Wedge Brewery at Foundation — Restaurant in Asheville

Over the last 5 years, I have probably been to the Wedge 1-2 times a week and have always been a big supporter.

Even when other breweries have sprung up with better quality beer I have always stood by The Wedge as a recommended spot for friends, family, others in the Asheville Community mostly because of the good atmosphere and generally good quality beer.

However , I have noticed several seemingly minor changes that have gotten to the point where I don't want to go back to Wedge Foundation.

1. Recently, in the last 4-5 weeks, I have noticed that the prices have gone up $2/pitcher. $12 for Paynes, $14 for Iron Rail. So not only are we getting less/pitcher, but the cost is also increasing, taking away one of the competitive advantages of the Wedge - quality beer at an affordable price. At least there was still the atmosphere

2. However, that changed too. As someone who lives in Asheville and visits the Wedge often, there are certain bartenders who I have been friends with, others who recognize me, and many who treat me with the common courtesy of a regular patron which I am. This is especially true at the Original Wedge. They recognize, me, my wife, my pups and are they are generally friendly and kind the vast majority of the time. However, at Wedge Foundation on the Saturday afternoon of 3/10/2018 this is not the case.

Today while there, without warning and despite the fact that I have brought my pups in there maybe 20-25 times I was asked to sit outside for no reason though they were hanging out under our table and were being pet by the people next to us - as they usually do.

This was sort of the straw that broke the camels back for me. I appreciate the fact that The Wedge allows pups (however, nearly everyone in Asheville does) but I have seen poorly behaved dogs there without any repercussion yet us regulars were asked to sit outside on a relatively quiet Saturday in a room filled by tourists from brewery tour buses who will likely never visit this locale again nor pay as much money as I have to this business over the last 5 years. This is what especially irked me.

The staff had no explanation for us, but our group quietly walked outside, finished our beers and left from what will be my last time at this location.

I remember The Wedge for what it used to be, but sometimes growth brings growing pains. Sorry to see that this location can't match the magic of the...

Long story short: I'd come back, the outside setting was nice and artsy, beer ok, but little explanation was provided on the beers when asked (like pulling teeth). Tap room closed during covid at this time. Not the most welcoming atmosphere based on our experience. But let's be real youre probably going for the artistic setting vs the customer service and based on our experience with ALL the businesses in the area, it unfortunately shows

We're out of towners and came to the area after New Belgium recommended them since their area was closed. We found out it didnt open til 3pm -- thinking that was the inside area was open, but the inside is completely closed at this time aside from restroom, due to covid. So we ordered some bbq and beer at a place next door and popped up in their area that was avail, thinking everything was connected. Found out it wasnt all connected, apologized, said we buy beer, asked if we could use restroom and would make up with it. I bought 2 beers, kept tab open, gave $10 cash tip and said I've give more later, understanding that we were likely inconveniencing them. In the mean time we consolidated the space we were taking up allowing more patrons to access the heaters and 3 people from our group proceeded to buy large (wine bottle-like glasses) togo bottles of their beers, at least $100 worth, in addition to beers on draft by others in our large group. I went to go cashout and it appeared that the bartender was discussing the situation with and ?manager/owner/co-worker who was looking at our group and shaking head in a negative way (granted 100% my perception). I paid my 10$ tab, gave an additional 10$ tip (20$ total) citing that was the rest of the tip I suggested I'd provide initially.

I 100% understand where they are coming from. Business is tight and we took up a prime location during a cold time and tried making up for through tips and buying product, but apparently that wasn't enough. But we tried to offer more than necessary to thank them for their space. It was overall a ...

This is definitely one of my regular drinking spots and on my list of top Asheville breweries.

Beers: I have never had one there I do not like. My favorite is the Caroliner Weisse, especially with the Cheerwine add-in. Iron Rail IPA is the go-to for most people.

Beertenders: The beertenders are always super-friendly, amusing, and willing to offer selection suggestions.

Food: A rotating selection of trucks (one truck per day) are there daily. Deliciousness!

Building/parking: They have parking, but it can be tight at busy times. The indoor and outdoor spaces both accommodate groups and are aesthetically-pleasing. There is overflow parking in surrounding lots. The bathrooms are plentiful and always clean. The building sits near the train tracks so if you are sitting outside, it is fun to watch the trains going by. They have free WiFi.

Events: The Wedge Foundation (note: the location on Foundy St) hosts group events. My work has had our holiday party there in the past and their Cloud Room is gorgeous, has a separate bar, and affordable. Definitely consider hosting your next group event there. Contact info for them is on their website. :)

Tip: Great photo opps exist in surrounding buildings which are covered in grafitti-esque art. Take a moment to explore that...