The Beer Research Institute, which is about to begin a major expansion of its Mesa brew pub, has hired Colby Hansen (pictured) as its new lead brewer.
Hansen began his career with Barley Brothers in Lake Havasu City before becoming head brewer at College Street. Earlier this year, he moved to the Valley to brew at Four Peaks.
‘‘We’ve been talking to Colby for the past two years about joining our team,’’ BRI co-founder Matt Trethewey says. ‘‘He’s a great guy, with an amazing amount of knowledge. He’s going to be a good fit for our company.’’
Since BRI’s launch in late 2014, Trethewey and co-founder Greg Sorrels have been its lead brewers.
BRI is close to a deal with its landlord to acquire the vacant 2,300 square feet of an adjoining space.
‘‘This will give us the ability to expand the brewery and restaurant,’’ Trethewey says, ‘‘We’ll produce more beer and be able to take care of more guests in the pub. We needed to bring on a professional brewer to help take our brand to the next level.’’
Colby joins BRI on Oct. 17, and Tretheway anticipates the expansion work beginning in November. The expansion is expected to be complete by March.
