USA, WY: Buffalo Creek Brewery proposing to open next spring in Long Grove

For years, friends have been challenging Michael Marr to brew special beers for them. Most recently, a guy he knows wanted a beer that tasted like chocolate and bacon.

And the recipe that Marr came up with may make the menu of the microbrewery he is proposing to open next spring in Long Grove, Chicago Tribune reported on September 2.

Marr is working through the permitting process at Long Grove Village Hall to open Buffalo Creek Brewery, which could occupy the vacant building at 350 Old McHenry Road.

"I decided I wanted to do something new," Marr said.

He said he found the right location to establish his craft brewery, which would be the only active brewery in Long Grove if village officials endorse his proposal.

Located on the side of the actual Buffalo Creek, the 11,000-square-foot building features a rotunda on one end, a big backyard and an elevated deck.

"All the pieces are starting to come together," Marr said.

Presently working in the financial industry, the Vernon Hills resident has been clearing out time to turn his beer-brewing hobby of 14 years into a full-time occupation.

If he is able to open it as he currently envisions it, Buffalo Creek Brewery will be solely a drinking establishment — not a restaurant.

He said he wants the business to function like the front end of a winery, including tables for drinking, a sampling room and brewing equipment on display. Space on the second floor for private events would be available for rent, he said.

"I want to really make a destination out of it," Marr said.

There are already a few restaurants located nearby with liquor licenses.

At Chatter Box in Long Grove, owner Steve Besbeas said he saw a potential brewery as an asset that wouldn't add competition.

"I don't believe in that word — competition," Besbeas said. "Mike Marr's a great guy. We're going to work together. I hope that place becomes the Napa Valley of freaking beer."

Marr said he was confident in his product.

Since he started home brewing, friends ask him to make special flavors. One wanted something with chocolate and bacon in it. Marr said he was able to create those tastes using only five ingredients.

None of those ingredients included bacon or chocolate, he said.

"A lot of friends like to challenge me," he said. "I have a lot of fun with this."

If he gains approval for Buffalo Creek Brewery, he said he will mostly focus his brews on the German and Belgian styles. He plans to store most of his brewing equipment in the rotunda.

At past meetings, Long Grove board members have addressed Marr's concept with interest.

The Plan Commission Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled to hold a public hearing Sept. 6 on the proposal. Village trustees later could take a final vote on the proposal if it clears the commission.

Marr said he hoped to make new friends and offer new ideas at his proposed business.

"They just had their first craft beer festival," he said, referring to a Long Grove event this past July. "I have a lot of ideas for what they can do next year."

04 September, 2016