Superior Bathhouse Brewery Celebrates 5 th Anniversary
Owner Rose Schweikhart and Head Brewer Jimm Powell, moving in equipment, finishing the installation of the
brand new Brewhouse.
Owner Rose Schweikhart reflects on a whirlwind five years of growing downtown’s favorite landmark.
2013 was an interesting year in Hot Springs. After two arduous years of business planning and negotiating with the National Park Service for the use of the Superior Bathhouse for a brewpub, Rose and her team finally received the green light to proceed with construction.
Rose watched nervously as the months ticked by earlier that winter, knowing she had to abbreviate the initial renovation in order to open the doors while the summer season was in full swing. “We had hard hats in the building the very next day after the lease was signed in March, 2013.” The Craft Beer Tasting Room opened on July 12, 2013, an initial concept that featured farm-to-table food, and more importantly, 18 taps of craft beer.
The following years were full of trials and tribulations. A devastating divorce came to a head the very same month that the Majestic went down in flames in early 2014. Tough building restrictions imposed by the park and the challenge of building the world’s only brewery to use Thermal Spring Water made for a frustrating process.
In January, 2015 Hitchcock Spring Kolsch began to flow, followed shortly by Foul Play Stout, and Superior Pale Ale. All three of these beers remain crowd and staff favorites to this day. The elevator, new exterior fire exit stairs, additional bathrooms, and an enormous heating and air system to service their 100-seat party room were all installed while business was in full swing during the summer season of 2016.
In 2017, Rose decided to grow the brewery output with a goal of state-wide distribution. This June, the Superior team finalized installation of a brand new brewhouse.
Reminiscing over a pint, Rose expressed excitement and optimism about the future of Hot Springs. “I am so
thankful for the community’s support over the past 5 years, and my staff and I look forward to another 50 in the
heart of the coolest little town in America.”
