USA, AR: Southern Tail Brewing to open in Little Rock

In late February, AMP reported that a Little Rock brewery located at 900 E. 9th Street in the East Village neighborhood applied for a several million dollar planning permit, according to documentation from the Pulaski County Assessor’s Office. The planning permit was filed in November for $4.5 million. More information reveals that the brewery in the works is Southern Tail Brewing, designed with dog enthusiasts in mind, according to the brewery’s new Facebook page.

Southern Tail Brewing is a new Little Rock project intended to take up 11,000 square feet at 900 E. Ninth Street, according to public records. The President of Southern Dog Holdings LLC is Brent Cryder, according to a business license from the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office. The property, which was formerly a Mr. Suds Detailing carwash, is owned by Southern Dog Holdings LLC out of Little Rock. The company also owns properties at 910 E. 9th Street and 924 E. 9th Street.

Brent and Tracy Cryder are experienced brewers and fermenters who have even competed for brewer of the year with Central Arkansas Fermenters in years past. Tracy Cryder shared details about the upcoming project with AMP.

“We love Arkansas, and we love dogs – and when the opportunity to combine that with our passion for brewing arose, it was the perfect recipe,” Cryder explained. “We seek to provide a welcoming place to eat, drink and play that serves exceptional craft beverages for everyone. Whether you love beer, wine or non-alcoholic drinks, we’re creating the perfect balance of creativity and precision. We’re passionate about dogs and cats, and we will use a portion of proceeds to support local Arkansas animal charities.”

Cryder shared more information about what makes Southern Tail Brewing unique.

“We’re creating an urban green space on East 9th – Southern Tail Brewing will have plenty of room for family and friends to gather, play lawn games and have fun. Inside, we have fun features – we’ve been collecting nostalgic Arkansas artifacts for the decor,” Cryder said. “The dining room/event space, for example, will have a one-of-a-kind light fixture featuring baskets from the long-time neighborhood fixture Little Rock Crate & Basket. We’ve got several other fun surprises, and we’re delighted to be able to pay tribute to local Arkansas craftsmanship.”

Cryder explained that the pandemic created an opportunity to put more work into laying the groundwork for Southern Tail Brewing.

“While we will welcome guests later than initially planned, this extra time has afforded us a great opportunity to bring indoor/outdoor concepts to the forefront. The pandemic has reminded us how important it is to have a space to gather,” Cryder said. “Inside, we’ve included an oversized fireplace in the tasting room because we love creating a sense of home and community. Outside there’s ample space to spread out and play lawn games or watch sports. You will be able to see into the heart of the brewery operation from most spaces which was intentional – we hope folks will enjoy the magic of fermentation as much as we do.“

Cryder shared that she and her husband, Brent, have a plethora of experience in the brewing and dining industry.

“Brent is an accomplished homebrewer of award-winning IPA, Black IPA, Ciders, Saisons, and Stouts, to name a few. Those who know Brent likely associate him with various types of being a geek: beer geek, hot sauce geek, technology geek, wine geek – you name it, and he is all about the details and obsession with the perfect product,” Cryder said. “You can ask him about how to make the best meatloaf – after dozens of experiments, he’s perfected it to a tee, and his approach to beer and cider is no different. He’s meticulous and takes a truly scientific approach to brewing, continuously challenging himself to make a better batch.”

For Cryder herself, brewing is part of a family tradition.

“I have been learning aspects of brewing from a young age, helping my father wash and sanitize bottles, as he also was also a homebrewer. I worked my way through college in the restaurant industry, driving across town between a diner and a seafood restaurant. I’ve always been passionate about delighting guests and creating memorable experiences,” Cryder said. “As a consultant, I’ve had the honor of advising some of the world’s most recognized brands in bourbon, tequila, soda, and food – I’ve spent nearly 20 years around data, analytics, and customer experience.”

For Cryder, Southern Tail Brewing is the product of the Cryders’ expertise in brewing, dining, marketing, and a love of furry friends.

“Southern Tail Brewing is us bringing our passions and expertise to Arkansas, our neighborhood, and friends (including the four-legged ones),” Cryder said. “Together, Brent’s scientific approach and my creative approach help to make some impeccable classics and challenge the status quo. We hope our guests can enjoy Brent’s perfect balance of Citra, Simcoe, and galaxy hops in his IPA, or sip on one that I designed – a Meyer lemon milkshake IPA. Both are award-winning, but you can be the judge!”

Southern Tail Brewing will have something for everyone – including gluten-free and non-alcoholic options.

“Some folks say we have a more culinary approach to beer; however you characterize it, we’re obsessed with quality and can’t wait to bring that to 9th Street,” Cryder said.

Cryder said that Southern Tail Brewing is looking forward to welcoming guests next year, and they’re breaking ground on the project in the coming month.

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