A Fort Worth mom-and-pop cider shop has moved to a glorious new space: Atheneum Cider has relocated to new headquarters in Saginaw, at 1029 N. Saginaw Blvd. #F3, where they celebrated their grand opening on July 7.

Founders Brennan and Lizzy Couey relocated because their previous space at 12509 N. Saginaw Blvd. was too small to keep up with their needs. Their new space has more room for production and more customer seating.

Saginaw was always their preference, but when they launched, the city of Saginaw did not yet have zoning in place for a winery or brewery. The city finally enacted an ordinance in 2021.

Brennan actually attended all the city council meetings to push the zoning through. Atheneum is the first cider shop, brewery, or winery in Saginaw due to his efforts.

The couple founded Atheneum Cider as a passion project when they began brewing ciders at home. As they made more cider than they could drink, it grew into a full-time small business. They opened in September of 2021, with a goal to bring a unique product that’s a little different from everybody else.

They usually have 6-8 ciders on tap at a time, including four staples:

• You’re Welcome (Pineapple Orange)
• Philosopher’s Stone (Cranberry Raspberry)
• Pink Elephants (Raspberry Lemonade)
• The Hook (Ginger Lime)

... as well as a rotating menu they call "Experiments."

Traditional cider is made from apples or pears, fermented with an ale or champagne yeast, and bottled.

“We want people to know that we aren't an overly sweet cidery," Lizzy says. "We love experimenting with crazy flavor profiles and believe we have something for everyone to enjoy."

A 13-ounce glass is $5 to $7; growlers and grunts can be purchased, depending on availability. They do not offer food, but customers are welcome to bring their own.

Atheneum is licensed as a winery, which means they can also sell wine, sake, or mead. They currently offer bottled sake and intend to brew mead as well.

In addition to cider, they host community events such as weekly trivia nights and school drives, plus private parties, depending on availability. Hours are Tuesday-Wednesday 4-10 pm and Thursday-Saturday 12-10 pm.