As the first anniversary of the opening of Trailside Brewery at Lennox Station approaches, the venue (located adjacent to the Ecusta Trail on N. Whitted St.) is already expanding on its runaway success. Partner David Schnitzer expressed satisfaction that the enterprise is fulfilling its vision of a community-oriented entity by creating spaces and activities that enhance the many reasons Hendersonville is a terrific place to raise a family, retire, enjoy outdoor activities, and for others to visit.

That underlying vision is expressed in many various ways. When asked what gives him the most joy in operating this recent entrepreneurial adventure (after starting up multiple businesses at various locations), his answer was that he loves to see people sharing the space to commune with each other, especially families. That community commitment is also apparent by the list of local clubs for which he provides the space to hold gatherings, such as Conserving Carolina (Green Drink talks – second Thursday of each month), and Rotary (Bingo – third Tuesday), with weekly options of Appalachian Jam on Wednesday hosted by Carol Rifkin, and Hendersonville Running Club on Thursdays.

To increase the ability to service the community while continuing to serve brewery patrons without interruption, the partners have expanded into the adjacent section of Lennox Station to create “The Grove”, a 3500 square-foot event space and cocktail lounge. The Grove will offer a curated cocktail bar, and an event space to host private celebrations such as weddings and ticketed events, as well as a music venue. Since Conserving Carolina has been so instrumental in the development of the Ecusta Trail, it seemed appropriate to this writer of this article that the first event held in the new trailside “Grove” was a Conserving Carolina member Meet and Greet function on March 7th.

Maintaining that commitment to the public, Appalachian Coffee will also be located temporarily in The Grove (open 7 a.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends). While David and Appalachian Coffee partner Marty Mazzawi are determined to find a new permanent home for the coffee shop, until they do, it will be operating in this space. Not only is the drink menu blossoming this spring, but this summer will see ice cream added for trail enthusiasts. Once the Ecusta Market and Café is in operation at Lennox Station, hours of coffee shop operation will alter so as not to compete with the neighboring business. Yet again, another expression of community connection commitment by the partners at Trailside.

As there is virtually something going on every night, with lots of musical variety from which to choose, the enhancement to community activities is obvious. In addition to the above-mentioned activities, every Monday is Celtic Jam, Tuesday is a round robin open mic that is hosted by Letter to Abigail, Friday and Saturday feature live bands, and on the first and third Friday each month some jazz. Within this very busy lifestyle, David makes sure to prioritize time with his family that includes three teenage boys and wife, Colleen, with whom he also operates Created for Adventure, offering faith-based outdoor adventure trips for youths aged 13-18.

By Cindy Rusak