft beer scene mirrors the changing tastes of the American consumer. While the “Railhead Red” was once their undisputed bestseller, the market shifted through the intense rise of the IPA. Today, they are seeing a resurgence of interest in lighter, highly drinkable options. Currently, the Lager Del Sol leads sales at Beaver Street Brewery, while the Backcountry Blonde holds the title at the Lumberyard.

The culinary offerings have followed suit. Even staples like the menu have seen strategic pivots; the Lumberyard’s signature burger—which was not on the original menu—has since become their highest-selling food item.

Carrying the Torch

As Kelly and Korie Hanseth look toward the future, their focus remains on maintaining the quality that made their parents’ vision a reality. Their goal is clear: to continue building upon the family legacy, serving the Flagstaff community, and expanding the footprint of their award-winning brews throughout the state of Arizona.

Visit the Breweries:

• Lumberyard Brewing Company
  5 S. San Francisco St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001 | lumberyardbrewingcompany.com
• Beaver Street Brewery
  11 S. Beaver St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001 | beaverstreetbrewery.com