Omni Brewing to rebrand Anki taproom in Victoria; founders plan expanded hours, coffee and added jobs

Justin Walsh and Zach Ward, founders of Omni Brewing, told the City of Victoria council they plan to rebrand the former Anki Brewing taproom as Omni, expand operating hours to include morning coffee service and shift a substantial amount of beer production to the Victoria location.

The founders said they will seek an on-sale intoxicating liquor license at the next council meeting and expect to take over operations in mid-May, subject to state approvals. "we are gonna have a on sale intoxicating, liquor license coming in the next council meeting," Walsh said. Ward added, "we will officially take over operations in mid May, if if state, approvals go as they should and, hoping to do more of a grand opening with with kind of the expanded hours, in July."

The proposal described a change from a taproom-focused operation to a brewpub model with expanded food and beverage options. Ward said Omni plans to add a coffee nook and expand the kitchen, offering coffee, breakfast sandwiches, pizza and other menu items in addition to draft beer. Walsh estimated staffing growth: "We'll probably be adding about 5 full time jobs, and then probably a few additional part time jobs to what's currently in place." The founders also said production currently roasted and brewed in Maple Grove would shift in large part to the Victoria facility.

Council members welcomed the incoming owners and asked about the brand and hours. A council member asked whether the business would retain Yankee/Anki beers; the founders said they would continue some flagship beers while rebranding the space as Omni. The founders said the operation will not be a nightclub-style venue but will expand programming, events and private rentals.

No license or zoning action was taken at the meeting; the founders said they will have a representative at the next council meeting when the on-sale liquor license application is formally considered by the council.