Passing the torch

Another big change is coming for a longtime local mainstay. This time, it’s Durango’s first brewpub: Carver Brewing Co.

Owners Bill and Jim Carver announced this week that the Main Avenue brewery will be changing hands. But it will stay in familiar hands, those of Bill’s children, Claire and Colin.

The Carvers started the beloved downtown brewery in 1988, making it the first brewpub in the Four Corners region. But, the Carver brothers told The Durango Telegraph this week it’s time for the next generation to take over.

“We’re really excited about it,” Jim Carver said. “It just felt like a really good time for us to step away, and for Claire and Colin to step in.”

Bill, 60, and Jim, 65, moved to Durango in 1986. It didn’t take long for them to open Carvers, which at the time was a brewery and bakery. Mind you, it was also a time when large, multinational companies dominated the beer industry. The craft brewery scene we all now know and love was just starting out.

Now, Jim says Claire and Colin – after going off to school, living around the world and working a variety of jobs – are ready to take on the family business. “They were raised around the brewpub, that’s all they’ve ever known, and they’re excited about it, which is the biggest crux,” Jim said. “Because you have to be excited to run this place.”

The Carvers said no big changes are imminent for the brewery as the transition happens, and they still plan to call Durango home.

“We feel tremendous gratitude for the support of the Durango community over the years,” they said in a statement.

No word if the new owners will bring back the dearly departed schneck. We can only hope.

Giving back

Got warm clothes, extra toiletries and kitchenwares? For February, Pine Needle Dry Goods, 858 Main Ave., will be collecting these items to go to Volunteers of America Colorado, which operates two shelters and provides services to Durango’s unhoused and veterans in need.

Needed items include: 

• Warm coats, jackets, hats, gloves, socks, scarves and boots. 

• Shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, tampons/pads, shaving cream and razors. 

• Mugs, bowls, pots, pans, Tupperware and reusable water bottles.  

All clothing should be washed and in good condition, and toiletries must be new and in original packaging.  Drop off items between 10 a.m.-6 p.m., seven days a week.