OS planning commission backs Crooked Letter Brewing Co. - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

OS planning commission backs Crooked Letter Brewing Co.

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By Terrance Friday - bio | email
During an Ocean Springs Planning Commission meeting Tuesday, a motion was made to grant a special use permit for Crooked Letter Brewing Company. During an Ocean Springs Planning Commission meeting Tuesday, a motion was made to grant a special use permit for Crooked Letter Brewing Company.

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OCEAN SPRINGS, MS (WLOX) -

They say if at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again. For Paul and Wanda Blacksmith, owners of Craft Beer Company, that saying proved itself to be true.

During an Ocean Springs Planning Commission meeting Tuesday, a motion was made to grant a special use permit for Crooked Letter Brewing Company.

We first told you about the Blacksmiths' idea for a craft beer company in Vancleave back in June. The plan was rejected by Jackson County Supervisors after a few residents voiced concerns. But, the Blacksmiths didn't give up. They modified their idea, and moved it to Ocean Springs. That move generated supporters almost immediately.

"I'm excited for Crooked Letter," Vice President of Rex Distributing Company, Ann Magruder said. "I'm really excited for an opportunity for them to brew beer, and for us to sell it on the Gulf Coast. I think it'd become a real gem to the Gulf Coast and the city of Ocean Springs."

Alexandra Arellano is a bartender and believes a local brewing company would be a great addition to Ocean Springs.

"I think this opens up great opportunities for the town because the town is already versatile and eclectic. I think Crooked Letter Brewery will fit right in," Arellano said.

The company has been in the works since September of 2009. If everything goes according to plan, its owners are hoping to bring something special to the entire state while also encouraging others to pursue their dreams.

"I think we'll definitely add another type of culture that has not hit here yet, and that is craft beer culture," Paul Blacksmith said. "Never give up. Absolutely, that's what we've been telling people. We went up to a beer festival in Jackson and we were asked to speak to the entire floor. That was our speaking motto. Never give up."

The plan is for the company to operate out of a warehouse in the back of Broome's Grocery Store in downtown Ocean Springs.

From here, they need to get final approval from the Board of Alderman. If everything works in their favor, the Blacksmiths hope to have their company brewing by November.

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