Turkey Creek Brewery

A Place Where Friends Gather

By William Gray

Folks travel to Branson for amusement parks, shows, restaurants, shopping, museums, and nowcraft beer. The nearby town of Hollister is home to the brand new Turkey Creek Brewery. Owners Scott and Deneen Wuest launched Turkey Creek in September 2021 and already have a following.

CAREER BEER HERE

Though the Wuests had no professional brewing experience, Scott was a member of “Them BeerKnobbers,” home brewers with years of experience based in Springfield. He saw a need in the Branson market for a microbrewery. Scott drafted several other Beer Knobbers. While they brew excellent signature beers, he handles the operations side. In addition, Scott continues a career in hospitality management, working for the brewery nights and weekends. The brewers also moonlight at Turkey Creek.

BEER, FOOD, FUN. OH MY!

A four-barrel operation, Turkey Creek maintains eight brews on tap at any given time. Their selection is approachable and palate-friendly. Flagship flavors include Turkey Creek Pale Ale,Turkey Creek American Wheat, and Common Folk, brewed with lager yeastand fermented at ale temperatures for a toasty caramel flavor. The low-calorie, light lager Hollister Hi’Lite, Iron Bridge Session IPA, and Black Bear Stout, a flavorful dark beer perfect for colder weather, are also on tap. Moonshine Beach Blonde, a bright and citrusy ale, and Strawberry-Basil cider appear during warmer seasons. 

Turkey Creek earns its brewpub status with a hearty menu of six signature wood-fired artisan pizzas, salads, wings, pretzels with beer cheese, hummus, and more. This isn’t the kind of place you’ll want to stop by for a quick drink and leave; their beer, food, and hospitality invite you to settle in and have anexperience.

The hat trick needed for a successful brewpub is good beer, good food, and a good atmosphere. Hollister’s old Red Lion is where Turkey Creek calls home. A classic Irish pub feel with lots of early 20th century, stone building charm. The warm setting and welcoming staff greets patrons for a beer, a bite, or sometimes a game of bingo or trivia.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Scott and Deneen wanted to create a place where friends could gather or strangers could  meet.They wanted to become a regional landmark. It seems to be working as about 70% of their business has been from the area. As Hollisterites themselves, Scott and Deneen wanted to create a space that encapsulates the warm spirit — a place for visitors, friends, and family to enjoy.

According to Scott, Turkey Creek’s focus right now is to “ride the horse until it stops.” They want to keep building business and excitement before looking into other opportunities. Their next goal is likely carry-out beer options. The current operation doesn’t support cans or growlers, so their beer can only be enjoyed in the tasting room. Scott is hopeful that with time customers can take Turkey Creek’s beer home. 

One day they would like to expand. But for now, they are only concerned with giving back to the community that has given them so much. Visit Turkey Creek Brewery and bring a friend. If you forget one, it’s ok. They’ve got plenty to share.