Fun Brewed Up
Device serves as Pocket community hub
By Corky Mau
July 2021
Device Brewing Company was on a roll. Owners Ken and Melissa Anthony ran three taprooms in town. The Power Inn Road taproom near Tahoe Park and Midtown’s Ice Blocks were popular. The long-awaited Pocket site opened in 2020. More than 1,000 retail locations carried Device brews. Then the pandemic hit.
“Last year was rough, but we’re finally rising from the ashes,” Ken says.
The company survived for two reasons. First, the community stepped up by ordering take-out meals and beverages. Second, the Great Plates Delivered program kept the kitchen open and staff employed.
Funded by federal COVID stimulus money, local restaurants prepared meals for homebound seniors. Device prepared 50 to 60 meals weekly, sourced ingredients from local growers and used Paratransit to deliver.
As restrictions loosen up, Device is accepting reservations for private parties. Pocket Little League was among the first to hold a fundraiser at Device. The brewery averages two to three private gatherings weekly.
The Anthony family’s dream of making Device Brewing the top Pocket hangout is coming to fruition. “We’ve always wanted to be more than a taproom and eatery. So now we’re offering family-friendly activities here,” Melissa says.
In the months ahead, Device plans live music. Meantime, here are a few events on tap:
Classic Car Shows: Car enthusiasts and Pocket residents Ben Valencia and Tony Antonucci organize shows in the parking lot at Rush River and Windbridge Drive. Hot rods and classics are featured. Friday evening shows are scheduled July 2, 16 and 30, from 5–8 p.m.
“We attend the American Graffiti in Modesto and Hot August Nights in Reno. So we love doing similar car shows in our neighborhood,” Antonucci says. Valencia adds, “You never forget your first car. Mine was a 1956 Chevrolet two-door sedan. Tony picked up a 1941 Plymouth Coupe when he was 16. We also bring classic cars to senior communities. The residents love to share their car memories with us.”
Come out and talk shop with car owners. Enjoy oldies music while strolling among these beauties. Shows run through October, ending with a “Trunk or Treat” event for kids.
Art n’ Sip: Artist Carrie Posey (known as Creatively Carrie) hosts monthly art sessions, no experience necessary. Posey guides guests through the process and guarantees you’ll have fun. “I love to help people find their creative voice, especially for those who think they have no artistic skills,” she says.
Posey taught art in public schools and has led countless art classes for adults. She was limited to Zoom classes during the pandemic and is glad to be back in person.
Melissa Anthony showed me some acrylic pour coasters she created in a Posey class. “I had loads of fun making them and it wasn’t hard at all,” she says.
This month, Posey has scheduled a “Succulent Terrarium Party” for July 11, and a wine and beer glass painting event for July 25. Register on the Device Brewing website at devicebrewing.com/events or Posey’s Eventbrite website.
Posey holds similar events at Jackrabbit Brewing Company in West Sacramento and Bear Dive in Downtown. Find more information about Creatively Carrie at facebook.com/creativelycarrie and instagram.com/creativelycarriep.
Trivia Nights: What’s the name of the river that borders Oregon and Washington? (Hint: not the Cosumnes.) You’ll have a chance to answer questions like this at Device Trivia Nights. Form a team, grab a patio table and play for prizes. Topics include current events, musical artists, sports, geography, history, famous people and anagram puzzles. Dayo Horton hosts each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
“It’s wonderful to see repeat people coming back each week,” Horton says. “Trivia Night is a great social outlet for everyone.”
Corky Mau can be reached at corky.sue50@gmail.com. Submissions are due six weeks prior to the publication month. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
