Grace Hutchens: Brewing Morgantown’s Future through Community and Craft
Morgantown’s downtown district thrives with energy, and at the heart of its vibrancy is Grace Hutchens, a dedicated entrepreneur running three standout businesses: Apothecary Ale House, Zeke’s Breakfast & Bakes, and Blue Moose Coffeehouse. A Morgantown native, Grace’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the community have made her a local force for innovation and growth.
The Craft Beer Beginning: Apothecary Ale House
Grace’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2012 with the creation of Apothecary Ale House, a craft beer haven she started alongside her mother. Located initially on Chestnut Street, the Ale House quickly became known for its curated selection of craft beers from West Virginia, across the U.S., and Europe. “We really cultivated a culture for craft beer in Morgantown,” Grace shared.
As the business grew, Apothecary moved to a larger corner space on Spruce and Pleasant Street in 2022, offering an expanded outdoor area and the perfect environment for beer lovers. “We love it,” Grace added. “It’s exactly what we always wanted it to be—a place where people come together to enjoy beer, friends, and community.” Today, Apothecary continues to serve as a gathering place, providing locals and visitors alike with a truly unique craft beer experience. To learn more about the Apothecary Ale House and explore their extensive craft beer offerings, visit Apothecary Ale House’s website.
From Beer to Breakfast: Zeke’s Breakfast & Bakes
Not content to rest on the success of Apothecary, Grace ventured into the food industry with the launch of Zeke’s Breakfast & Bakes in 2020. Located on High Street, Zeke’s quickly became a beloved spot for breakfast and baked goods, serving house-made breads and scratch-made dishes.
Though opening a new restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges, Grace embraced the opportunity to ease into the process. “We signed the lease in February 2020, right before the world shut down,” she recalled. “But in a way, it helped us take our time and make sure everything was right.” Since its opening, Zeke’s has earned a strong following, offering fresh, homemade breakfast dishes that have become a favorite in the downtown area. For a delicious homemade breakfast and baked goods, check out Zeke’s Breakfast & Bakes here.
Blue Moose Coffeehouse: Returning to an Old Favorite
Grace’s ties to the community run deep, and nowhere is that more evident than with Blue Moose Coffeehouse, a Morgantown institution that celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. In 2022, Grace and her mother seized the opportunity to purchase the coffeehouse, bringing her entrepreneurial journey full circle. “I actually worked at Blue Moose when I was 21,” Grace shared. “It’s a place that means a lot to me, and I’m so happy to continue its legacy.”
Now, Blue Moose Coffeehouse serves as a cozy hub for coffee lovers, students, and locals, offering the same warmth and familiarity that has defined the business for decades. It’s another testament to Grace’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the fabric of downtown Morgantown. To stay up to date on the latest from Blue Moose Coffeehouse, follow them on Facebook.
Hops on the Mon: A Celebration of Craft Beer and Community
Grace’s love for craft beer and community spirit shines through in her leadership of Hops on the Mon, an annual beer festival held on Morgantown’s High Street. The one-day event showcases the best of local, national, and European beers, along with live music, local restaurants, and vendors.
“Hops on the Mon is all about bringing the community together,” Grace said. “It’s a beer sampling event with friends, family, and local talent. We’re showcasing the best of what our area has to offer, and it’s a really fun time.”
Set against the backdrop of downtown’s beautiful historic buildings, Hops on the Mon has quickly become a favorite for beer lovers and festival-goers alike. The 2024 edition promises to be bigger than ever, continuing to highlight Morgantown’s craft beer culture in a celebration of all things local. Learn more about this year’s event here.
Creating More Than Businesses—Building Community
For Grace, owning businesses in her hometown is more than just a job; it’s a passion for creating places that foster community. “Being connected to downtown Morgantown is special,” she reflected. “It’s its own little incubator of people who know and support each other. It’s challenging at times, but it’s also the heart of the city.”
Through her hard work and dedication, Grace Hutchens continues to shape Morgantown’s downtown landscape, building more than just businesses—she’s cultivating spaces where locals and visitors alike can come together, connect, and celebrate the best the city has to offer.