Adirondack Fox Brewery opens at the Oval

PLATTSBURGH | A new brewery business reclaimed use of the historic fire station at the U.S. Oval. Once known as the Hose House, the brick edifice was built circa 1865. Adirondack Fox Brewery (Adk Fox) owners Gregory and Michelle Mischler developed a skill for microbrewing from a craft project into their own brew and coffee house in space formerly owned by Oval Craft Brewing. Greg's parents Scott and Celia Mischler are co-owners and have had a major role in extensive renovations. The company has 10 employees. An executive officer with the U.S. Navy, Greg Mischler is primary brewmaster, an avocation that stemmed from a wedding gift the Mischlers received years ago. Michelle laughs telling the story. She is a U.S. Navy veteran, having served as an Electrician's Mate (EM), a "nuke." They met in her home state of Iowa while at A School. "We moved about 26 times in 21 years. I found the brew kit we got from a great aunt while unpacking boxes after about 10 years. And I said, 'honey, we have to do something with this or I'm going to toss it.'" Fortunately, they brewed the Mr. Beer kit. "It tasted awful, but we had a lot of fun doing it," Michelle grinned. "We expanded brew capacity to three vessels off a turkey fryer," she grinned. "When we were stationed in Saratoga Springs, we expanded from five gallons to 10 gallons using our garage. "For my brother's wedding gift, we made all the wine and beer for the reception and trucked it from Saratoga to Iowa," she laughed. "That way he was able to have an open bar." Meeting with success, they relocated to Plattsburgh and opened a brewery in a section of what was formerly Livingoods in Peru. The brew brand Adk Fox is derived from Greg's Navy nickname. Talent for brewing grew with recipes shared among family members, and now, a variety of Adk Fox beer flavor is brewed in a 10 barrel system with three vessels. Among small batch brews on tap, options include Cooked at 70, Pack Basket, Brewski and Porch Nite. Wine and liquor drinks are part on the bar menu as are a wide range of coffee and espresso flavor. RENOVATING THE HOSE HOUSE Adk Fox moved into the historic fire station after closing on the building in December 2025. Renovations began in earnest to bring the building's historic brick edifice to the fore with a sense of cozy welcome and wilderness adventure. "We ripped right back to the studs," Michelle said of the mezzanine level lounge they built using old barn wood from their cousin Eric Carey's farm in Jay. Even the mantle is scored with saw teeth. The lounge has living room-style seating and stools that overlook the busy coffee and bar room. Beyond brews, coffee, cocoa and espresso drinks, with various flavor options and steamed milks are available at their polished wood counter. "We have a drink for everyone," Michelle said. "Our flavored, non-alcoholic seltzers have become very popular. And we make sodas in lots of flavors for kids, we call it Fox Kit Pop. Our oldest son is working on a non-alcoholic spritzer using energy drinks. His favorite so far is called Early Riser." As summer warms up, outdoor space will expand on the Adk Fox lawn and under the porch yard canopy for live music with many of the region's favorite food trucks set up in the parking lot. "We're opening at 6:30 a.m. for North Country Honor Flight dates," Michelle said, including the first one on May 16. And to help celebrate Memorial Day when the parade rolls by toward the Barracks Veterans Park, they will have food trucks and brews along with specialty non-alcoholic drinks, coffee and sweets for those celebrating the day's events. Adk Fox is organizing a Fox Trot Run Club to begin May 31 on Sunday mornings for "all ages, paces and pups!" at 9:30 a.m. The course includes one-mile and 5K loops. NEW QUARTERS UPSTAIRS On the building's southern face, an entry way opens to a squarial (square spiral) stairway. Clearly, once upon a time, this was where the firemen's sliding pole stood. "Yes, it was," Michelle said of the lofty entry. Formerly living quarters for barracks firefighters, the third story is next up for renovation, Michelle said, and will become a venue rental space for parties and overflow with a pool table and pinball machines. The entire brew and coffee bar is open and welcoming, blending a unique piece of Plattsburgh's history with talent born of a wedding present. "This was our dream," Michelle said. FIND OUT MORE: Adirondack Fox Brewery is located at 111 Ohio Ave. on the old base. They open at 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Adk Fox closes at 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 10 p.m. on Friday. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Updates on food trucks, music and drink specials (including wine slushies and inventive cocktail and coffee confections) are shared on social media. Via Facebook, visit Adirondack Fox Brewing.

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Adirondack Fox Brewery opens at the Oval

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