Tamarack Brewing Co. celebrates 10th anniversary

Ten years ago, an Arizona couple moved with their children to the Flathead Valley to launch a brewpub in “the middle of nowhere.”

This Sunday, Josh and Andra Townsley, owners of Tamarack Brewing Company in Lakeside, will celebrate a decade of serving handcrafted brews and foods to a community they both have fallen in love with.

“In our tenth year in business, one of the things we’ve been reflecting on is that Tamarack is, to us, not just a business but a community gathering place, which is what we set out to create in the first place,” Andra said.

Josh had spent 11 years working for a brewpub in Arizona when he and his family decided to make the move to Lakeside in 2007 to begin their own.

Andra said she spent her childhood summers in the valley, marveling at its beauty and getting to know its residents.

When the Townsley’s children came along, she said they both knew they wanted to raise their family in the small-town community and, in a leap of faith, made the move north.

From the very moment the couple started talking about their plans for the brewery, Andra said the entire Lakeside community jumped on board to support and encourage them.

“We were really welcomed,” Andra said. “What we were going for was family friendly with a low-key, casual atmosphere that provided great service.”

In order to create that casual, inviting atmosphere in which customers could relax and stay a while, the Townsley’s set out to incorporate many of the widely seen and used materials of Montana, including reclaimed wood, steel, concrete and brick.

The same distinguishing touch can be found in “the Rack’s” signature food and brews unique.

Everything, Andra said, is made from scratch — from the hamburger buns to the sauce selections.

Then there’s the beer.

Stouts, IPAs, ambers and a variety of other original brews line the tap year-round with a sprinkling of seasonal options.

Patrons travel from across the valley to dine and drink, Andra said.

Still, both beers and customers come and go with the changing seasons in Montana.

The summer bustle of Lakeside settles as winter moves in, impacting several of the town’s businesses.

However, Andra said Tamarack remains full on a daily basis as October approaches, and she and her husband have the local community to thank.

From the beginning, locals have flocked to the restaurant, cultivating it into a popular hangout.

One of the key aspects of developing a community environment, Andra said, was she and her husband’s commitment to being present in the brewery and the restaurant. Both Josh and Andra have offices on site and make a habit of getting out and meeting their customers.

“Being a hands-on business owner is so important and has served us well,” Andra said.

Out of gratitude to the community, Josh and Andra decided seven years ago to start giving back. Every Wednesday Tamarack hosts a community tap night, which gives 75 cents from every beer sold between 6-9 p.m. to a different local community service or charitable organization.

To date, Andra estimated that they have given over $35,000 to organizations like the Humane Society, the Boys and Girls Club, Blacktail Search and Rescue, and local PTA organizations.

On Sunday, Oct. 1, the Townsleys plan to celebrate their 10th year in business by hosting a party to thank the customers.

The party will feature a menu of 10 of the restaurant’s customer favorite dishes priced at $10 each. Dollar beers will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and partiers will have the chance to win one of ten $100 gift cards or a Tamarack T-shirt.

In addition, Andra said, they plan to crack open one of the most popular seasonal beers and one of her personal favorites.

The owners save at least a couple barrels of certain seasonal favorites for special occasions, and the 10th anniversary party will bring Old ‘Stache, a winter beer, back to the tap for one night.

The reason for the celebration, Andra said, is so she and Josh can look people in the eye, shake their hands and say thank you.

And, of course, share in a couple Tamarack brewskies.

Tamarack’s doors open at 11 a.m. for the party on Sunday, Oct. 1.

For more information, call (406) 844-3715.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.