BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: PALM TREE BREWERY

Orangevale Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight – Palm Tree Brewery by MaryAnne Povey

Have you met the new guy in town? Well, he’s not exactly new to the area, but his business is! Meet Derek Clark, owner and head brewer of the one and only Palm Tree Brewery, located at 8844 Greenback Lane, right behind Adalberto’s, the new hotspot for a great beer and a great time. 

“I took a class in brewing about 13 years ago from a local Brewmeister,” said Derek. “Little did I know I’d end up opening my own brewery. I never planned on this, but I’m in the black and couldn’t be happier.”

After a bad motorcycle accident in 2010, and long recovery ahead of him, Derek had time to dig deeper into his hobby of brewing. Right away he discovered that the equipment he needed wasn’t available so he fabricated his own, starting with a custom control panel. From there he created his entire brewing system and created his first beer for Superbowl Sunday 2013.

“It was really good,” Derek boasted. “All my friends and family agreed, but then again everyone says it’s good when its free,” he joked.

Deciding to see if his beer was really any good, Derek did a test market and with undeniable results decided to take the plunge into opening up his own beer business.

Fifteen months later, on December 7, 2018, The Palm Tree, celebrated it’s official grand opening with the Orangevale Chamber of Commerce for a full-house ribbon cutting ceremony.  Supervisor Sue Frost Chief of Staff Matt Hedges was also on hand to deliver his official proclamation.

“The best decision I ever made was joining the Orangevale Chamber,” Derek shared. “The networking and social media has been great. In my first 30 days I got my first batch of regulars, now I’m up to 100 who come in once or twice a week.”

If you’re not a beer lover give it a try. Derek’s brews are clean, straightforward and smooth. His tap includes an assortment of tantalizing flavors to try. There’s a good, easy going, relaxed  feeling in the Hawaiian themed pub, not to mention a friendly face and welcoming environment..

Orangevale Town Fair goers will also have a chance to try Palm Tree beers. Derek’s brews will be showcased at the Orangevale Town Fair – A Pow Wow Days Tradition, May 31 – June 2 at the Orangevale Community Park.

Two of his most commonly heard quotes from his customers include, “Man you are so close I can walk here” and “I just live right around the corner.”

While parking is a challenge in the small, shared parking lots, auxiliary parking is being arranged for the summer. Soon you’ll be able to smile at the sensor and someone from Palm Tree will pick you up and bring you over. Derek is offering $1 off anyone who uses Uber/Lyft and/or the soon to be announced auxiliary parking lot. Stay tuned.

Finally, if you are wondering why “Palm Tree”, Derek’s family roots go back to Oahu and his fond childhood memories. Plus, “Orangevale could use some Palm trees here,” he added.

Doors are open seven days a week, Monday – Thursday 4 pm – 9 pm, Friday and Saturday, 12pm – 11 pm and Sunday 12 pm to 9 pm.  Come on in and give Palm Tree a try. You won’t regret it! For more information, go to www.palmtreebrewing.com.