December 31, 2025 3:05 a.m. 

In the KQEN Business Spotlight:

Backside Brewing Co. has announced a change of ownership effective January 1st.

The popular micro-brewery was created by KC McKillip back in the 2000s and officially became a location on Northeast Odell Avenue in Roseburg in 2012. Food and liquor were added to their menu throughout the years, which the owners believe positioned Backside as one of the most popular and frequented restaurants in the county. In 2020, KC and Savannah McKillip were offered the opportunity to create a second location in Sutherlin and the Outpost opened shortly thereafter in 2021. Between the two locations, brewers and distribution, the company currently has twenty-seven employees.

The new owners are Karly and Dawson Batch. Karly Batch has worked at Backside for over seven years and has been in management for five of those years. Batch told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that her main mission is to honor the existing legacy of Backside, but she is committed to improving the efficiency of both locations, and creating an environment that new and repeat customers alike will enjoy coming back to. Batch said while some menu revamps, new events and new merchandise are on the way, Backside will stick strong to its roots.

Outgoing owner KC McKillip told KQEN that his future plans are to spend more time with family and friends, on personal projects, riding dirtbikes and hunting more. Looking back at the evolution of Backside, McKillip said, “it’s one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life, but it’s very rewarding to see it passed on and still thriving”. McKillip said, “It’s a lot like raising a child and then releasing them into the wild. It’s a crazy ride, and if you make it out on the other side alive, it’s a success”.

Along with the two locations, Backside beer is distributed in Klamath Falls, the Rogue Valley and as far north as Albany.