Craft beer is now being brewed at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City and a new restaurant will soon be operating as part of the complex at the former Sears store.

Beer Tree Brew Co, which opened in Port Crane three years ago, dramatically expanded its production capacity with last month's opening of the mall facility.

Faded lettering on a directional sign reflects the changes at the Oakdale Mall in recent years. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Faded lettering on a directional sign reflects the changes at the Oakdale Mall in recent years. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Company founders Brendan Harder and Chris Rhoades say the site of the old department store has been "completely rebuilt" over the last seven months.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Wednesday, Harder and Rhoades expressed excitement about the company's growth.

The "Factory by Beer Tree" facility at the mall will offer two floors of indoor and outdoor dining space. Construction is expected to be completed in the next couple of weeks.

A deck under construction at the Beer Tree complex at the Oakdale Mall on October 21, 2020. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
A deck under construction at the Beer Tree complex at the Oakdale Mall on October 21, 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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The owners say the goal is to open the taproom and restaurant in mid-November.

The company now has about 50 employees. The workforce could grow to about 100 after the Oakdale Mall site is fully operational.

The former Sears automotive center is being turned into a Factory by Beer Tree restaurant. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
The former Sears automotive center is being turned into a Factory by Beer Tree restaurant. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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