Brothers Christopher Gass and Jason Gass came up with the idea of YaYa Brewing Co. over beer. 

Now, the brothers expect to open the Spokane Valley brewery later this year.

They had their sights set on an industrial and business-friendly setting for the brewery before they found the space at 11712 E. Montgomery Drive in the Spokane Valley, which they are leasing from landlord KE Holdings LLC, of Spokane, with Kiemle & Hagood as the property management team.

Construction on tenant improvements began last month, and the brothers say they hope for an early spring or summer opening. The building has ample parking for customers and will have easy access as it sits off of Interstate 90, Christopher says.

Walker Construction Inc., of Spokane, is renovating the 3,500-square-foot space, with 900 square feet devoted to the tasting room. The tenant-improvement project involves adding drains and pipes for the production and tasting room. LaBreck Stainless Works LLC, of Hayden, will provide the fermentation and brewhouse equipment.

YaYa Brewing Company will offer at least 10 beers on tap, including lagers, stouts, porters, and IPAs. It also will offer locally brewed cider. The idea is for customers to have a beer-centric experience, so there won’t be an extensive food menu, beyond popcorn or chips. The brothers want to build their staff up to three to five employees within the next few years.

Christopher, who has been making beer at home for years, says he likes the experimentation and science behind it. He says he’s been hooked on the brewing process since his brother-in-law introduced him to it in 2010.

“It’s a great relationship between us, because where Chris likes to make the beer, I prefer to drink the beer,” Jason says.

The brothers named the brewery for their sister Lara, nicknamed Yaya, who passed away on March 18, 2014, right before she was to finish law school. Christopher and Jason want YaYa Brewing Company to reflect their sister’s connection to community. They aim to have a charitable presence in the community with 1 percent of proceeds from Angel IPA—a beer concocted in their sister’s honor—tasting room purchases donated to local charities.