E-Malt.com News article: USA, IL: Hickory Creek Brewing to open its new home in New Lenox on January 19

Hickory Creek Brewing owner Gary Meyer is ready to debut the new space for his homegrown business, the Patch reported on January 18.

The microbrewery will open in its new home at 1333 S. Schoolhouse Rd., New Lenox, effective Thursday, Jan. 19.

First started in 2018 in a strip mall on Laraway Road in New Lenox, Meyer had been eyeing a new spot for the "little brewery that could"—his brainchild that first began brewing in a 150-year-old watershed on his New Lenox Township property. Specifically, he had hopes of moving into the very space where it's now landed.

Meyer had been facing a higher rent in the Laraway Road location, and would not have been able to carry on operations there, he previously told Patch.

The 7-barrel brewing system at the previous location enabled them to brew seven barrels per batch, or between 1,000 and 1,500 barrels per year. The microbrewery later expanded beyond just beers, with live music offerings and a chicken food truck stopping by regularly for patrons. They'll carry on those ideas in the new location, Meyer said.

"Well it took a while, but today we received the occupancy permit and our liquor license," brewery representatives wrote on social media Wednesday. "And with that we will be open for business tomorrow!"

Customers should expect brighter colors inside, in addition to a beautiful bartop made of hickory wood, Meyer said.

A couple of things customers should note, staff wrote—pets are not permitted in the new tap room, and the business' phone is not in use until Jan. 27. They can be reached via email at info@hickorycreekbrewingil.com.

Hours will be 3 to.9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 3 to 10 p.m. Fridays, noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 to 7 p.m. Sundays. Closed Mondays.


19 January, 2023