Lyon College has announced a partnership with Polk & Paddle, a new private club in downtown Batesville. This collaboration will be first brewery in Independence County since Prohibition.
Polk & Paddle, owned by local residents Dustin and Tham Dayberry, is set to open its doors in September. The establishment will feature a pub-style food menu and a selection of Arkansas beers on tap. Through the partnership with Lyon College, Polk & Paddle will also serve a regular rotation of in-house ales, brewed on-site by the college’s brewing operations team.
The brewing program at Lyon College began four years ago as a fermentation science class.
The beers brewed at Polk & Paddle will bear the Lyon College brand and will be available exclusively within the restaurant and the surrounding entertainment district. Due to local regulations, the beers will not be available for takeaway in cans or growlers, and Lyon College will neither produce nor offer beer for sale on its campus. Student interns must be at least 21 years of age to assist in the brewing process.
David Hutchison, vice president for advancement at Lyon College, said in a press release that community support made this venture possible. The brewing equipment for the program was purchased through donations.
“This collaboration is a testament to the power of community partnership for the greater good,” Hutchison said in the release. “We are deeply grateful to our donors and supporters who have helped us bring this project to life. Their contributions have enabled us to provide our students with unique, hands-on learning experiences while also contributing to the economic and cultural vibrancy of Batesville.”
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