Building What He Loves - WV Living Magazine

Jason Beter’s passions have turned downtown Barboursville into a place that feels like home.

^{Music, food, beer, art, sports, culture—those things have always gone together for Beter. While some may see them as separate industries, he sees them as different forms of community. Oscar’s Breakfats, burgers & Brews Photo Courtesy of Jason Betner}

From unique fossils and rocks to vintage pieces and antiques, I’ve always been into music, food, beer, and places that are local and independent. I never wanted to build something corporate or cookie cutter—I wanted places people connected with. Oscar’s Breakfast, Burgers & Brews opened in 2017 in a tiny space, but we outgrew it quickly and expanded into the larger location in 2019. From day one, we tried to support local breweries, local artists, local musicians, and other small businesses whenever we could. 1861 Public came came from wanting a true neighborhood bar. Pizza, wings, beer, great cocktails—simple stuff done right. Köerber Beer Company was always in the plans, but as part of Oscar’s. Later on, when my youngest son, Noah, showed an interest in brewing, we created Köerber. Orbit’s Record Shop and Outer Orbit Records came from my lifelong love of music and vinyl. Orbit’s was supposed to be my personal little clubhouse, but it took on a life of its own. I’ve always loved underground music culture and supporting independent artists, and that is how our label, Outer Orbit Records, came to be.

WHY BARBOURSVILLE?

Barboursville is home. It has a smaller-town feel while still being connected to a larger regional population. You have families, students, professionals, travelers, longtime locals, and younger people all mixing together. What I love most is that people here still care about local identity. There’s pride here. People want places they can call their own.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

I think people underestimate how important gathering places are. Restaurants, breweries, record stores, coffee shops, bars—those are places where people celebrate birthdays, reconnect with friends, meet new people, hear music, watch games, and create memories. If local businesses disappear, communities lose a lot more than storefronts. They lose culture and identity.

A TEAM EFFORT

barboursville is home — ^{PHOTOGRAPHED BY HAYLEY RICHARD}

None of this works without great people, and I’m lucky to have amazing people surrounding me. All of this started with family—my wife, Krista, son Lukas, sister Sarah, mom, Kathy, and father-in-law, Ken. They all put up with my insane ideas. I may help shape the vision, but the day-to-day success comes from managers, servers, bartenders, cooks, brewers, dishwashers, cashiers, and everyone else who shows up every day and cares.

SHOP LOCAL

People say they love local businesses, but surviving as an independent business today is incredibly difficult. Costs continue rising, competition is intense, and small businesses are constantly adapting. When people support local places, they’re supporting jobs, families, community events, local culture, and the overall identity of their town.

“I’ve always believed community is what makes us. Local businesses give towns identity. Without them, every town eventually feels the same. I’ve always tried to support other local businesses, too, because we all play a role in making the area stronger.”