Evan and Rebekah Harding on Building Community Through Clendenin Brewing Company

I meet Evan and Rebekah Harding and hear how they left Cincinnati, came back to West Virginia, and built a new life in Clendenin. They tell me how they quit their jobs, stopped in town by chance during a fall festival, and decided this is the place where they want to stay. They talk about how the shift from a big city to a small town feels natural for them and how the pace and people make it feel like home.

They explain how the ribbon cutting at the Riverview project represents the momentum they see in the community and why supporting it matters to them as business owners. They tell me they want to see their brewery grow but also want the whole town to rise with it. They say the success of one business helps everyone when the goal is to build something lasting.

They describe the work they put into Clendenin Brewing Company and how they spend nearly every hour behind the bar meeting people face to face. They say that knowing customers by name and hearing their stories is one of the best parts of running the brewery. They tell me how that sense of connection stands in contrast to what they experienced in Cincinnati.

They walk me through the restored bank building that now holds the brewery and share how the previous owners set the stage by rebuilding it after the flood. They talk about the variety they offer, from local craft beer to wine, food, live music, trivia, knitting club, Bible study, book club, and more. They say they want the brewery to be a true third place where families, friends, and visitors can relax, talk, and feel welcome.

They close by sharing how to find them online and invite everyone to stop by on Main Street. They tell me they want people to come in whether they want a beer, a soft drink, or just a place to sit and talk.