Outside Influence, Downtown Brews

Spartanburg CountyFood & DrinkArts & CultureLocal Business

May 30

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From homebrewing to enhancing their new hometown, Arnie and Brenda Hoye hope to craft a warm sense of community alongside the craft beer at their Downtown Chesnee brewery: Outside Influence Brewing (213 South Alabama Ave.)

Taproom view from front entrance

Fenced courtyard view from front

Bar ordering, with 12 taps

Variety of seating in the front window

12 Taps, with rotating house, collaboration, and guest beers

The brewery features both a large indoor taproom, with bar seating, low and tall tables, and barrel standing room, right on the main drag in Downtown Chesnee. Outside, find a flexible, fenced in courtyard shielded from the road, with picnic tables, yard games, and a mountain backdrop.

The name “Outside Influence” was inspired by the couple’s love of the mountains and outdoors, who moved to South Carolina from Michigan, in part for the nicer weather, longer hours, and access to natural spaces. They hope to create a community asset downtown, that also provides a safe and welcoming venue for Chesnee residents and beyond to gather.

The Hoyes plan to offer a variety of events in the future, such as a run club and organized hiking outings, an artisan market for farmers and makers, regular food truck vendors, live music, and more.

Arnie and Brenda Hoye at the bar, with Mug Club mugs at right

This may be the couple’s first business venture together, but Head Brewer Arnie is no stranger to beer. Together, Arnie and Assistant Brewer Joel Watts were the VP and President (respectively) of the Spartanburg Homebrew Club. Hoye has won several homebrewing awards, specifically for his sour ales. Watts assists with brewing during the week, with plans to open his own brewery in the future as well.

Planned brew styles include a broad mix of “easy drinking” beers, with a total of 12 taps. Current brews include German and English traditionals, IPAs, sours, a stout, and more. The brewing duo has plenty of experience with “acquired tastes” and unique flavors, that will enter the menu in the future.

And oh, the collabs! Recognize the name New Groove Artisan Brewery? The two breweries collaborated to brew a unique beer called “Outside Vibes” that will be featured on both locations’ tap lists. Additionally, find rotating guest tap pours from National Pastime Brewing.

Outside courtyard and pop-up event space, with benches and yard games

Mug Club wall, with 50 member mugs

Styled wedding shoot, photographed by Folk + Wayfarer

Merchandise and taproom game shelf

While the brewery is owned by Arnie and Brenda, the business operation is a family affair, with influences from the couple’s children throughout the brewery and its offerings.

Outside of Outside Influence, Brenda owns Tiered. A Cake Studio, (formerly Red Cottage Cookie Co.,) a home bakery specializing in wedding cakes. Daughter Tessa Yardley is both a ceramicist and wedding photographer: Folk + Wayfarer. Her mugs can be found on the mug club wall and merch shelf, with event photography available for pop-up weddings booked in the brewery and outdoor courtyard. Her husband David, Meat Metal Fabrication, crafted the custom brewery sign found behind the bar. Daughter Chelsey is also a baker, whose sweets can be found on occasion in the brewery, Sweets to Share.

Mug Club members can buy in for a limited edition $50 mug, which offers an extra four ounces of beer per pour. At the end of the year, members can take their numbered mug home and a fresh batch of 50 mugs will be available for new members.