Lawrenceville's First Beer Growler Opens on Square

A lawyer for the past seven years, Jesse Hachat decided to take the plunge and dive into a new career.

The name of the new beer growler on the town square, Exhibit A(le), is a nod to his days as a lawyer.

“I went to my first growler store in Charleston,” Hachat said.

He fell in love with the concept and was glad to see them pop in places like Athens, and Avondale Estates over the past couple of years.

A growler store has a much different atmosphere than a traditional liquor store or bar. For one, the concept and atmosphere is very vintage – a perfect fit for the 100-year-old building.

It also has a more social atmosphere than a liquor store, with a couch and loveseat placed for conversation and catching up. Customers are welcome to sit for a while and enjoy their drink. Unless you plan on drinking from the jug, though, you'll have to bring your own glass.  

For the most part, though, customers take a "to-go" approach.  

“You buy the growler first,” explained Hachat.

The growlers, which are big glass jugs, come in two sizes – 32 and 64 oz. Then, you pick your beer and fill it up. That's it.

The brands of beer sold are specialty or craft beers. No Bud Light here. New Belgium Clutch, Highland Gaelic Ale, Bell's Oberon and Harpoon Rye are some of the brews served at this joint.  

The local community has been very supportive, according to Hachat. a restaurant on the square, has recommended the new shop to their own customers. 

"It's great meeting someone else with a passion for craft beer," said Local Republic owner Ben Bailey. "I think he's a good fit for the square, and it's just an awesome business."

The city of Lawrenceville has also been very easy to work with, according to Hachat. The city added  in Lawrenceville. It was first discussed at a city council meeting in December 2011.  

“It's just a cool local community,” Hachat said.

His father-in-law, Ron Yarbrough, volunteers his time to help Hachat get things off the ground. 

“I think it's going to do fine,” Yarbrough said. “We've gotten a lot of positive feedback.”  

For a store that has only advertised through Facebook and word of mouth, it is already doing very well.  

Exhibit A(le) is located at 183 N. Perry St. For more information, visit their Facebook page.  

What do you think about this new business on the square? What other businesses would you like to see open up downtown? Tell us about it in the comment section below.