State 48 Brewery Makes History in Welnick Marketplace

 A 90-year-young marketplace recently leased an area to an up and coming microbrewery with a deep American history. On Fourth Avenue and Van Buren Street, State 48’s second location will open in early 2018 after renovations are completed.

Inspired by Arizona’s becoming the 48 state admitted to the Union, their original brewery is the only one currently located in Surprise. The Phoenix location at 345 W. Van Buren Street will also be larger than its counterpart at 13823 W. Bell Road.

The brand continues maintaining its legacy by building on local landmarks, appropriately naming their beers things like Lost Dutchman Golden Ale, PHX Porter, and Van Buren Blonde.


Allowing the company to expand their production capability by four and start canning beer for distribution, part of the reason for the company’s success is a motion approved by the City Council in 2015. With the intention of allowing businesses to turn historic buildings and churches into new businesses, they tore apart the law prohibiting businesses from getting liquor licenses if they were near a church.

Owner of the brewery Mario Rana wrote to the public, “We couldn’t be more excited about joining the downtown Phoenix community and taking part in the revitalization of the area,” owner Mario Rana said in a written statement.”

According to the real estate company, the marketplace still has space available for those who want it. Built in 1927, it has been home to grocery stores, a printing company, and an auto repair shop. Before it was bought by former ambulance company CEO Pat Cantelme and former Bar-S Foods CFO James Kuykendall, it spent about a decade empty of entertainment.

On their website as of August 23 the brewpub said, “State 48 is a scratch kitchen showcasing seasonal ingredients with local flavor to complement our craft beer. Everything on our menu is made in house, utilizing the highest quality ingredients.”