Cheers. River City Brewing Company co-owners Beth Ayres-Biro and Steve Cuneo (center) toast ten years at the Milagro Centre with staff and Carmichael Chamber of Commerce members.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - First establishing their business in Sacramento’s K Street Mall, River City Brewing Company owners Steve Cuneo and Beth Ayres-Biro took a leap of faith and relocated to Carmichael in 2016. 

Dwindling downtown trade and an unrenewable lease obliged the move. “We investigated other locations,” recalled Ayres-Biro. “We didn’t consider Carmichael until we saw what (Milagro Centre owner) Allan Davis was about to bring to the area.”

A shiny new hub for dining and entertainment, Davis’ Milagro Centre opened in 2015. River City Brewery served customers soon after. 

“Carmichael welcomed us with open arms,” said Ayres-Biro. “We’ve since had good times and lean times. The pandemic was tough. But the community wanted us to survive. Coming here was the best thing that could have happened for us.”

Twenty-year business partners, Ayres-Biro and Cuneo are both Carmichael residents; Cuneo strolls 200 yards to work every day. Ayres Biro is a proud Little League mom whose son attends Deterding Elementary. 

Celebrations mark a decade in Carmichael for River City Brewing Company owners Beth Ayres-Biro (center) and Steve Cuneo. Carmichael Honorary Mayor Mike Rockenstein (left) represents the Chamber of Commerce. He is joined by Natalya Sachuk (rep. Assemblyman Josh Hoover), Kendra Johnson (rep. Supervisor Rich Desmond), Mika Klinnsmann (rep. Senator Roger Niello) and Josh Gumacal (rep. Congressman Ami Bera).

“Our restaurant is part of the neighborhood, and our customers seem like friends,” Ayres-Biro reflected. “We see some of them several times a week. We definitely feel we have the support of the community; as we've supported it in return.”

River City Brewery gives back with sponsorships for schools, churches, sports clubs and non-profit events. The business provides 30 jobs and is consistently voted Best of Carmichael in pub, bar and restaurant categories. The menu offers award-winning beers and American cuisine.

The June 23 anniversary celebration was an occasion for legislative commendations and a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting. “It was great to see everyone here," said Ayres-Biro. “It’s touch and go in this business. You definitely have to love what you're doing and love the community you serve.  For us, that’s Carmichael.”

River City Brewing Company is located in the Milagro Centre, 6241 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael.