USA, IL: Oswego Brewing Company on the verge of opening in Oswego
A new craft brewery is on the verge of opening in Oswego, the Chicago Tribune reported on August 30.
Three investors have plans to open the Oswego Brewing Company in the lower level of the old fire station on Main Street in the heart of downtown. The brewery is scheduled to open in 2018.
"We chose Oswego because we believe it is the perfect place to open a production brewery and taproom that will meet the needs of the local craft beer community," business partner Peter Rzeminski said.
The group is impressed by the crowds of people that attend the annual Brew at the Bridge held in September.
"There is a strong home brewing community in and around Oswego and there is a great love for craft beer," Rzeminski said.
The plans are to occupy 61 Main St. which faces the rear alley and parking lot. Owner Art Black renovated the building a couple of years ago and relocated his Oswego Cyclery shop to 59 Main St. from a storefront across the street. The bicycle shop occupies the second floor. Another tenant, Oswego Extreme, occupies 57 Main St.
The lower level has about 6,400 square feet. The taproom will occupy the largest space with seating to accommodate about 60 guests, while the space in the back will be divided for a meeting room and large walk-in cooler.
The meeting room will be capable of hosting private events for 20 guests or it can be available to the public to expand taproom seating. The northern section is where the industrial aspects of the brewery will be located.
"We could not have chosen a more perfect location for our needs," Rzeminski said.
He said they intend to create "great brews" for patrons and experiment with new ones.
"Our emphasis at this point is to create four to five core beers that are pleasing to the large audience we can serve year-round. Out of these beers, we hope one will emerge as our signature beer," Rzeminski said.
"The brew house, where the beer is brewed, will sit as the centerpiece of the taproom, situated behind the bar. We aim for it to be a comfortable and welcoming place where the community can come and sit for a while, visit with friends, have a beer, play some games and enjoy themselves," he said.
He said they are looking to attract food trucks that would park in the privately-owned rear parking lot to serve customers on weekends and build relationships with local eateries interested in offering their menus for take-out and delivery to guests. No food will be prepared at the brewery.
He said they plan to rely on local resources, including spices for their beer and coffee beans for stout as well as monogrammed shirts for employees and printing from other locally-owned businesses.
The brewery is looking to employ a full-time head brewer and tap room manager, three to four part-time bartenders, a part-time assistant brewer and managers.
"It is our goal to be as successful as possible by being a part of the local community by serving the needs of Oswego and working with the businesses that call Oswego home," he said.
Village trustees recently approved a special use permit that covers the beverage producing, bottling and distributing operations.
Oswego Economic Development Director Corinna Cole said they welcome the business.
"We are excited that the Oswego Brewing Company is choosing to locate in our downtown. It shows that investors and businesses alike recognize our downtown's potential as a fun, visitor-friendly destination," Cole said.
31 August, 2017
