Centralia’s own Dick’s Brewing Company was featured on Food Network’s “Diner’s Drive-ins and Dives.” Touted by the show as, “a real-deal meat market stackin’ up serious sandwiches,” the occasion was marked on September 17 with watch parties at both the deli and brewery.
While this may be the world’s first look at Dick’s Brewing Company and Northwest Sausage & Deli, it has been a local favorite since 1983, when Dick Young first established the business. Dick’s vision was to create a place where everyone could enjoy old-world-style smoked sausage. NW Sausage & Deli was a family business from the beginning, and everyone, including the children, was involved in building the company.
“Dick was always a busy kid and could never sit still,” says his mother, June Young. Still that way, as an adult, he fostered an interest in brewing. “He told people he was thirsty and needed a beer,” says his daughter and current owner, Julie. “That is how the brewery was created.”
In 1984 Dick built a brewhouse that is still in use today. Dick’s Brewing Company became a reality in 1994 when he realized that he was far surpassing the annual production limit for home brewers. Sadly, in 2009 the legend passed away, but his dream lives on. Julie and her husband Dave Pendleton continue to make everyone proud by maintaining the legacy Dick created. The tasting room has won “Best Place for a Pint” four years in a row.
“Triple D’s” Guy Fieri’s visit to the little town of Centralia to feature Dick’s own subtle brand of excellence is an honor that was shared with those who know and love the local favorite restaurant. The watch parties were packed with people happy to celebrate the debut on national television.
“‘Triple D’ is all about three things,” Fieri said in a “Food Network Magazine” article. “Food, story, and character. We shine a light on places like this, which are run by people who love the same kind of food I love.”
“I liked seeing how the show worked behind the scenes,” says Julie. “We always watched the show, so to be on it was a really cool experience.”
One of the dishes Guy featured is Grandma June’s favorite sandwich — The Hot Pastrami made with homemade hot pastrami, Swiss and provolone cheeses, mustard, mayonnaise, and sauerkraut. “It’s so delicious,” she says with a twinkle in her eye. Another fan favorite is the Reuben, with Rye bread topped with Dick’s own corned beef, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and sauerkraut — also a number one choice for Marilyn Gallagher, Julie’s mother.
Behind every small business is family and community — a consistent theme at Dick’s Brewing Company. Four generations have worked at Dick’s NW Sausage & Deli.
“One of the most amazing things about Julie and Dave is their love for the community,” says employee Leighanne Eiland. “There is never a hesitation when asked to support or host a fundraiser. Whether it is a local school or the police department, they are always happy to help.”
The positive work culture is echoed by other employees. “When working for Julie and David, you aren’t just an employee; you become family,” says Travis Johnsey.
“Julie has even gone and bought my newborn outfits. She never hesitates to jump in and help whether it be for the employees or the community,” says deli employee Bryan Malanowicz.
Christine Chamberlin has been working for the company for ten years, and her favorite thing about Dick’s Brewing Company is the regulars that come in and how close everyone is.
On the night of the “DDD” viewing party, Christine, Travis and Leighanne run the brewery like a tight ship, joking with patrons, cashing customer’s tabs out, and drawing names for the raffle. Everyone is smiling and having a great time while enjoying their favorite refreshing beverage of choice. “It was a fun night. We are lucky to have such great friends, family and community support,” says Julie. “We wouldn’t be here without all of them.”
Even if you missed the watch party, Dick’s Brewing hosts all kinds of fun events. They celebrated International Women’s Brew Day by hosting a breakfast and brew-it-yourself event. They recently hosted a Cornhole Tournament and Sausage Fest with proceeds benefitting the Centralia Community Foundation and the funds will be used to purchase coats and shoes for kids within the district that need them. The always popular Trivia Night is the first Saturday of the month.
Find ugly Christmas sweater contests, and tons of fun events year-round at Dick’s. They even have a cool door at the brewery covered with names of people who have bought a beer or would like to buy a beer for someone who is not at the bar when they are. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming events.
Dick Young, in the tiny town of Centralia, had a dream — a dream that put food on people’s plates, a smile on their face, and a beer in their hand. He dared to pursue that vision, and now his family is continuing his plan and sharing it with the world with Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”
Dick’s Brewing Company
3516 Galvin Road, Centralia
360.736.1603
Northwest Sausage & Deli
5945 Prather Road SW, Centralia
360.736.7760
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