NEWBERG, Ore. — The oldest commercial building in Newberg is preparing to welcome a local business, as Wolves & People Farmhouse Brewery owner Christian DeBenedetti announced plans to open a new concept on the main floor of the historic 1888 building at the corner of First and Meridian streets in late 2025.
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On Friday, DeBenedetti announced the plans on social media, detailing a bar and restaurant concept featuring Wolves & People beers, consistent live music, and a food menu.
“We’ve always been thinking about doing something in the heart of town,” DeBenedetti said. “It’s where most of our fans and followers live, and I’ve wanted a place where I could present food, amplified music, and some other fun things that don’t work at the farm property.”
DeBenedetti said the idea came after meeting Steve Everley, the owner of the 1888 building. Since purchasing the building in 2024, Everley has restored the upper floors, creating period-accurate short-term vacation rentals with furnishings and decor that evoke the late 19th century.
Everley said he had hoped to bring a restaurant or bar to the ground floor, though the space required significant renovation.
The building’s main floor, originally home to the Newberg Bank, most recently housed local businesses, including Right On Computers and Pacific Crest Real Estate Advisors—both of which moved out in 2024—as well as Shear Expressions Hair Salon, which relocated to the First Street side of the building from the Meridian Street side.
Everley said his crews have stripped the interior down to the studs, with plans to renovate the space using period-consistent decor. Plaster was removed to reveal original brick walls, and the ceiling will be replaced with pressed tin.
He’s also preserving historical elements found inside the building, such as the second-ever boat registered in Yamhill County, formerly owned by the building’s original proprietor, which will be stored vertically and repurposed as decorative shelving. Copies of the building’s original deed will also be displayed on the restaurant side.
“I really wanted to restore this historic building to its former glory,” Everley said. “This building deserves to live on and be recognized for its significance in town, while also highlighting two local business owners.”
Everley said he knew he wanted a bar or restaurant on the main floor but didn’t want to operate it himself. He began reaching out to local breweries and distilleries to gauge interest, eventually connecting with DeBenedetti.
Wolves & People was entering a difficult stretch. The outdoor-only brewery was recovering from a slow winter and a full system failure that required replacing its entire brewing setup. Compounding that, the county had announced plans to close Benjamin Road—the only access point to the brewery from Oregon Highway 99W. The road officially closed in June, and DeBenedetti said brewery traffic has dropped significantly.
“The road closure has had an impact for sure,” he said. “Most of the locals know that you can drive past the ‘road closed’ sign, but tourists have said they assumed we were closed and went elsewhere.”
DeBenedetti said the downtown location will not only offer greater accessibility but will also allow him to merge his two passions: beer and music. The new space will include a full bar with Wolves & People beers and a 16-foot raised stage for live performances. Known for the brewery’s weekly bluegrass jam nights and as co-organizer of the Newgrass Festival, DeBenedetti said bluegrass will be a major feature, but the stage will be open to all genres.
“If you’re allergic to banjos, it’s okay,” he said. “It’s not only bluegrass. We’re inspired by some classic places around Nashville that really focus on highlighting local talent. I know we have local talent here, and I want them to have center stage.”
To help fund the new space, DeBenedetti launched a GoFundMe campaign, which raised $8,750 in four days—more than half of the $16,000 goal.
“It’s incredible how people are showing up to help out,” he said. “After all of the challenges we’ve experienced lately, we need all the help we can get.”
The farmhouse brewery on Benjamin Road will remain open, though likely only during the tourism season from March to October. Brewing and packaging operations will continue at the farm.
Everley said he hopes to open the building and businesses—including an undisclosed restaurant concept on the other side of the building—by November, though that timeline depends on the city’s permitting process.
Disclosure: Newsberg founding editor Branden Andersen worked for Wolves & People Farmhouse Brewery in 2022.
