Bubbles and beer: Portland craft brewery will serve outside this winter in mini-tents
“Rising Tide Brewing Co. in Portland, owned by husband-and-wife team Heather and Nathan Sanborn, plans to serve customers outside all winter on the craft brewery’s patio with the aid of propane fire pits, tower heaters and heated “bubble tents” over eight picnic tables. Once the tents are up in early December, staff will serve from outside the bubbles and deliver drinks and food to serving barrels at the entrance of each tent, in order to maintain social distancing and reduce the risk of transmitting COVID0-19. The tents will be fully aired out and sanitized after each use. Rising Tide, which employs 29 people, hopes to keep outdoor service open during what is normally the off-season — including snowy months, but probably not during driving rain, wind, ice, or what Heather Sanborn calls “the worst part of winter.” Mainebiz caught up with the 2015 Mainebiz Woman to Watch honoree to learn more about the innovation.”