Neighborhood Business Highlight: Circle & Square Brewing Company
Mississippi state law changed July 1, 2021, by providing a provision for a microbrewery to exist in the state. A group of four friends jumped to make the first Oxford microbrewery, Circle & Square Brewing Company, happen in Oxford. Sumner Abraham shared, “Once this law passed, we assembled our team and got to work. This has been an 18 month project of ensuring compliance with all applicable laws while setting up a structure that can be sustainable for decades to come. We felt Oxford, as a community, could benefit from having its own microbrewery and we are proud to be Oxford's first microbrewery. Our hope is that anytime anyone comes to town, we can deliver a high quality product that reflects how special of a community we get to call home.”
Sumner Abraham, John Adrian, Rick Hollander and Taylor Webb opened Circle & Square Brewing Company in late August 2023 with the help ofJoel Weyenberg, head brewer, and Micah Whitson, Creative Director. Sumner shared, “It has been a joy to make and share a locally made product with Oxford. Joel Weyenberg, our head brewer, is a savant when it comes to quality beer. Getting to show off his skill and attention to detail with our beers has been a joy. A coffee shop by day and a brewery by afternoon/night allows our space to be a spot where anyone can come and enjoy, no matter who you are. Families spanning newborns to grandparents have gathered over the last month to enjoy good drink and fellowship. The space is conducive to a party, a business meeting, or reunion with a friend, and we are thankful to share it.”
All of their beer is brewed in-house and they always welcome guests to take a tour of the equipment and learn more about the brewing process. They plan to have 10-12 of their own beer on tap (4 staples, some seasonals and some regular rotators). Additionally, they have partnered with Bar Muse who will help create 4 draft cocktails for non-beer drinkers. Sumner shared, “We have gluten-free alcoholic options, non-alcoholic options, and a wonderful coffee program. Our coffee program is open 7AM Monday-Saturday, and we open at 11AM on Sundays. We get our coffee from Manuscript Coffee in Laurel, which is the best coffee roaster in the region.”
Speaking of partners, Circle & Square prides themselves on their relationships with area partners. We’ve mentioned Bar Muse and Manuscript Coffee, but they also work with others. Sumner shared, “Our spent grain from brewing feeds the animals at Homeplace Pastures, we donate beer to Southern Foodways Alliance annual symposium, our partnership with Grove Collective helps support student-athletes at Ole Miss, Corbin Evans, former owner of the Oxford Canteen, helped design our food menu which is sensitive to all dietary restrictions, we have partnered with Bar Muse for a unique draft cocktail program, and Manuscript Coffee is one of the finest coffee roasters around. We want to be a friend to other local businesses, citizens of Oxford, Ole Miss, and anyone who cares about facilitating relationships with people.”
Circle & Square has a prime location! Sumner shared, “We are thankful to be located at 100 Depot Street immediately adjacent to the Ole Miss campus and the Depot Trail that runs through Oxford. With the walking/running/biking allowing many to join us by foot, we also have plenty of parking to accommodate any mode of transportation. We have a stamp in the concrete of the brewery where if you stand in the center, you are exactly 0.5 miles from The Circle, the heart of the Ole Miss campus, and The Square.”
We ask our Neighborhood businesses how the Oxford and Lafayette county real estate market affects them. Sumner shared, “The Oxford real estate market is certainly robust, and we are excited with more people moving to Oxford to come by to enjoy a quality product at Circle & Square Brewing Company!”
We are so grateful for Oxford’s first microbrewery, Circle & Square Brewing Company and their dedication to building relationships and welcoming all! Circle & Square is located at 100 Depot Street and they are open Monday-Wednesday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm, Thursday-Saturday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm, and Sunday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm. “The Square and the Circle could’ve felt worlds apart were it not for an old train depot. A transportation hub for rich & poor that welcomed people and ideas from all over. The great brick equalizer situated right beside standard gauge railroad tracks. And right here is where you'll find Circle & Square Brewing Company. At the intersection of all kinds, offering up a seat, a pint, and good conversation until the next train runs.”
Neighborhoods close by: Stone, Garner Heights, Adelaide Place, 514 Jackson, University Oaks, Van Buren Village, Acadia Court, Freedman, 619 University Condo, Dell Condos
