The Brewery
Payette Brewing Company was established 2010 in Boise, Idaho by brewer Mike Francis. The brewery runs a 15 barrel brewing system and offers three year round beers, Payette Pale Ale, Outlaw IPA and Mutton Buster Brown. The beers are currently available on draft throughout the Treasure Valley.
The name "Payette" can be found on landmarks and geographical features throughout Idaho. While the name originated from the French fur trader once stationed at Fort Boise named Francois Payette, in Idaho, it has become synonymous with world class whitewater, a mountain lake, a town and a National Forest. When you hear Payette, it probably takes your mind to someplace great in Idaho, that is the place the brewery is named after. Next time you are at that place, be sure and have a Payette Brewing beer.
The Outlaws
Mike Francis - Founder
Mike founded Payette Brewing Company after finding the corporate life wasn't his place. After earning a degree in Industrial Engineering at the University of Washington he went on to start a career at the Boeing Company in Seattle. 2.5 years into that he detoured to Chicago to attend the Siebel Institute of Technology and get his Associates in Brewing Technology. That took him back to Seattle where he got on at Schooner Exact Brewing Company to get practical experience in brewing. After gathering brewing experience, Mike moved back home to Boise with the goal of bringing more great beer to the Treasure Valley.
Jacob Black - Mike’s Minion of Sales
Jacob found his way on board with Payette Brewing about 2 years ago when an old friend from high school (Mike) wanted to learn more about Boise’s beer and bar scene. Jacob being skilled in the ways of Boise’s Beer geeks and bars gladly sat down and discussed the likes and dislikes of the market. With a degree in hospitality and restaurant management and having worked in the Boise restaurant and bar industry for many years Mike decided to add Jacob on as his 1st minion.
Sheila Francis - Mike's Minion of Organization
Sheila joined the Payette Brewing team Fall of 2011. After a few colleges and plenty of experiences, she graduated Boise State University with a degree in Accounting. An avid Americana and Texas country music fan, Sheila left the great state of Idaho to pursue filming music in Austin, TX for a small production company. Continuing her habit of following her dreams, she picked up her life once again and moved to Chicago when the opportunity for an event coordinator presented itself. As any true Idahoan knows, the mountains and lifestyle of Boise are just too awesome so when Mike asked Sheila to work for him, she eagerly accepted the offer to return as the Director of Marketing and Events. And yes, they are related. Sheila is Mike’s sister.
JT Hixon - Assistant Brewer
Ian Fuller - Brewer
Cassidy Kay - Sales
Sophie - Brew Dog
Sophie is Mike's Golden-doodle that spends her days sleeping at the brewery and barking at squirrels out front. Don't let the name and breed fool you, the mohawk sporting Sophie is 100% outlaw.
Tullie - Brew Dog II