The Story Behind the Friendship: Chris Simms on Beer + the Melvin Connection
This chapter of our craft House Beer story is told through the eyes of Lazy Dog Founder Chris Simms, whose decades-long friendship with Gavin Fine — owner of Melvin Brewing — helped bring our House Beer program to life.
In earlier chapters of this story,* we shared how a mutual love for the outdoors, a good cold beer and the spirit of the mountains brought Lazy Dog and Melvin Brewing together. Based in Alpine, Wyoming, Melvin is the source of our House Beers — crafted with pure mountain water, a passion for bold yet balanced flavors, and the kind of soul that can only come from a tight-knit community.
Simms’ relationship with Melvin is about shared purpose and creating something that feels real and rooted. The beers we brew together reflect our teams, our values, and our belief that great beer can create moments worth savoring.
In this Q&A, Chris takes us back to where it all started — and shares what makes this relationship so meaningful.
Q: Let’s start at the beginning. How did you and Gavin meet?
A: We met tossing pizzas at Snake River Grill during the summer of 1995. I was a sophomore at Cornell University, and he was a junior. We worked at the same station, found out we went to the same school, and just clicked. That summer in Jackson Hole set the stage for everything that came next.
Q: What made you think this friendship might someday turn into a working relationship?
A: Honestly, it was respect. We both loved hospitality, took our work seriously, and kept in touch even after college. Gavin opened Rendezvous Bistro in Jackson Hole; I started Lazy Dog. We grew our businesses and bounced ideas off each other all the time.
Q: What first drew you to Melvin Brewing?
A: The beer, hands down. Just great quality. And beyond that, the memories tied to it. Melvin has this presence in Jackson Hole and drinking their beer always takes me back to the mountains.
Q: What values do you and Gavin share that made this feel like a natural fit?
A: We both care deeply about people — how they’re treated and how they feel. There’s also a huge emphasis on creativity and keeping things unpretentious. We want our beer to bring people together and take them somewhere, emotionally. Like the mountains.
Q: What do you hope guests feel or experience when they drink a Lazy Dog house craft beer brewed by Melvin?
A: When I drink our House Beers, I think of Jackson Hole, being outside, and that sense of freedom and escape. That’s what we try to give our guests—a moment that takes them somewhere meaningful, even if just for a sip.
Q: Any favorite memories of working with Melvin on our House Beers?
A: Visiting the brewery recently and seeing the new canning line up and running was a really cool moment. It felt like a full-circle experience — a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how the beers we created together are now part of something even bigger.
Q: Out of the House Beer lineup, were there any beers that surprised you?
A: Whoa, Nellie for sure. I wasn’t really a fan of Mexican-style lagers until I tasted that one.
Q: What makes a beer stand out to you?
A: Backbone. Structure. A beer that doesn’t just fade, but has layers and dimension. Something that stays with you, like a good meal or a great story.
Q: Looking ahead, what excites you about the Lazy Dog + Melvin journey?
A: Innovation. We’re already working on new ideas, and our teams are so aligned on culture and creativity. The best part is putting that energy directly into the hands of our beer-loving guests.
Q: Last few quick ones…
• First beer shared with Gavin? Probably a New Belgium Fat Tire during one of our shifts at Snake River Grill.
• Beer rec for a first-timer? Huckleberry Haze® IPA — it’s a must.
• Go-to pairing? Lazy Dog’s Cuban Sandwich + Liquid Blanket IPA. Rich and satisfying.
• Best activity with a beer? Floating down a creek. Nothing beats it.
• Lager or IPA? IPA. Always.
This story has always been about more than beer. It’s about friendship, trust and a shared love for the outdoors. And now, every Lazy Dog guest gets to experience a bit of that connection in every glass.
*Missed the first two stories in the Melvin series? Start here: The Story Behind Our Beer: Introducing Melvin Brewing
