PICKENS — Pickens Revitalization Association is excited to announce the winner for the Main Street Challenge as

Morris on Main

Appalachian Ale House and Morris on Main.  The Main Street Challenge is an entrepreneurial start up competition for the purpose of generating additional retail occupancy in downtown Pickens.

“We are very excited to have the Appalachian Ale House and Morris on Main open in downtown and look forward to the positive impact they will have here in Pickens,” said Allison Fowler, Executive Director of Pickens Revitalization Association.  “It was a very difficult decision for the selection committee, as the other finalist, Enrapt, LLC presented such a passionate and innovative approach to the arts in Pickens.  PRA plans to continue working alongside Enrapt to help them be successful here in Pickens as well.”

Appalachian Ale House/Morris on Main will receive $10,000 in incentives for start-up expenses, taking the form of a potentially forgivable loan.  The businesses will open in the old Morris building at 205 E. Main Street in Pickens by fall 2015.  The Appalachian Ale House and Morris on Main are two separate business models housed in the same building and under the same ownership.

“It is such an honor and a blessing that the judges of the Main Street Challenge have chosen the Appalachian Ale House and Morris on Main,” said Lauren Willis, co-owner of Appalachian Ale House/Morris on Main. “We are thrilled that they share our vision of a vibrant downtown Pickens and we can›t wait to be a part of the community. For more information on what we have planned check out our websites at www.AppalachianAleHouse.com and www.MorrisOnMain.com and follow us on social media!”

The Appalachian Ale House will specialize in local beer on tap, bottled beer, tasting flights and growlers.  The idea for the Appalachian Ale House is to offer the consumer an opportunity to taste, learn and experience craft beer in a laid back, yet sophisticated atmosphere.

The Morris on Main Business Center will offer an economical office space environment for small business owners, companies in need of virtual office and for area businesses looking to expand into the Pickens area.  The shared working environment is a concept that allows business owners to reduce overhead while creating a cohesive working environment with like-minded professionals.

Business concepts eligible for the competition included: new start-up businesses, franchises, an expansion or relocation of an existing location from another community, and a significant expansion of an existing local business that would branch into an additional business concept. The Main Street Challenge is made possible by grants from Wells Fargo, Duke Energy, Elevate Upstate and an anonymous donor.

Pickens Revitalization Association would like to thank all the businesses that applied to the 2015 Main Street Challenge and encourage them to re-apply in 2016.