The B Pub, AACC celebrate grand opening in downtown Andalusia

Published 9:15 am Saturday, January 29, 2022

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Despite overcoming many obstacles, Kyle and Kim Baumgartner celebrated the grand opening of The B Thursday.

The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed The B Craft Beer and Wine Pub as its newest member with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“All I can say is it really has been blood, sweat, and beers, but we have made it this far. She hasn’t left me and has put up with all my shenanigans and the shenanigans that have gone into this place. We have run into every hiccup that you can possibly imagine. Everybody has asked if we would do it again, and that’s an absolute no. One thing I can say is that our statement is true. At The B, you enter as strangers, but you leave as friends,” Kyle said.

“We had a dream, then with the help and support of family, friends, and the community, we were able to offer something this area has needed for a long time. It is a place for everyone. Here, you can relax after work, meet friends, celebrate momentous times, and always have an ear to talk to. The outpouring of positive feedback from our community helps the hard work and long hours heal. We are so excited for the future of The B, and as the artist, Bachman-Turner Overdrive sings, ‘You ain’t seen nothin’ yet,’” Kim added.

The Baumgartners first opened their doors in December but decided to hold a grand opening after the holidays.

“Mayor Johnson wants you to know this is a very important project to him personally. He thinks the world of this project and is sorry he is out of town. Kyle had a dream about three years ago and came to City Hall on Veterans Day with an idea of a tap house. He had some sketches, drawings, and a business plan. He did his homework and knew what he was doing. We (Andalusia City Council) talked about it and started putting some things together. It’s an iconic and historic structure we didn’t know what to do with at the time. It is the ultimate public and private partnership between the City of Andalusia and the Baumgartners who have put blood, sweat, and tears into it. Kyle and Kim are artists, and everywhere you look, it’s a sign of craftsmanship and has become a really amazing place. CCB is another partner in this public-private partnership. This is a venue that attracts all kinds of people and serves as a melting pot here in town. There are a lot of opportunities, and I don’t think you have even scratched the surface yet. This will be a lasting venue in Andalusia that will go on for a long time. Congratulations and best wishes,” City Clerk John Thompson said.

AACC Executive Director Laura Wells expressed gratitude to The B for becoming a new member of the Chamber. “I can’t wait to plan some really fun business and brews along with some other activities we have coming up this year.”

The B Craft Beer and Wine Pub is located at 239 Church Street in downtown Andalusia and is open from 3 until 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and 1 until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information call The B at 334-923-1687.