USA, IL: Byers Brewing Company coming to DeKalb this summer

Beer lovers rejoice: A local brewing company is slated to open in downtown DeKalb by the summer, the DeKalb Daily Chronicle reported on March 20.

Byers Brewing Company will move into the first level at 230 E. Lincoln Highway, according to the brewery’s website. The building is owned by Cohen Barnes of Sundog IT.

City Manager Bill Nicklas said the brewery will bring a unique experience to DeKalb.

“I do think it would be creative and positive for the downtown. It’s new and different, and the space is right,” Nicklas said on March 20. “I’d like to see that space rented. It should be a fun place to visit.”

The site says the business will open its doors this summer 2019, and that it’s the brainchild of Steve and Megan Byers. Steve Byers is a science teacher at Huntley Middle School, said Barnes.

Nicklas said the Byerses have recently been issued a building permit. Principal Planner Dan Olson said they are in the process of applying for a liquor license.

“This week they started doing work [on the site],” Nicklas said. “[The space] was already built out a lot, but they have to do some additional plumbing and electrical work for the brewing they want to do.”

The Byerses grew up in DeKalb County and discovered a passion for home brewing in 2010, after one of their favorite beers was discontinued, according to the website, and they wanted to recreate it.

Byers Brewing Company will brew small batches of beer for the community to enjoy, the website says.

22 March, 2019