“We decided to leave our original facility at 630 North 5th Street because we were seeking a larger facility to accommodate our increase in demand for hospitality. However, the primary responsibility was taking care of manufacturing for Ben E. Keith, our distributor. So, we needed a larger facility to increase production and not be limited by the confines of that old location,” shared Sanders.
Belt Buckle Distillery was founded in 2019 but paused production in 2023 to find the perfect location. After months of searching and setbacks, they found an opportunity in an unlikely place: the historic three-story building on South 2nd Street, which they envisioned for growth.
“1082 and 1066 South 2nd Street, which we’re very excited about because it’s in central downtown. It’s a beautiful historic building that’s been under-utilized, and with the total restoration and expansion of that facility, it will not only have a fantastic operation site for Belt Buckle Distillery, but will bring back new life to a historic building that will be a real pride for Abilene, Texas,” added Sanders.
Over the past 100 years, the building has undergone several changes. It was most recently known as a nightclub and entertainment venue.
“It’s been in continuous use since 1921, which was the year that it was constructed by the Oddfellows. The Oddfellows were an organization that was dedicated to assisting communities and people in need of help. The Oddfellows were very proactive in terms of offering services to individuals who needed help, much like community and governmental services. So, in 1941, the Oddfellows sold their building to the Carpenters Guild, and this was just before World War II, and the Carpenters Guild expanded the facility, and its name is on it today,” explained Sanders.
The building will be used for product production and community gatherings. The first and second floors are dedicated to hospitality, and the third is a media space.
“It’s been bars and clubs for almost three decades. So, it’s had many iterations. It’s had thousands of people through it over those years. Unfortunately, they’ve only known that facility by its nightclub and bar reputation and totally oblivious to its greater history,” shared Sanders.
Construction is currently underway to restore the space to its original state. Given that this area is over 100 years old, several hidden gems have been uncovered.
“Every day we discover some new idiosyncrasy, some new details, some new architectural elements, covered windows that we never knew existed, and removing plaster that shows original colors that we didn’t know were there. It really is almost an archaeological process, where we’re uncovering things that we never knew about this remarkable historic building. That’s what’s going to make it fun for everyone: when people walk in for the first time and say, ‘Wow, I never knew anything like this existed in Abilene, Texas.’ That’s what makes it fun for all of us,” added Sanders.
Larry Sanders and his business partner, Keith Sanders, are prepared for the changes that 2025 will bring. They are excited about their new location, the tasting room, and the addition of more products, as well as continuing to strengthen the relationships they’ve built with partners. Larry emphasizes how challenging it is for any business to remain operational, especially after an approximately 14-month hiatus. They take pride in being back in business.
Final details are being worked on to be up and running, with an estimated vision for operations set for June.
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