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A Tulsa couple has been helping people make beer and wine for about 20 years, but they’re worried they’ll have to close the doors to their business. They say interest in making beer at home is slowing as professional breweries open around Tulsa.
Dave Knott knows a thing or two about pouring home-brewed beer. He and his wife Desiree’s hobby turned into a career helping others make their own craft beer.
Many of the first-time participants have gone on to open their own breweries across the city.
“We’re like the godparents of the brewing industry here in Tulsa,” Desiree said.
Related: From hobby to business: Tulsa’s craft beer boom
The Knotts say business slowed in the years following the pandemic. Even as more people celebrated Dry January last month, the situation did not improve.
The couple say more people are enjoying Tulsa’s breweries instead of making beer at home. They know many owners and are frequently a lifeline.
“We’ve been able to help them over the years,” Desiree said. “It’s really hard to see us not doing things like that anymore.”
Jake Miller is the owner of Heirloom Rustic Ales and one of Knott’s frequent customers.
“Dave and Desiree brew industry staple beers right here in Oklahoma,” he said.
Miller knows firsthand the challenges of running a brewery and can’t imagine the site without Dave and Desiree’s nearly 20 years of business.
“It’s hard to approach such an anniversary and have stressful thoughts and emotions surrounding such an important occasion,” Miller said.
The Knotts say the sense of community is what makes it all worth it.
“In this industry, it feels like everyone you’re competing against is your friend,” Desiree said. “I don’t really feel like I’m competing with them.”
The Knotts say they need to turn their business around within the next month or they will have to close permanently.
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