Two years after opening Heaven & Ale Ooltewah, Ryan and Rebekah Hargrove have a lot to be thankful for.
On June 17, the couple will ring in their craft beer bar's second anniversary in Cambridge Square with a celebration of food, music and, of course, drinks for their loyal patrons. And expected just a few days later, the couple will meet their first child: a daughter to be named Evie.
"I feel like we've become a family with many of the people who come here," said Rebekah Hargrove, whose due date is less than a week after the anniversary celebration.
Since Heaven & Ale opened in the mixed-use development shortly after Lupi's Pizza and Southern Burger, a regular client base has developed, Ryan Hargrove said.
"They call us the 'Cheers' of Ooltewah," he laughed, referencing the popular TV series of the '80s and early '90s.
Though the business owners will soon have their hands full with their new daughter, they dream of expanding the bar as Cambridge Square breaks ground on the first of the houses for its planned residential component.
"It has exceeded our expectations, honestly," Ryan Hargrove said. " We'd love to grow a little bit and maybe start offering food."
The anniversary celebration will take place during the business's normal hours of noon to 10 p.m., with music by local artist Danimal Pinson, catering by Poorboys BBQ Company and specialty beers not typically offered. For more information, visit the business's Facebook page or call 903-3333.