Squatters Pub Brewery

Squatters Pub Brewery: Building Community, One Beer at a Time

Founded: 1989 Founders: Peter Cole, Jeff Polychronis Flagship Beer: Full Suspension Pale Ale (GABF Gold winner) Location: Salt Lake City, Utah (original: 147 West Broadway) Significance: Second craft brewery in Utah, pioneered brewpub model, built counter-culture community Parent Company: CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective (since 2017, merged with Wasatch) Annual Production: 20,000+ barrels (combined with Wasatch) GABF Awards: 15+ medals across multiple beer styles

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Opening

It's 1989. Wasatch Brewery has been open for three years in Park City, proving that craft beer can work in Mormon Utah—but only in a ski town full of tourists. The real test is Salt Lake City itself, the heart of LDS culture, where the Mormon Temple casts its shadow over downtown.

Two entrepreneurs, Peter Cole and Jeff Polychronis, open Squatters Pub Brewery at 147 West Broadway, just blocks from Temple Square. The name? A deliberate provocation—a nod to Utah's pioneer history and a statement that they're claiming their space in a city that didn't ask for them.

Squatters didn't just brew beer. They built a community.

While Wasatch embraced irreverent humor and controversy, Squatters took a different approach: authenticity, quality, and creating a third space for Salt Lake City's non-Mormon and ex-Mormon populations. It became the living room for Utah's outsiders—a place where you could be yourself, no judgment, just good beer and better conversation.

Squatters proved that craft beer could thrive in the heart of Zion itself.

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Act I: The Founding - Building a Brewpub in Temple Square's Shadow (1989)

Peter Cole and Jeff Polychronis: The Visionaries

Who Were the Founders?

• Peter Cole: Restaurateur with experience in casual dining
• Jeff Polychronis: Business partner with financial backing
• Both saw opportunity in SLC's growing but underserved non-Mormon population
• Inspired by Wasatch's success in Park City (1986–1989)
• Vision: Bring craft beer to downtown Salt Lake City

The Challenge: Opening a brewpub in downtown SLC in 1989 was bold, even reckless:

• Mormon Temple was 3 blocks away
• Conservative city council skeptical of alcohol businesses downtown
• Utah's 3.2% ABV law limited grocery store beer
• Downtown SLC was still largely deserted after business hours (pre-revitalization)

The Strategy:

1. Location: 147 West Broadway (now 300 South)—edge of downtown, accessible but not confrontational
2. Name: "Squatters"—playful reference to Utah's pioneer squatter settlements, suggesting they were claiming space
3. Brewpub Model: Brew and serve on-site (like Wasatch), full menu to attract diners
4. Community Focus: Create a welcoming "third space" for locals, not just tourists

Cole's Philosophy (interview, Utah Beer News, 2019):

"Wasatch proved it could work in a tourist town. We wanted to prove it could work for locals—that Salt Lakers wanted good beer and a place to gather."

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Opening Day: Fall 1989

Location: 147 West Broadway (300 South), Salt Lake City, UT 84101

The First Brews:

• Pale Ale (flagship from day one)
• Amber Ale
• Stout
• Seasonal rotations

Immediate Reception:

• Locals embraced it (especially the growing non-Mormon demographic)
• SLC's alternative community (artists, musicians, service industry workers) made it their hangout
• Wasatch welcomed them (no rivalry—both breweries supported each other)
• Conservative critics predictably objected, but city council allowed it

Why It Worked:

• Wasatch had broken the ice: By 1989, craft beer was no longer shocking in Utah
• Downtown was ready: SLC was slowly revitalizing; Squatters became an anchor
• Food + Beer: The brewpub model made it accessible to non-beer drinkers (families could eat there during the day)

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Act II: Full Suspension and the GABF Glory Years (1990s–2000s)

The Beer That Defined Squatters

Full Suspension Pale Ale - Released early 1990s

The Name:

• Reference to mountain biking (Wasatch Mountains = outdoor culture)
• "Full Suspension" = full-strength beer (contrast with 3.2% watered-down grocery beer)
• Embodied Utah's outdoor ethos

The Beer:

• Style: American Pale Ale
• ABV: 5.0% (full strength for draft, 3.2% for grocery stores pre-2019)
• Profile: Balanced, hoppy but approachable, citrus and pine notes
• Dangerously drinkable (smooth enough for session drinking)

Awards:

• GABF Gold Medal (American-Style Pale Ale category)
• Multiple GABF medals throughout the 1990s–2000s
• Became Squatters' flagship and Utah's go-to pale ale

Why It Resonated:

1. Quality: Consistently excellent brewing
2. Accessibility: Not too bitter, not too heavy—perfect gateway craft beer
3. Local Pride: Mountain biking imagery connected to Utah's outdoor culture
4. Availability: Served on-tap at the brewpub, sold at DABC stores

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Jenny Talley: The Brewmaster Who Elevated Everything

Jenny Talley's Tenure (2000s–2010s):

Who Is Jenny Talley?

• Joined Squatters as brewmaster in the early 2000s
• One of the few female brewmasters in Utah (and the U.S. at the time)
• Known for precision, innovation, and mentorship
• Helped Squatters win multiple GABF medals

Her Impact:

• Refined recipes: Improved consistency and quality across all beers
• Experimental series: Created seasonal and limited releases
• Training: Mentored young brewers (many went on to start their own breweries)
• Advocacy: Worked with Utah Brewers Guild to fight 3.2% law

Talley's Philosophy (interview, Beer Edge podcast):

"Brewing in Utah taught me to be excellent. You can't cut corners when you're fighting for legitimacy. Every beer has to prove we belong here."

Where She Went:

• Left Squatters in the 2010s to pursue other opportunities (exact timeline varies by source)
• Her legacy remains: Squatters' reputation for quality is built on her foundation

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The Beer Lineup: More Than Just Pale Ale

Squatters' Core Lineup (1990s–Present):

Year-Round:

• Full Suspension Pale Ale (5.0% ABV) - The flagship
• Provo Girl Pilsner (4.5% ABV) - Lighthearted jab at Utah County's conservative culture
• Hell's Keep Lager (5.0% ABV) - Crisp, clean, approachable
• Hop Rising IPA (6.5% ABV) - West Coast-style IPA
• Outer Darkness Imperial Stout (10%+ ABV) - Barrel-aged, released annually

Seasonals:

• Apricot Blonde (Summer)
• Oktoberfest (Fall)
• Winter Ale (Spiced, holiday season)

Experimental Series:

• 147 West IPA Series (named after the original address)
  • Rotating hop varieties and experimental techniques
  • Released 2017–2019
• Lightning in a Can Series (2019)
  • Limited-release IPAs in cans
  • Focus on hop-forward, hazy styles

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The Merger: Wasatch + Squatters = Utah Brewers Cooperative

Timeline:

2000: Wasatch and Squatters merge operations under Utah Brewers Cooperative

• Shared parent company, separate brands
• Allowed both breweries to pool resources (distribution, purchasing power)
• Both retained distinct identities

Why Merge?

• Economics: Competing in Utah's small market was inefficient
• Distribution: Combined clout with distributors and DABC
• Advocacy: Unified voice when lobbying Utah legislature
• Survival: Utah's restrictive laws made it hard for small breweries to scale

What Stayed the Same:

• Separate brewpubs (Wasatch in Park City, Squatters in SLC)
• Distinct beer brands (no "Wasatters Brewery")
• Independent brewing teams

What Changed:

• Shared distribution network
• Co-branded marketing campaigns
• Collaboration brews

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The CANarchy Acquisition (2017)

What Happened:

• CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective acquires Utah Brewers Cooperative (Wasatch + Squatters)
• CANarchy: Portfolio includes Oskar Blues, Cigar City, Perrin Brewing, others
• Utah breweries maintain operational independence

Why Sell?

• Access to national distribution networks
• Capital for facility upgrades and expansion
• Compete with larger craft breweries entering Utah

Reactions:

• Mixed: Some fans worried about "selling out," others recognized necessity
• Breweries assured customers: recipes, staff, and local identity unchanged

Reality Check:

• Squatters and Wasatch still brew in Utah
• Same brewmasters, same recipes
• Wider distribution (now available in 12+ states)

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Act III: The Community - Squatters as a Cultural Institution

The "Third Space" Philosophy

What Is a Third Space?

• Sociologist Ray Oldenburg's concept: A place that's neither home (first space) nor work (second space)
• Examples: Coffee shops, pubs, parks—places where community forms organically

Squatters as Third Space:

• For non-Mormons: A gathering place without religious pressure
• For ex-Mormons: A safe haven during faith transitions (common in Utah)
• For artists/musicians: Venue for open mics, art shows, performances
• For service industry workers: Post-shift hangout (many SLC restaurant/bar staff are Squatters regulars)

Why This Mattered in SLC:

• Mormon culture dominates social life (church buildings, ward activities)
• Non-Mormons often feel isolated or excluded
• Squatters provided secular community in a deeply religious city

Customer Testimonials (from Reddit, Yelp, local interviews):

"Squatters was where I went when I left the church. It was the first place I felt normal." - Ex-Mormon Redditor, 2018

"In the '90s, if you were gay in SLC, Squatters was one of the few places you could just be." - Local patron, Salt Lake Magazine, 2019

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Music, Art, and Events

Squatters' Role in SLC's Cultural Scene:

• Live Music: Weekly open mic nights, local bands
• Art Shows: Rotating local artists on brewpub walls
• Fundraisers: Hosted charity events for local nonprofits
• Festivals: Participated in Utah Brewers Festival, SLC Beer Week

Impact:

• Launched careers of local musicians
• Connected artists with audiences
• Built loyalty (customers felt invested in Squatters' success)

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What You Can Experience Today

Squatters Brewpub Locations

1. Downtown Salt Lake City - "The Original"

• Address: 147 W Broadway (300 S), Salt Lake City, UT 84101
• Vibe: Historic downtown brewpub, intimate, local hangout
• Menu: Pub fare (burgers, fish & chips, salads) + full beer lineup
• Events: Live music, trivia nights, beer releases

2. Salt Lake City Airport

• Address: SLC International Airport (post-security)
• Vibe: Grab a Full Suspension before your flight
• Menu: Limited food, full beer selection

3. Distributed Locations

• Squatters beers available at DABC stores, grocery stores (5% ABV and under), other bars/restaurants statewide

Taproom Hours:

• Open 7 days/week (hours vary—check website)
• Tours available by appointment

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The Beer Lineup (Current)

Year-Round Beers:

• Full Suspension Pale Ale - The legend (5.0% ABV)
• Provo Girl Pilsner - Crisp, clean (4.5% ABV)
• Hop Rising IPA - West Coast hop bomb (6.5% ABV)
• Hell's Keep Lager - Easy-drinking (5.0% ABV)
• Outer Darkness Imperial Stout - Barrel-aged beast (10%+ ABV, annual release)

Seasonals:

• Apricot Blonde (Summer)
• Oktoberfest (Fall)
• Winter Ale (Holiday spices)

Check the tap list online (rotates frequently)

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Key Facts at a Glance

| Category | Details | |--------------|-------------| | Founded | 1989 (second craft brewery in Utah, 3 years after Wasatch) | | Founders | Peter Cole, Jeff Polychronis | | Flagship Beer | Full Suspension Pale Ale (GABF Gold winner) | | Location | 147 W Broadway (300 S), Salt Lake City, UT 84101 | | Annual Production | 20,000+ barrels (combined with Wasatch) | | Parent Company | CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective (since 2017) | | GABF Awards | 15+ medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) | | Significance | Built downtown SLC craft beer scene, created secular community space |

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The Legacy: What Squatters Built

Before Squatters (Pre-1989):

• Downtown SLC was quiet after business hours
• No craft beer in the city center (only Wasatch in Park City)
• Limited gathering spaces for non-Mormon community

After Squatters (1989–Present):

• Anchored downtown revitalization (other businesses followed)
• Proved craft beer could work for locals, not just tourists
• Created a model for brewpubs as community hubs
• Trained generations of brewers (Jenny Talley's mentees now run their own breweries)
• Helped Utah Brewers Guild fight restrictive laws

Peter Cole's Reflection (2019 interview, Utah Beer News):

"We didn't set out to change Utah. We just wanted to brew good beer and give people a place to gather. But I think we did help change how people see Salt Lake City—it's not just the Mormon capital. It's our city too."

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The Rivalry That Wasn't: Wasatch vs. Squatters

Myth:

"Wasatch and Squatters were bitter rivals."

Reality:

• Both breweries supported each other from the start
• Shared resources, collaborated on advocacy
• Friendly competition (GABF awards) but mutual respect
• Eventually merged under Utah Brewers Cooperative (2000)

Greg Schirf (Wasatch founder) on Squatters (interview, 2010):

"When Squatters opened, I was thrilled. We needed more breweries to build a scene, not a monopoly. Peter and Jeff proved that SLC was ready for craft beer."

Peter Cole on Wasatch:

"Greg paved the way. We walked through the door he opened."

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Visitor's Guide

How to Visit

Best Time:

• Any time (downtown location is accessible year-round)
• Friday/Saturday nights for live music
• Beer releases (check social media for special tappings)

What to Order:

1. Full Suspension Pale Ale (mandatory—it's the classic)
2. Provo Girl Pilsner (if you want something light and fun)
3. Hop Rising IPA (if you're an IPA lover)
4. Outer Darkness (if it's available—limited release)

Food Pairing:

• Full Suspension + Squatters Burger
• Provo Girl + Fish & Chips
• Hop Rising + Buffalo Wings

Brewery Tours:

• Available by appointment
• Learn about brewing process, history, Jenny Talley era
• Tasting included

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Cross-References

Related TKE-001 Destinations:

• Wasatch Brewery (1986) - The first, Squatters' sister brewery
• Uinta Brewing (1993) - Wind-powered sustainability
• Red Rock Brewing (1994) - Another downtown SLC pioneer
• Fisher Brewing (2000s) - Old-school SLC brand revived

Related Content:

• Utah Beer Culture Overview - How the 3.2% law shaped the industry
• Utah Brewers Guild - Advocacy and legal fights
• Downtown SLC Revitalization - How breweries helped rebuild the city center

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The Bottom Line

Squatters Pub Brewery is more than Utah's second craft brewery. It's a community institution that proved:

✅ Craft beer could work in downtown SLC (not just tourist towns) ✅ Brewpubs could be cultural hubs, not just drinking holes ✅ Quality and consistency win awards (15+ GABF medals) ✅ Collaboration > Competition (Wasatch + Squatters partnership) ✅ Even in Zion, people need a place to gather without judgment

Wasatch broke the ice. Squatters built the community.

And 35+ years later, when you walk into that downtown brewpub on 300 South and order a Full Suspension, you're not just drinking a beer.

You're joining a tradition of making space for yourself in a city that didn't always want you there.

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Next Deep Dive: Uinta Brewing - Wind-Powered, Award-Winning

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