When High Cotton Brewing Co. opened its doors in 2013, it helped spark a wave of new breweries in the Bluff City.
But High Cotton will soon be the first Memphis brewery since the rise of craft beer to close its doors and re-open with a new identity.
Earlier today, Little Rock-based Flyway Brewing Co. announced that it will take over High Cotton, 598 Monroe, and the former Edge Alley space next door.
Along with the ownership group behind City Silo Table + Pantry, Flyway will transform the spaces in the Edge District near Downtown Memphis into a new brewpub and event space “that combines the best of art, culture, and culinary offerings,” according to a press release.
The release did not specifically name the new concept, but Flyway’s website is teasing the opening of “Flyway Memphis.”
“Memphis has a vibrant beer scene with a growing number of breweries and beer enthusiasts who appreciate the artistry and creativity that goes into brewing unique, flavorful beers,” Flyway Brewing founder and co-owner Matt Foster said in the release.
“We are excited to be a part of this thriving community and look forward to collaborating with local restaurants and bars as we expand Flyway’s presence in the area.”
High Cotton will undergo a renovation and expansion under its new ownership, with a grand opening date to be shared later.
The brewery will not only offer Flyway beers, such as the brewery’s signature Bluewing Berry Wheat Ale, but it will keep some of High Cotton’s legacy beer offerings on the menu, as well.
One such beer will be High Cotton’s Mexican Lager.
“High Cotton’s contributions and innovations to Memphis’s brewing scene are invaluable, and we will continue that legacy,” City Silo’s Scott Tashie said in the release. “We’re committed to celebrating the staple brews that hold significance within our community and are proud to continue serving the crowd-favorite High Cotton Mexican Lager, among others.”
In addition to beers and food, the new venue will feature live music.
“We are very excited to activate the music venue at High Cotton,” Tashie said in the release. “Memphis has such a rich history embedded in its music, and we are thrilled to be able to contribute to that.”
Flyway Brewing first opened in North Little Rock’s Argenta district in 2015. Late last year, Flyway added a second location in Fayetteville, in the former home of Apple Blossom Brewing Company.
In addition to the new Memphis location, Flyway is opening a second Little Rock location — Flyway Breckenridge Village — and has plans to expand into West Point, Mississippi, as well.
High Cotton was founded by Ross Avery, Mike Lee, Ryan Staggs, and Brice Timmons in 2013, the same year that saw the opening of Wiseacre Brewing Co. and Memphis Made Brewing Co.
Avery, who is High Cotton’s president and last of original co-founders still with High Cotton, will have an ownership stake in the new Flyway Memphis, according to the release.
Avery told Memphis Beer Blog via email that he was “still finalizing” details of the Flyway deal and could not talk yet.
But in Flyway’s press release, Avery was quoted as saying: “We started with no idea of how to run a brewery business, only a passion for brewing the best craft beer we could. And I think, ultimately, we did. Now it’s time for a new direction, along with a new range of brews catering to a wider variety of tastes. And that’s pretty exciting.”