Growler refill business opens in Washougal

A woman who quit college to pursue an interest in business has opened her third company.

Jeannine Mills was majoring in psychology at Mount Hood Community College in 2009 when she dropped out to start her own business.

“I felt my skill set would be far better suited in a business environment than in a traditional working environment,” she said.

Mills owned a wedding and event planning company in Portland from 2009 to 2014.

Then she started SMASHED! Boozy Jams & Jellies, which produces spreads with whole fruit and fruit juice, as well as wine, beer or spirits.

The jams and jellies are available to purchase at New Seasons Market, Made in Oregon and Elephants Delicatessen. Mills hopes to sell them at her newest business, Washougal Fill Station, in the future.

Customers can bring their own growlers or purchase on site, to have filled. There are hard ciders, seasonal options and beers from area breweries including Mill City Brew Werks, of Camas; and 54-40 Brewing Co., Amnesia Brewing and Doomsday Brewing Co., of Washougal.

Mills, 31, describes herself as a beer drinker who is “quite well versed” about beer and food pairings.

Keg sales, with deposit, are available.

Customers can order tasting trays of five different beers, to determine their favorites.

Mills said the atmosphere at Washougal Fill Station is kid friendly, with kraft paper to draw on and toys to keep youngsters occupied while their parents taste beer and have growlers filled.

Donations of non-perishable food, for East County Resource Center and the Inter-Faith Treasure House, are accepted at Washougal Fill Station. Each customer who donates three food items will receive $1 off a growler fill.

Mills moved from Portland to Washougal during the summer of 2016, and opened Washougal Fill Station in December.

Washougal Fill Station, 225 22nd St., is open Monday through Friday, from 3 to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 8 p.m. For more information, call 210-7227, email washougalfillstation@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/washougalfillstation.opes to open a community commercial kitchen in the same building. Food entrepreneurs looking for kitchen space can contact Mills at jeannine@smashedboozyjams.com.