Pelican Brewing Company is set to open its sixth Oregon coast location in the charming town of Yachats. The beloved brewery has purchased the site of the former Whale’s Tail Diner, a building with a long history in the community, previously known as LeRoy’s Blue Whale. This expansion marks a significant step for Pelican Brewing, reinforcing its dedication to growing within Oregon’s coastal communities. The new Yachats pub is anticipated to open in the latter half of 2026, aligning with the brewery’s 30th anniversary.
The acquisition of the Yachats location signifies Pelican’s ongoing success and strategic growth along the Oregon coast. The brewery, founded in Pacific City in 1996, now boasts a strong network of establishments, including existing locations in Pacific City, Cannon Beach, Siletz Bay, Tillamook, and Rockaway Beach.
A New Chapter for Yachats
The chosen site in Yachats, located at 580 Highway 101 N, has a rich past, having operated as LeRoy’s Blue Whale for 45 years before becoming The Whale’s Tail diner. Pelican Brewing plans to transform this historic space into a new restaurant and taproom, infusing it with their signature coastal-modern aesthetic. While the Yachats location will not feature brewing operations, it will offer Pelican’s full range of award-winning beers, along with their non-alcoholic Sparkle Hops and craft sodas.
Pelican Brewing co-founder Jeff Schons expressed a personal connection to Yachats, as his mother lived there for approximately 15 years, making LeRoy’s a frequent lunch spot for his family. “I think mom would be really pleased to know that we will be the new owners and that we’ll be remembering her and those great times in that special place,” Schons stated.
Expansion and Community Integration
The expansion into Yachats is part of Pelican Brewing’s broader strategy to invest in and support vibrant coastal communities. “We are delighted to expand our footprint and bring the Pelican experience to more of our coastal neighbors,” said Mary Jones, Pelican president and co-founder. “We look forward to sharing our next chapter with the community in Yachats.”
Pelican Brewing is recognized as one of Oregon’s most decorated independent craft breweries, consistently earning accolades at prestigious competitions like the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival.
The Yachats location is expected to have a curated menu, potentially paired down from the larger “flagship” locations due to space constraints. Schons noted that the menu will be “a little less complicated frankly,” but will still offer a “real nice way to become a part of these smaller communities and still run a real nice viable little business.”
The restaurant is slated to operate seven days a week, with hours expected to be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the winter and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the summer.
The arrival of Pelican Brewing in Yachats is seen by some as a positive development, bringing new energy to the town’s dining scene and complementing existing businesses like WildCraft Cider & Pantry. However, concerns have been raised by some residents about the potential impact of a larger regional brand on smaller, independent establishments that contribute to Yachats’ unique character.
The brewery aims to maintain its “Born at the Beach” philosophy, emphasizing coastal hospitality and a connection to the local environment.
FAQ: People Also Ask
When is Pelican Brewing expected to open its Yachats location?
Pelican Brewing plans to open its sixth Oregon coast location in Yachats in the second half of 2026.
What was the previous establishment at the new Pelican Brewing Yachats site?
The new Pelican Brewing location in Yachats is taking over the space formerly occupied by The Whale’s Tail Diner, which was previously known as LeRoy’s Blue Whale for 45 years.
Will the Yachats location have its own brewing facilities?
No, the Yachats location will not include brewing operations. It will function as a restaurant and taproom serving Pelican’s award-winning beers and other beverages.
