Check out Old Factory Brewing Company in Cairo

Since I moved to the area in 2016, I have really watched the town of Cairo improve. It seems like every year there is something new happening, another business opening its doors, or another reason for people to come visit this little town.

Like many towns in our area, Cairo depends on having places that both locals and visitors want to check out, hang out in, and come back to. And Cairo certainly has some great places to eat, drink and enjoy time with friends and family.

But since December of 2020, there has been one place that has become a real hot spot—Old Factory Brewing Company at 628 Main Street in Cairo.

If you haven't been there yet, I really think it's time you check it out.

Old Factory Brewing Company isn't just another brewery. It's a place that has become part of what makes Cairo special. The owners took a historic building and gave it a whole new life, creating something that the entire town—and really all of Greene County—can be proud of.

The building itself has an incredible history. This 1900s structure originally operated as a beverage bottling plant, producing famous sodas such as Clicquot Club and Whistle. Today, the building has been transformed into a fantastic brewery and gathering place, while still preserving pieces of its past.

And that is what really makes Old Factory Brewing Company stand out, the awesome decor and atmosphere. They did an incredible job taking the history of the old building and making it part of the experience. The exposed brick, old industrial touches, vintage artifacts and unique decorations give the place a cool, comfortable, old-school feel while still being modern and welcoming. Everywhere you look there seems to be another little piece of the building's history or something interesting to catch your eye. It doesn't feel like you're walking into a cookie-cutter restaurant or brewery—it feels like you're walking into a place with a story, and that makes sitting down with a cold beer, a good meal and some friends that much better.

And then there is the beer!

They have an impressive selection of unique craft beers, and if you're a craft beer fan, you will probably be spending plenty of time working your way through their lineup. They even make their own sodas, including Cairo Mist and one heck of a ginger ale.

But I'll tell you what keeps bringing me back—the food. I'm a huge fan of their wings, but there is a whole lot more to choose from, like Bavarian pretzels, chips and salsa, coconut shrimp, spring rolls, fried pickles, onion rings, fries, incredibly filling and delicious nachos, nacho fries and their famous garbage fries.

And there are some great deals that make it even easier to stop in. Wednesday is $6.20 Burger & Fries Night, and Sunday is $5.50 appetizers. That's one of the reasons you'll find me there pretty regularly. I'm not just writing about this place because it's a local business—I'm a fan and a frequent customer.

Another thing I really like about Old Factory Brewing Company, though, goes beyond the food and beer. It's the people. The place is family-owned and operated by a father-and-son duo, Tim Cornelison, Sr. and Tim Cornelison, Jr., along with their wives, and you can feel that family connection when you're there. The owners and staff are friendly, the service is fast, and the staff is definitely a pretty cool bunch. It's the kind of place where you can walk through the door and feel comfortable.

You might be there with your buddies, out on a date, sitting down for dinner with the family, or simply stopping in to grab a drink. There is a very spacious taproom and dining area, long bar, wrap-around porch and an outdoor beer garden, that gives people plenty of room to relax and enjoy themselves.

And that's exactly what a growing town needs. A place where people from all walks of life can come together. A place that attracts locals, visitors and people from outside the area. A place that gives people another reason to put Cairo on the top of their list of places to visit.

I believe that's what Old Factory Brewing Company has helped do. They aren't just running a business—they're helping make Cairo a better, more vibrant town.

When a business takes a historic building that has been part of a community's story for more than a century and turns it into a place where people can once again gather, laugh, eat, drink and make memories, that's something worth recognizing.

If you've already been to Old Factory Brewing Company, chances are pretty good you're already a regular. But if you haven't? It's time to check it out.

You might just discover your new favorite place in our area. And who knows—you might see me there. I'll be the guy who's probably eating a bunch of wings and enjoying their awesome ginger ale!

I am your Bro LJ James and I will see you Around the Mountain. Follow me at Facebook.com/LJJamesTheBikerDJ.

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