by: Barbara Jenkins 

David Pridgin and his brother-in-law Heath Spillers started talking up a pipe dream about fifteen years ago. The dream was to open a brewery in their hometown of Scranton, Arkansas. 

"We started making beer in my Dad's shop. We liked what we were making and started playing around with the idea of opening our own brewery," shared David. 

In 2018, after years of just talking about the possibility, they decided to bite the bullet and act. The Pridgin Family Brewery officially opened its doors to the public in August 2020. 

A few members of the Pridgin Family serve visitors on a Saturday afternoon.  

 The brewery was built on family land, overlooking the connecting farmland to the Arkansas River. Most of the decor has been repurposed from the Pridgin family's legacy. All tables, the bar, and the taps were made from repurposed wood from the barn that once sat near the brewery. 

David and his three sisters and brothers-in-law all work at the brewery alongside their parents, David Sr. and Reba. 

"Everyone has a strong point when it comes to making the brewery successful," shared David. "Heath and I make the beer, but everyone plays an important role."

Pridgin Family Brewery is a destination point for locals and visitors alike. "You'd be surprised at how many people travel from the south to see the fall colors here. We've had Texas, Louisiana, and Florida guests walk through the doors. We've also had people from Colorado and New York," said David. 

However, David believes the guest from New Zealand currently holds the record of "furthest traveled for a beer."

The brewery has eleven custom beers on tap ranging from "very light to about as dark as you can get," all named in honor of the local culture. 

Visitors can get a taste of the River Valley with a flight of beers. 

 

"For instance, our Bluff Ferry Porter is named after the ferry that my grandfather owned and operated until the 1940s. The Rough Rider Pale Ale is named after the local rodeo arena my husband and I helped build," shared Reba.  

David and Heath generally brew about three times a month, making 90 gallons at a time, which translates to 18 kegs of beer or three barrels. Once brewed, the beer is stored in the cold room, which is located next to the tap room.  

However, the brewery has more to offer visitors than beer. 

"Local people enjoy our Sunday afternoon bingo games," shared David. "We also host birthday parties, class reunions, family reunions, baby showers, and more." 

The brewery focuses on a family-friendly atmosphere because family is the main reason the brewery exists. 

"We're all family here," shared Mary Jane, David's sister. "People have responded to the ways we've run our business, with family always coming first. Those people have made the brewery what it is, and they keep coming back."

The Pridgin family believes in stewarding a thriving community through the brewery as well. 

"We sponsor youth ball teams, local fundraising efforts for local charities and schools, and participate in community growth through work with both Paris and Johnson County Chambers of Commerce. We also plan to start a little free library. We're always working to create a place for family, friends, and coworkers to relax, unwind, attend an event, catch a game, or socialize," said David.

The brewery does not directly serve food but commonly invites a local food truck to park next to the building for visitors to grab some grub while they try the local brew. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, in addition to the famous dirt pile, for the kids to play while their parents enjoy the scenery. 

The Pridgin Family Brewery is open Thursday-Friday 5:00 pm-9:00 pm, Saturday 1:00 pm-9:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 pm -5:00 pm.