Barker Brewhouse
When Scott Schmitt and Grant Davis first envisioned opening a dog- and family-friendly brewery on Evansville’s west side, they thought it was a dream still years away. But when they came across a vacant, historic building—once a church and later the USI Theater Department—they saw potential where others saw an eyesore. With a shared passion for craft beer, a lot of determination, and support from their families, they took a leap of faith and transformed the space into Barker Brewhouse, which officially opened in March 2023.
From the beginning, the goal was simple: create a laid-back space where everyone feels welcome—including four-legged friends. Though neighbors were hesitant at first, they were able to garner support through a few local meet-and-greets and raise the capital to get started.
And that is where the real work began. The building had been vacant for years, and didn’t even have running water or electricity. Both Scott and Grant were working full-time jobs and committed every non-working hour to the brewhouse. Grant’s experience in construction management saved them money on the remodel, but they put thousands of their own hours into the place to bring it back to life.
The pair worked closely with Sarah Rupp at Old National Bank as well as Julie Folz, their advisor at the Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC), to secure financing for the building. They acknowledged that ONB doesn’t offer many loans for small business startups, but Scott and Grant’s clear vision and compelling plan impressed them. Julie was also able to recommend the City of Evansville Revolving Loan Fund, from which they secured funds to purchase essential brewing equipment.
ONB’s faith in the pair has proven valid. Barker Brewhouse isn’t just about beer; it’s about building a community. With a diverse crowd, rotating food trucks, trivia nights, and partnerships with local businesses, Scott and Grant have created a space where people come together. Their Mug Club membership has grown to over 220 members, and repeat customers make up 80% of their sales—a testament to their welcoming atmosphere and quality brews.
Demand for their beer quickly surpassed expectations in their first year. In 2024, Julie introduced them to the Elevate Small Business Grant by FHLBank of Indianapolis. With a strong application, they secured the funding and invested in new equipment to expand their brewing capacity.
Starting and running a business hasn’t been easy. But for Grant, nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing people enjoy the beer he brews. For Scott, it’s about connecting with customers and making them feel at home.
Their advice to other small business owners?
Grant: “Take advantage of available resources, stay hands-on, and be ready for a lifestyle change. Your business should be something you’re truly passionate about.”
Scott: “Taking the leap is scary, but it’s one of the best decisions we’ve made. If you love it, have the courage to go for it.”
They also emphasized the value of working with the SBDC, saying, “Julie was incredibly helpful and stayed engaged with us over the years. We wish we had known about the SBDC earlier to take full advantage of its resources, but it has still been invaluable. We’ve recommended it to several others—it’s a fantastic resource.”
A key lesson they’ve learned along the way: “Hire professionals, but don’t just hand everything over. Be involved, understand the process, and learn as much as you can. Knowing the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ will help you improve and grow in the future.”
Scott and Grant believe in collaborating with other local businesses, which has led to partnerships with local restaurants like Sam’s Pizzeria, offering free delivery to brewery patrons. They also offer rotating food trucks, ensuring customers always have great food options on the weekends. Recently, they announced a special collaboration with Joe Brewski Coffee, bringing together two beloved beverages. They also host give-back nights, where a portion of sales supports local charities and community organizations and employees from other small businesses like Barks and Recreation get to serve customers for the evening.
Barker Brewhouse is more than a brewery—it’s a passion project turned community staple, thanks to hard work, the right support, and a dedication to bringing people together. Join the Mug Club or see what beers are available now at www.barkerbrewhouse.com/, Facebook, or stop in for a drink at 96 N Barker Ave in Evansville and say hi to the four-legged face of the business, Leo!
Photo by Bri Schoettlin Photography