Making a Bold Move
Garage hobby grows into popular brewery
By LISA CARLISLE | Photos courtesy of BOLD REPUBLIC BREWING COMPANY
Bold Republic Brewing Company is indeed such, owners and founders Patrick and Adriane Hodges are to the definition, Bold. It takes incredible people to forge through tough circumstances to remain kind, humble and lighthearted. The Hodges attribute this to their loyal customer base who always stood by their side.
Bold Republic opened its doors in 2017 off Penelope in Belton, “We knew the first day opening that we had outgrown the building,” Patrick recalls, laughing. The Hodges, despite all worries, were a hit! The grueling labor of installing, painting iconic murals, experimenting with brews and developing their unique flavor paid off. The small garage brewery at one point containing 14 different beers, was now full-fledged Bold Republic Brewing. Trivia nights, live music and an interactive community experience added to the loyal following.
Even in the best and most prosperous times, the unexpected creeps up. A year after opening, a typical morning took a turn when Patrick noticed Adriane was showing concerning signs. Quick action led to the hospital and emergency brain surgery soon followed, Adriane had suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke. After her steady recovery, she decided to trade her teaching career to be at Bold full time. In 2019, they decided to scout a new location, after a painstaking search they found an area off West Adams near Crossroads Park.
Time to enjoy their triumphs? No, Covid time! “We struggle to call people customers,” Adriane says. “These are all my friends, people that I see and I know about their families. They are so loyal, they are what kept us alive during Covid.” The Hodges, with the support of their customers and families, forged ahead, even adding a new baby along the way. On Valentine’s Day in 2022, the foundation was poured on Bold Republic’s larger location. Murals were painted, items assembled and equipment installed. Doors opened in September.
This location features a full state-of-the-art kitchen, extensive seating, and an open floor plan with breezeways inviting in the outdoors and even a playground for the little ones. Flat screens have the game on. The bar is stocked with Bold brews made on-site, one for every palate.
The Hodges feature everything from Lagers to Porters, sours and seasonals and each with its own creative name like a pumpkin ale Punkee Brewster or the tropical sour In the Rain. Picking a favorite is nearly impossible. Patrick has an eye for the brewing and flavor process as well as keeping up with changing trends.
Bold Republic also offers a full menu of outstanding foods. If you think finding a favorite beer is hard, try picking a favorite dish. She-crab soup? Brunswick stew? Fried-green tomato BLT? Poboys, fruit and nut salad? Ahi tuna burger? One of each please! “We wanted to have food we wanted to eat, we wanted to have something different,” Adriane says.
Adriane has had a special heart project in memoriam of her father, pilot Capt. Jonathan “Jack” Ross Edwards whose life was lost in Operation Desert Storm. The National Desert Storm War Memorial combined with Leinenkugel Brewing had created the Captain Jack, a beautiful way to remember her father as well as contribute to the cause. Bold has many other collaborations within the very supportive craft beer community.
Bold continues its interactive entertainment, hosting live music and trivia nights such as their Geeks who Drink and Name that Tune. They will also be introducing the Mug Club, available starting Nov. 25, a perfect gift for a beer lover! Bold has plans to expand its live music area utilizing the natural amphitheater and acoustics so it can host bigger music acts.
“A lot can happen in five years,” Patrick says, “Trying to live five years out.” This has become their motto and despite all obstacles, they have remained bold. Their following grows as they do, and the community is happy to embrace them.
