The former Issaquah Staples building, which has been sitting empty since the office supply chain’s departure in early January, may soon be home to the Bellevue Brewing Company’s second location.

The Bellevue Brewing Company announced in a Jan. 27 press release that it is “exploring the feasibility of a second, much larger location” at the former Staples building, located at 628 Front St. N. in Issaquah.

“It helps us to achieve our production goals that we have related to our expansion goals throughout the West Coast and Asia,” managing member John Robertson told the Reporter. “The Staples building is the only single-tenant building in Issaquah that fits our needs.”

Robertson, who grew up on the Eastside, said he has very fond memories of spending time in a much smaller Issaquah from his youth, and that he looks forward to the prospect of doing business in the city now that it is growing so quickly.

“Issaquah is really growing up, we like the direction it’s heading in,” Robertson said. “It’s an under-served market and we’re excited to be there.”

Robertson said while there are wonderful beer options in Issaquah, there are simply not that many, leading people to travel to Bellevue, Renton, Seattle, Kirkland and even further for an evening out with the family.

“There are some great establishments in Issaquah, but at the end of the day there aren’t many of them … people are looking for options much closer to home,” he said. “There’s no reason to jump in your car and drive 20 miles for great beer.”

At the new location, the company hopes to have family-friendly seating for up to 700 guests, private accommodations for groups of up to 250, live music, a rooftop deck with a mountain view and more.

“I am thrilled to welcome Bellevue Brewing Company to our community … This major investment demonstrates that our community is a great place to do business, and I look forward to the opening of Bellevue Brewing Company at Issaquah,” Issaquah Mayor Fred Butler said in the press release.

The press release stated that after “the feasibility phase is completed and the city of Issaquah has approved the building permits, more information and architectural renderings will be released.” The potential Bellevue Brewing Company at Issaquah hopes to open by Feb. 1, 2018.

The Bellevue Brewing Company was established in 2012 and is located at 1820 130th Ave. NE in Bellevue. The company currently distributes beer throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho, as well as in Japan and Korea.