Meet BJ Hunt - Partner of Walnut River Brewing & Pourhouse
In recent years, the craft beer community has seen a surge of growth throughout the city, especially downtown. With a huge demand, and new found interest in sours, IPAs, lagers, and more; a coalition of brewmasters has emerged in the ICT. Unlike other cities, the brewmasters of Wichita do something rare
In recent years, the craft beer community has seen a surge of growth throughout the city, especially downtown. With a huge demand, and new found interest in sours, IPAs, lagers, and more; a coalition of brewmasters has emerged in the ICT. Unlike other cities, the brewmasters of Wichita do something rare in this type of industry. They work together to continually support and promote one another. One specific individual coming to mind when thinking of all things related to community support in combination with brewing, is BJ Hunt. As Partner of Walnut River Brewing and the PourHouse, BJ not only has great pride for the area; but, he also deeply cares about the relationship he has with his brewery counterparts. As a proud resident since the age of two, and now as a restaurant owner, BJ wants nothing more than to prompt the growth of Wichita. Be sure to check out his restaurant by Union Station where he serves great food and of course, has a fabulous selection of craft beer.
Name
PourHouse, Walnut River Brewing, BJ Hunt
Originally From
Born in Denver, been in Wichita since I was 2. Wichita is most definitely home to me.
How long ago did you move here
Since 1978
What do you do? Namely, what is something people recognize you for?
I'm the partner who does most of the public events. All 3 of us do our share of large beer events but there are many smaller events that are just as awesome, you'll typically find me there.
What distinguishes the ICT from mostly any other place in the country?
Wichita is genuinely pleasant. The people are real and share real concern for others. The brewing industry in Wichita, for example, is a culture of helping one another out. We combine beer shipments, share equipment when needed and even brew together on occasion.
What are you most excited for in the next 5-10 years in the 316?
Watching my kids grow up in an even better Wichita than I did.
What's your main goal when running your social media accounts? What's your purpose?
We like to give information on events and new beers. There is always something going on.
Top Breakfast Spots?
Doo-Dah diner, Copper Oven, and The Beacon.
Top Lunch Spots?
Ty's Diner, The Artichoke, and of course the PourHouse
Top Bars?
The PourHouse, The Monarch, and Dempseys.
What annual event do you look forward to the most?
Firkin Fest during KS craft beer week at River City Brewing.
What's one thing you want people to understand about Wichita and its people?
It's the biggest small town ever. It's nothing to run into someone who already knows your best friend. As a business community it's a fairly tightknit group.
If you plan one theme night at the ballpark in 2020, what would that be and why?
Beards and Ball. Beards have long been a tradition for brewers to have and what better to combine it with America's favorite sport?
What do you want your followers to know about you?
I like quality over quantity. That's friends, beer, anything really.
Movie
Shawshank Redemption. There's always hope.
Vacation Spot
Colorado. I absolutely love fishing and the outdoors.
Place to Shop in the ICT
Watermark books
Wichita Website to Follow?
https://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/
Wichita person or business to follow on IG?
Denise Neil from the Wichita Eagle