South Porch Cider Co. co-owners Crystal and Luke Davis pose for a photo behind the bar at the Grundy Center cidery’s grand opening in Grundy Center last Friday. PHOTO BY CALI RYDER

GRUNDY CENTER – South Porch Cider Co. officially opened its doors last Friday night in downtown Grundy Center.

The orchard-based artisanal cidery, located at 625 G Avenue in the former Hallmark “As You Like It” building, offers a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks both cider and otherwise.

“It’s been exciting and also nerve-wracking,” said Crystal Davis, co-owner/operator along with her husband Luke. “Now we’re at the point where people can really judge for themselves to see if they like us, and I hope we can meet expectations for everyone.”

The drink menu includes the house ciders in a variety of flavors from a classic semi-dry to a cherry and even mocha cider; those looking for a more straightforward experience are welcome to enjoy a limited selection of craft beers or barring that, a cold Busch Light. Non-alcoholic options include ginger ale, sarsaparilla and spiced cider.

“We’re looking to keep our drink selection local,” Crystal Davis said. “We know there will be someone who doesn’t want to try our ciders but still wants to enjoy the space and drink with everyone and we acknowledge that.”

Crystal Davis describes the location as a place for visitors to downtown Grundy Center to get off their feet and enjoy time with friends, families and groups or even just use some free WiFi, whether it’s before or during a downtown event or even a movie at the Center Theatre located around the corner.

“We want that coffee house vibe for the night time,” Crystal added. “I always like a place where you can go somewhere and just have a puzzle or some board games that people can sit and do, or just sit and chat for a while.”

There’s also a designated play area for children to enjoy activities while the parents visit, an amenity that will be beneficial for the Davis family, too, with three children all five years older and younger.

South Porch Cider does not serve food; Davis encourages visitors to bring food from one of several local establishments to enjoy with their drinks if they choose.

Crystal and Luke recently received a $930,808 grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, one of 10 Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants disbursed around the state. The grant benefits those working to revitalize underused buildings and stimulate economic growth on Iowa’s main streets.

Crystal indicated the grant will accelerate already planned work on upgrading the building’s facade and finishing a meeting room that has already received interest from local groups to rent out. The grant will also help with remodeling of apartments upstairs.

South Porch Cider Co. will be open 5-10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, noon-10 p.m. on Saturday and noon-5 p.m. on Sunday.

Further updates can be found on Facebook by searching for South Porch Cider Co.