USA, IL: Homewood couple close to launching Rabid Brewing

Homewood residents Tobias Cichon and his wife, Raiye Rosado, started developing plans to open their own craft beer brewery back in 2011, Chicago Tribune reported on March 24.

Five years later, they are sorting out paperwork, ordering equipment, and working to complete the last stages of making their dream a reality.

Called Rabid Brewing, the brewery will seek to produce a unique selection of craft beer and a flavorful experience for the community.

"We are hoping to have everything in place by the beginning of summer," said Cichon, as he stood in the middle of the brewery's future home at 17759 Bretz Dr., in Homewood, at the far end of the business park behind Menards.

On March 22, the Village of Homewood Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve a special use permit allowing Cichon to operate the craft brewery. The board approval follows a recommendation from Homewood's plan commission.

Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld spoke on the enthusiasm that the village had for the new business.

"It's the latest in what people are looking for – taprooms and breweries," Hofeld said. "[Cichon and Rosado] are fulfilling their dream, essentially, and we're excited for them."

The place might not seem like much at this stage. Near the entrance, there is part of a wooden bar. A metal fermenter and other equipment is organized against one wall.

However, Cichon and Rosado have big plans for the space.

"We'll be offering taproom tasting and consumption," Rosado said. "And we'll be self-distributing to a number of local bars, restaurants, and grocery stores."

There also are intentions to have craft sodas for those looking for a non-alcoholic beverage.

The future brewery will focus around unconventional and unique flavor with one slogan reading: "Like our name, our beers will flirt with madness and power."

Cichon describes himself as a former "Miller Lite" guy, who was turned on to the world of craft beer by Rosado. As he put it, once he tried craft beer, he was hooked. It was only a matter of time before he started to make his own, and only a short time after that before he and his wife started talking about opening a brewery.

Cichon and Rosado started the business plan for Rabid Brewing in 2013, when Cichon ended his career as a government software developer and marketer following the buyout of the company where he worked.

To help bring the dream to life, the couple also has partnered with Ben Rodenburg, who has worked to find deals on professional equipment and to adapt it to the brewery's needs.

Cichon stated that there are plans for adding more members to the team, hiring staff as Rabid Brewing grows.

Growth is a major focus for the business as the Cichon and Rosado look into the future.

"There are pretty aggressive plans for expansion both in production and in facility over the next three years," Rosado said.

According to Cichon, another key element in the development of the brewery has been community – from local residents, online supporters, and village officials alike.

Even though Rabid Brewing has not yet opened its doors, Cichon stated that the new business is receiving a significant amount of support from local residents.

"The appreciation for craft beer is really becoming widespread," Cichon said. "And as a result, you have a lot of people in this community who are looking for something like this, who are looking for something in their hometown to be proud of."

He went on to state that he is contacted by residents offering assistance on nearly a weekly basis. The wooden bar standing near the entrance is an example of that – three residents helped Cichon and Rosado salvage it from the vacant Tavern in Woods nearby and move it to the future brewery.

The couple also spoke on plans for fostering that hometown spirit when the business opens.

One idea is to start a flavorful variation on the "mug club" – a popular feature at breweries, bars and restaurants, where patrons are awarded a special mug for trying different beverage varieties.

"Instead of using mugs for the mug club, we are going to use hand-crafted drinking horns," Rosado said. "They're real horns that have been polished and hollowed-out."

Participants would be able to drink out of the horn and to wear it around the neck – just like the Vikings, Rosado described.

The community support extends into the digital world, with the Rabid Brewing Facebook page reaching over 600 likes. Cichon and Rosado are documenting their journey towards opening day on social media, posting pictures and status updates.

Still, another part of the community support has come from Homewood officials, as well.

"[The Village of] Homewood has been phenomenal," Rosado said. "They have really been guides, mentors, and partners the whole way through."

25 March, 2016