ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- A Facebook video shows employees dancing behind the bar at Brewability because they're so happy to be back at work.
The Englewood brewery in unlike any other, it provides employment opportunities to people with disabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on the business for a number of reasons. Many of the employees are immunocompromised and could not work, one even contracted the virus.
Brewability shutdown for a month but re-opened for to-go orders. Still, it was hard to pay the bills. That's why owner Tiffany Fixter is so excited to welcome customers once again, but her employees are even more excited about opening the taproom.
"It was pretty rough for a long time, it was really hard not go to work," said Avery Becker, an employee at Brewability.
Fixter said she went above and beyond to put safety measures in place, especially for the health of her staff. Patrons will have their temperature checked at the door and face masks are required. She also installed plexiglass dividers at the bar and placed stickers on the floor to encourage social distancing.
“Well, because most of our staff are immunocompromised so it’s really important that not only we follow all the regulations but that our customers do as well and we try to and make it really easy with the process," said Fixter.
The challenges are worth it when she sees her staff light up when they interact with customers. Fixter is providing face shields for her employees because she said the masks can make it difficult to communicate.
"We have a lot of staff with communication barriers so the masks definitely do not make it easy on people with disabilities," said Fixter.
Brewability is open Thursday through Sunday and the brewery is hosting special events over weekend, like a birthday party for Becker. Check their website or Facebook page for the current operating hours.