Imagine this: You've just come off a long hike in the rugged splendor of the Rocky Mountains. The Tetons tower behind you, the Snake River’s steady rhythm echoes through the air, mingling with the whistling birch leaves. As you settle by a crackling fire, someone hands you an ice-cold beer. But it’s not just any beer — this is our Lazy Dog beer, crafted with heart and heritage by our friends at Melvin Brewing in the small town of Alpine, Wyoming.

Like us, Melvin Brewing lives and breathes the mountains. Their team is as passionate as ours, dedicated to capturing the awe-inspiring spirit of the wild in every batch they brew. This isn’t a business deal hashed out in a boardroom; it’s the meeting of two friends, fly-fishing before dusk and clinking cold ones at the end of a good, hard day. Lazy Dog founder Chris Simms and Melvin’s owner Gavin Fine have a bond that goes back years — a brotherhood forged in college and solidified at the Snake River Grill, where they slung pizzas and shared laughs in the Wyoming summers.

As Gavin says, “There’s something special about people who choose the mountains. It’s not an easy life — the weather is harsh, the elements wild. But it creates a respect that binds our community.” This shared respect has kept Chris and Gavin close over the past 25 years. And in 2022, when Gavin took the reins at Melvin, it just so happened Lazy Dog was ready to take our house beer program to new heights. One winter evening, over a pint at a local bar, they toasted to a new chapter born out of friendship, fueled by a love of the outdoors and crafted to embody the soul of mountain life.

When asked, “Why Melvin?” Chris responds, “We wanted to bottle up what inspires us in the mountains — the spirit of the outdoors, the hard work, the camaraderie around the fire — and that’s what Melvin brings to life. They share our Lazy Dog values, and with their creativity and innovation, they’re the perfect fit.”

At Lazy Dog, our craft beers are more than just a drink — they’re an extension of our purpose: to bring people together, to slow down, to savor the moment. We want you to feel like you can escape with us. Find your sanctuary in the comfort of familiar faces, knowing that everything — from the ingredients to the recipes — is handled with care, created from scratch and served with warm, small-town hospitality. Our beers give you a taste of mountain life, wherever you are.

We’re thrilled to share more of the story behind the beer — introducing you to the Melvin crew, and the craftsmanship that shapes each pour. Stay tuned for the next chapter of this adventure.

Follow us @lazydogrestaurants to catch behind-the-scenes video and discover more about our Wyoming roots and the team at Melvin.