As Storm King Distilling Company nears completion of its historic preservation project inside the Montrose Potato Growers building, a vendor for the space is already moving things in.

The building, which Storm King Distilling is calling “The Association” is a two-floor open space concept, the bottom floor of which is event space for large gatherings.

The top floor will include Storm King Distilling’s tasting room and merchandise store, but also included are three food vendors.

Two of those vendor spaces are owned by Olathe entrepreneur and volunteer firefighter Austin Oeltjenbruns.

Austin Oeltjenbruns, owner of Meat and Gather and Jitter Sweet, with his wife Kodi and four kids: (back, from left)) Kimber, Asher, (front, from left) Kyler and Archer.

One, called Meat and Gather, is a business that specializes in cold meats, cheeses, sandwiches and charcuterie. His other space, which is connected behind one counter, is called Jitter Sweet. That business will serve espresso drinks and gelato.

“I’ve always been a foodie, and enjoy good food. There is a lack of good food options in Montrose,” he said.

Earlier this year David Fishering, owner of Storm King Distilling, was looking for vendors.

Oeltjenbruns, who is 33 and originally from the Glenwood Springs area, stopped in. Fishering pitched what he was looking for, and they agreed they could make something happen.

“I always kind of dreamed of opening a restaurant, but I never wanted to be tied down to a full-blown restaurant.” Oeltjenbruns said. “This kind of accomplishes that with a food vendor spot.”

He said his brother, Cole Thomas, who has more food experience, has helped him prepare and launch the space.

Because of the historic preservation aspect of the project, Fishering couldn’t install kitchen components, like ovens or vents in the space.

So, Fishering sought cold-food vendors.

One of those vendors, Sushi on the Roll he had long envisioned because of a longstanding working relationship. That truck regularly parks its food truck at the distillery.

The owner of that food truck will have a vending space inside The Association.

But Oeltjenbruns’ vending space also fits in nicely to the overall theme.

Oeltjenbruns plans to source his products from all over. He plans to include some local products, like meats from Kinikin Processing and cheeses from Rocking W in Olathe.

He also plans to import some meat products from a vendor in Basalt.

The gelato will be imported. He plans on selecting flavors and brands today. Oeltjenbruns said serving espresso and gelato will also allow him to serve affogato, which is essentially espresso poured over gelato.

The Association

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the space on the inside of the building was filled with furniture and boxed decorations.  The bar was complete, and light fixtures currently hang from the ceiling.

Fishering was still waiting for some components of the keg system to be delivered.

In the new space, Storm King Distilling will be able to serve beer and other liquors — not just their own products.

Fishering said they plan to host tours and tastings as soon as they’re open. He plans to be open at the end of October.

Justin Tubbs is the Montrose Business Times editor. He can be reached by email at justin@montrosebusinesstimes.com or by phone at 970-765-0915 or mobile at 254-246-2260.