Tony Powell, the owner of Pioneer Taproom, a beloved spot in Fairfield, never envisioned himself as a bus proprietor. For 55 years, life’s trajectory seemed to steer clear of large vehicle ownership. Growing up in Novato, navigating on-again, off-again periods in Greece, and even during his 21 years as a Fairfield resident and Dean of Students at Merritt College in Oakland, buses simply weren’t on the radar.
However, life takes unexpected turns, especially in the world of craft beer and taprooms. As the owner of Pioneer Taproom, Powell understands the need to innovate and offer more than just exceptional brews to thrive, particularly in a challenging climate. And sometimes, that innovation comes in the form of a rather large, red, double-decker bus.
“A bus? Not in a million years,” Powell chuckled, reflecting on his initial disbelief. Yet, a month ago, he found himself purchasing a genuine British double-decker bus, a unique piece of transportation history sourced from a San Francisco sightseeing company, with a lineage stretching back to Hong Kong and ultimately, the U.K.
Powell’s acquisition of a double-decker bus aims to create a unique viewing area at Pioneer Taproom, offering customers a novel space to enjoy entertainment and the Suisun Valley scenery.
The serendipitous opportunity arose from Powell’s taproom landlord, who had connections with a San Francisco bus company undergoing fleet liquidation. What began as a lighthearted joke about acquiring a bus six months prior, quickly morphed into reality. Powell envisioned the 38-foot double-decker as an intriguing addition to the Suisun Valley landscape, something that would set Pioneer Taproom apart.
Now parked proudly on the Pioneer Taproom lot, the bus is already a significant attraction. Powell envisions a multitude of uses for his new acquisition. Initially, it will serve as an elevated seating area for patrons to enjoy live bands performing at the taproom. Beyond that, possibilities include renting it out for private meetings, or even converting the upper deck into an elevated stage for musical performances. “The sky’s the limit,” Powell hinted, his entrepreneurial spirit clearly ignited.
While Powell is brimming with ideas, he acknowledges the need for practicality amidst the excitement. The suggestions from friends and patrons have been, shall we say, diverse. “Oh my goodness,” Powell laughed, recounting some of the more outlandish ideas. “Someone said I need to put a ‘fireman’s pole’ down the side, that it would be amazing.” For what purpose? Powell playfully alluded to entertainment of a different variety.
However, the core appeal of the double-decker bus lies in its novelty and the enhanced experience it offers to Pioneer Taproom visitors. “It gives you a great view of the valley and it’s something different,” Powell emphasized. The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. “Everyone’s come by to give their support. They like it.”
Originally designed to carry up to 150 passengers in its Hong Kong days, Powell is re-imagining the bus for a more spacious and comfortable experience. He estimates it will comfortably seat around 20 people on the upper deck and perhaps 13 downstairs, ensuring ample “socially-distanced” seating. Renovations are underway, with seats being removed to make way for tables and umbrellas on the top deck, creating an inviting open-air lounge. “It’ll be a great venue to rent out for birthdays or corporate events,” Powell noted, highlighting the versatility of the double-decker addition in the picturesque Suisun Valley.
Powell admits the bus, likely built in the 1990s with an odometer reading he prefers not to contemplate, is not the easiest vehicle to maneuver. “It’s big. I was scared to death when I drove it a little bit,” he confessed, jokingly describing the experience as “white-knuckle piloting.”
Inspired by Walt Disney’s constant innovation at Disneyland, Powell is always seeking ways to enhance the Pioneer Taproom experience. This unexpected bus acquisition is another example of his commitment to keeping things fresh and interesting.
Ironically, the downtime afforded by the COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in this bold move. “With COVID, I didn’t have much to do. I had plenty of free time,” Powell explained. His wife’s gentle nudging about his excess free time inadvertently spurred him towards this creative project. “If it wasn’t for this period of down time, I probably wouldn’t have” purchased the bus, he admitted.
While his wife was initially surprised, to say the least, upon the bus’s arrival – “She thought it was crazy when she saw the bus. I didn’t tell her until it showed up” – she has since become a fan. The double-decker bus is not just a business venture; it’s a reflection of Powell’s vision for Pioneer Taproom as a community hub.
Powell recalls a time when Fairfield lacked diverse entertainment options for visitors. “We had a couple of places to eat downtown, but not a lot else,” he said. Pioneer Taproom, in many ways, was created to fill that void, offering a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike. “It’s almost like I built it for myself and friends,” Powell mused. Living nearby in Rancho Solano, the taproom feels like an extension of his own backyard, a place to unwind after a long day.
For Powell, Pioneer Taproom is more than just a business; it’s a passion project. “The people you meet, the connections you make, you can’t put a dollar on,” he said, emphasizing the rewarding aspects of running a community-focused establishment.
Beyond its novelty, the double-decker bus evokes a sense of nostalgia for Powell, reminding him of his time in Greece and the ubiquitous bus culture. “I felt like I was back in Greece where everyone takes the bus,” he shared. “It did bring back a lot of memories — the smell of the bus. It’s definitely something that reminds me of childhood.”
As Pioneer Taproom continues to navigate the evolving landscape of local businesses, Powell remains optimistic. Even with current restrictions, the taproom is open for beer, wine, and food, offering a taste of normalcy and community connection.
“Even though we haven’t had time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labors, it’s definitely worth it,” Powell concluded, his enthusiasm for Pioneer Taproom and its unique double-decker addition shining brightly.
Visit the Pioneer Taproom at 4491 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield, or call (707) 208-8408 for more information.
