8 Degrees in Ferndale puts beer in the spotlight
“We sell beer, but we’re not a party store,” says Tim Costello, owner of the new 8 Degrees Plato Beer Company in Ferndale. “We’re a destination store.”
That’s especially true on Friday evenings when 8 Degrees hosts weekly beer samplings. From 6 to 8 p.m., revelers can get their weekend rolling at themed beer events that feature various beers paired with packaged food items.
Last week, all of the beer samples (Arrogant Bastard Ale, Double Bastard Ale, Ruination IPA and Smoked Porter) came from California’s Stone Brewery. Other tastings have included stouts paired with dark chocolate and sea-salted caramels and brown ales coupled with mild and spicy sausage. At this week’s sampling, holiday beers will take center stage.
“I have been recommending it to my friends,” says Joe Lieblang of Dearborn, who attended the Stone Brewery tasting. “It’s a really good opportunity to learn more about beer, share what you know and socialize. I’m very interested in learning more about beer and trying different beer, and this is a really good way to do it that’s not snobby. Beer to me is a very social beverage.”
In addition to the communal aspect of the samplings, Costello hopes they help educate costumers.
“There’re just so many beers that are out there and so many beer styles. It’s almost getting to a point that it could be kind of confusing, especially to people who don’t know much about the craft industry,” he says
The shop also sells tasty treats like McClure’s pickles, locally made chocolate-covered pretzels and Plato Beer Company salsa. The chandeliers are made of glass beer bottles, and hop vines serve as window décor.
“Ferndale is kind of eclectic,” says Southgate-born Costello, 45, who opened the shop in October with his wife, Brigid Beaubien. “The community is willing to try out new things.”
He says he and his wife — neither of whom has formal business training — are eager to connect with their neighborhood.
“I’m a people person. If you come into the store and you want a conversation, you’ve got a conversation,” says Costello, who retired in February from a career in comedy. “We’re kind of taking a step backwards to the old corner store days where you would know your customers’ names.”
The store shares space with the Judy Eliyas photo studio and uses the studio for the tastings. During the grand opening celebration Oct. 21, a band occupied the studio area, but “it’s not something we can do on a regular basis,” Costello says.
“What we’re trying to do here is make ourselves an active part of (Ferndale),” says Costello. “It’s been a blast these five weeks or so. It’s not something I think you should plan your night around, but it’s great to stop by, have a beer and go about your merry way.”
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