Fresno Brewery Making Hand Sanitizer

A downtown Fresno brewery is helping Valley residents stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing free hand sanitizer.

          When the owners of 411 Broadway Ales & Spirits saw that hand sanitizer was selling out at stores, they took matters into their own hands. They followed the guidelines set forth by the FDA and the World Health Organization and started making hand sanitizer with 80% ethanol, water, glycerin, and hydrogen peroxide.

          “We are currently trying to reach as many people as we can,” said Joshua Soleno, Co-Founder of 411 Broadway Ales & Spirits. “All our hand sanitizer is free of charge, we want to help combat COVID-19 and restore some sense of normalcy to our community.”

          They’ve been passing it out at their brewery, located at 411 Broadway Street. Last Saturday, they weren’t set to open until Noon, but a line started forming at 9 a.m.

          The biggest challenge has been finding packaging containers for the hand sanitizer. Residents have been encouraged to bring their own.

          To find out what days and times the hand sanitizer is available for pick-up, follow 411 Broadway Ales & Spirits on Facebook and Instagram.

          In addition to the hand sanitizer, the brewery has created a COVID-19 themed beer. The name comes from the owners’ frustration with the virus. It’s called #F**kcovid-19. It’s a Raspberry Berliner Weisse at 6.2%ABV.  

          “It’s slightly tart and malty,” Soleno said. “With some sweetness from the Raspberry, it is my personal favorite.”

          411 Broadway Ales & Spirits opened in 2017. The micro brewery focuses on brewing unique, small batch, craft ales.

          “Our team was built around friends, family and community,” Soleno said. “The seed was planted for the business after enjoying a glass of home brew between our co-founders; it just took off from there.”

          The head brewer is co-founder, Joseph Soleno. He has studied Professional Brewing Science at UC Davis and has worked for nationally recognized breweries.

          A tasting room is in the works. It will be located at 723 Fulton Street. The owners are also working with DAB Tacos, a local food truck, on plans to open a restaurant within the Brewery District.

          “Downtown will always be home for The 411,” Soleno said. “We have had many opportunities and incentives to move, but the people in the downtown community are always so supportive of small business.”

          The brewery works with other downtown Fresno businesses when possible. They’ve partnered with Cookies N Things on their Om Nom Nom Nom beer. The brew features the bakery’s Toffee Cookies.

          411 Broadway Ales & Spirits is also Fresno’s first incubator brewery, meaning they’re helping others get their start. Grayview Brewing and Incinerati Brewing are the first to be part of the program.

          “Just like every small business during this pandemic, we are currently facing hardships,” Soleno said. “It has not been easy. But we are lucky to have the means to give back to the community that has already given so much to us. We love the support that has been brought from the hand sanitizer attention, but we would like to remind the community that after this pandemic is over to please support all our local small businesses as much as you can. These small business owners are truly the heart of Fresno.”