What's Happening?
Loyal Legion, a well-known Portland-based beer bar, is set to open its fourth location in downtown Vancouver, Washington, in April next year. This expansion marks the bar's first venture into Washington state, where it plans to feature over 70 taps of Washington state beers. The new location will be housed in the former Heathen Brewing taproom, offering a spacious 5,000-square-foot area with a large patio. The bar will also introduce a new menu including pizza, alongside its existing offerings of burgers, pretzels, and sausages. The expansion is part of a broader effort to include Washington breweries in Loyal Legion's offerings, which have traditionally focused on Oregon craft beers. The Vancouver location will also benefit from the city's
Main Street Promise campaign, which aims to enhance the area with improved sidewalks, street furniture, and lighting.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of Loyal Legion into Vancouver is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it represents a strategic move to tap into the Washington state beer market, which has been largely untapped by the bar until now. This could potentially increase the bar's customer base and diversify its offerings. For local breweries in Washington, this presents an opportunity to reach a wider audience, as Loyal Legion's reputation could attract beer enthusiasts from across the region. Additionally, the move aligns with Vancouver's efforts to revitalize its downtown area, potentially boosting local economic activity and attracting more visitors. The collaboration with Heathen Brewing and the support from the city's development initiatives highlight a growing trend of regional cooperation and investment in local businesses.
What's Next?
Loyal Legion plans to start hosting weekend pop-ups at the new Vancouver location in February, featuring beers from Washington breweries and food from the Portland bakery Dos Hermanos. The full opening is scheduled for April, with ongoing renovations to enhance the space, including exposing high ceilings and adding landscaping to the patio. The bar's expansion could prompt other businesses to consider similar moves, potentially leading to increased competition and innovation in the local craft beer scene. The completion of the Main Street Promise campaign by late 2026 is expected to further enhance the attractiveness of the area, potentially leading to more business investments and increased foot traffic.
