Openings: Wheat Head sets ‘epic’ new taproom opening in Kennewick
Wheat Head Brewing Co. has set the date for its much-anticipated opening of its new taproom on the Kennewick downtown waterfront.
It opens at noon Saturday, April 18.
While legions of fans of the Horse Heaven Hills brewery wait for the waterfront edition, its neighbors at Columbia Gardens Artisan Village are giddily waiting for the day to come.
A barbecue joint and half a dozen food trucks are bracing for a wave of new business, with one calling it an “epic” moment for Columbia Gardens.
That’s because Wheat Head on the Water is a taproom and patio, not a restaurant.
It won’t serve food. It will, however, encourage guests to buy meals from Swampy’s BBQ and the half dozen or so food trucks outside its door.
Wheat Head doesn’t have the potential to transform Columbia Gardens. It will transform Columbia Gardens, said Ron Swanby, owner of Swampy’s BBQ.
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Swampy’s was the first food truck to open at Columbia Gardens and now operates from a brick-and-mortar restaurant it built next door.
“Wheat Head has a cult following,” Swanby said. He is confident the new wave of business will help him reach the goals he set when he built his current spot.
Swanby is extending business hours to 8 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
He’s ready to add evening hours on Wednesdays if demand is there. Swampy’s is adding beer-friendly items to the menu as well, including sliders, chicken wings, poppers, smoked brats and more.
Wheat Head on the Water brings the vibe of the original brewery in the picturesque Horse Heaven Hills south of Kennewick to a stretch of downtown waterfront. The Port of Kennewick created Columbia Gardens as a working destination for wine and beer lovers.
Developed in phases, it is s home to Bartholomew Winery and Monarcha Winery/Panencia Wine Co.
Last fall, Wheat Head agreed to lease the spot formerly occupied by Muret-Gaston Winery after consulting with food trucks and Swanby about cooperating on ways to serve food to its customers.
“I am expecting to see my business thrive with them here,” Swanby said.
Wheat Head was established by Tina Phillips and her father, Loren Miller, longtime wheat farms who established the brewery on a portion of the family farm.
Wheat Head on the Water is at 313 E. Columbia Drive, Suite 120, Kennewick, near Zip’s and the cable bridge.
Food options include Swampy’s BBQ, Botanas Culichi, Cuba Libre Cuban Food, Frida’s Mexican Grill, La Bahia Mexican Food, The Local Bite/Tropic Hunger and Nana’s Kitchen,
Go to wheatheadbrewingco.com for opening day announcement.
This story was originally published April 9, 2026 at 12:58 PM.