Uptown Susanville is on the cusp of an exciting transformation as the iconic Pioneer Saloon, a fixture in the community for over a century, undergoes a remarkable renovation. Soon to be unveiled as Lassen Ale Works, this cherished landmark is poised to become a vibrant brew pub, offering a selection of handcrafted microbrews and classic pub fare.
Driven by a shared vision, Margaret Liddiard and Mark Pfenning from Bend, Oregon, along with Erik Jefferts and Julie Howard of Denver, Colorado, have embarked on a journey to revitalize the Pioneer Saloon. Leaving behind their previous lives, they relocated to Susanville, drawn by the allure of transforming this historic space into a thriving social hub in uptown. Their story began serendipitously during a trip through Susanville, when Liddiard and Pfenning, seeking a local spot for a drink, stumbled upon a ‘For Sale’ sign at the Grand Cafe. Captivated by the building’s charm, they envisioned an opportunity.
Enthusiastic about the potential, they contacted Erik Jefferts, an experienced Brewmaster seeking a new venture. After thorough research and a visit to Susanville, the four entrepreneurs were convinced that the town presented the perfect setting for their brew pub concept. “We see tremendous opportunity here in Susanville,” Liddiard remarked, emphasizing the town’s untapped potential.
Initially focused on acquiring the Grand Café, the group’s plans evolved when the adjacent Pioneer Saloon became available for lease. Recognizing the Pioneer’s larger footprint, ideally suited for brewing equipment, they expanded their project to include both locations. “Since the Pioneer offered a much bigger space for the brewing equipment, we decided to lease the Pioneer as well as buying the Grand,” Liddiard explained.
Brewmaster Erik Jefferts brings a wealth of experience to Lassen Ale Works. His passion for microbrews ignited in the mid-1980s during visits to Berkeley, California. He frequented Triple Rock, a pioneering brew pub in Northern California, which deeply influenced his career path. Upon returning to his hometown of Seattle, Jefferts joined Big Time Brewing Company as a doorman. His dedication quickly propelled him to assistant brewer within a month and night manager shortly thereafter. “I just really fell in love with brewing,” Jefferts recalled, recognizing it as his true calling.
Lassen Ale Works is set to offer a core range of six signature house beers on tap. These will include distinctive names reflecting the local landscape and heritage: Bizz Johnson Trail Blond, Almanor Amber Ale, Eagle Lake IPA, Rooptown Red Ale, Uptown Brown Ale, Pioneer Porter Ale, and Devils Corral Imperial Stout. All brewing operations will be conducted on-site at Lassen Ale Works, with plans to distribute kegs to local restaurants and vendors, expanding the reach of their craft beers throughout the Susanville area. “We will let Susanville decide what our signature beer will be,” Liddiard stated, inviting community input.
Complementing the beer selection, the menu at Lassen Ale Works will feature classic pub food. Prioritizing local partnerships, the team aims to source ingredients from regional vendors whenever possible. They are also committed to maintaining affordability, understanding its importance in the current economic climate. “We want to strike a balance between buying things locally and also keeping things affordably priced,” Liddiard emphasized.
While undergoing renovations, the team is dedicated to preserving the Pioneer Saloon’s historical charm. Iconic features such as the wall of brands and the painted mural will be carefully maintained. The original neon sign is also being refurbished, underscoring their commitment to honoring the building’s legacy. “This is a much loved landmark, we are rehabbing the neon sign, and we want to preserve every ounce of the building while making it inviting and comfortable,” Liddiard explained.
Lassen Ale Works is anticipated to open its doors in May, serving lunch and dinner from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., alongside their handcrafted beers. “We want to give people one less reason to drive to Reno, and bring some night life back to historic uptown,” Liddiard concluded, highlighting their ambition to create a vibrant destination in Susanville.
To discover more about Lassen Ale Works and stay updated on their progress, visit their Facebook page.
