Dublin Brewery Revamps Business Model To Hire Back Staff

DUBLIN, CA — When Dublin brewery and restaurant INC 82 had to close its doors in response to the shelter-in-place order, owner John Samples had to make the difficult decision to let go of 90 percent of his staff.

"It was definitely a very sad day, most of my employees have been here since the beginning," he said. "They're pretty much our family."

So Samples set out to find a way to hire his team back.

INC 82 soon came up with a plan to feed the community, support its food vendor and hire back staff by selling groceries and offering meals to-go from its restaurant. Samples said he's been able to rehire 80 to 90 percent of his team.

Loyal customers continue to support INC 82, he said. Instead of grabbing a seat at the bar, they're buying grocery staples, produce, meats, and hard-to-get supplies such as paper towels and toilet paper in INC 82's recently launched online store, then swinging by the store at 7370 San Ramon Road for a no-contact order pickup.

And of course, INC 82's online store features an extensive lineup of local craft brews made by labels such as Altamont and Henhouse. INC 82 is selling its own brews in growlers and crowlers, too.

To-go alcohol sales have increased tenfold since the shelter-in-place order went into effect, Samples said.

Samples thanked customers for continuing to support INC 82 in these unusual circumstances.

Place an order at INC 82's online store here. Contact the store at 925-560-8344 for to-go food and alcohol sales, and at 925-719-5961 for grocery orders.