Memorial Day ramping up business for mountain businesses

OAKHURST, Calif. (KFSN) -- On this Memorial Day weekend, it's a busy day on the lake and a busy day in the kitchen at South Gate Brewery as they get ready for a rush of customers.

"It's amazing. We're so excited because we get a lot of visitors this time of year, people really from all over the world," said Lindsey Hawkins, South Gate Brewery Co-Owner.

Lindsey and her husband Casey are owners of South Gate Brewing company in Oakhurst. The brew pub restaurant Opened in 2013.

With water levels up at Bass Lake and visitors flocking to Yosemite for the waterfalls, local businesses like South Gate said they've seen a 20-percent increase in customers.

"When we first opened we opened right in the middle of the drought, so we have yet to experience a summer like this," said Lindsey.

With more customers, South Gate is also growing to keep up. Construction is underway to expand its dining space.

"We're looking to add an additional 42 seats back here, which would double our capacity," said Casey.

Casey said in addition to a bigger dining area, they'll expand the kitchen and focus on brewing their well-known beers.

"It's going great, we can't make enough beer. We've so far had to expand twice now and we're waiting for a new tank to come in. "

The expansion at South Gate is expected to be completed by the end of July, just in time to take advance of the busy summer season.