USA, IL: Cellar Works Brewing Co. to open second brewpub in Winfield Township

A new business is brewing in Winfield Township, TribLIVE reported on February 10.

A large digital sign outside of Cooper Station Restaurant, which closed abruptly and without notice to the public in 2019, hints “Something is brewing” to passing motorists along Route 356.

Cellar Works Brewing Co. owners confirmed plans are underway to open a second brewpub and event space there.

“Everybody’s really excited and they loved Cooper Station, but I think they’re excited to see what our take on that space will be,” said Cellar Works co-owner Tim Bauer, 47, of Pittsburgh’s Point Breeze neighborhood.

Offering handcrafted beer made in small batches, the independent brewery has cultivated a strong local following since opening in 2017 at 110 S. Pike Road in Buffalo Township.

Butler County real estate records show Cellar Door Brewing LLC bought the former Cooper Station property from Lora C. Rothen on Dec. 30 for $400,000.

The property sits on a little more than 3.5 acres and offers 12,000 square feet of space with a separate building that will serve as a wedding/reception venue, managed by co-owner Laura Lasher.

Extensive remodeling is planned and will take several months, said Bauer, who serves as general manager.

“We call it rustic contemporary with a minimalistic feel, coupled with rustic-type materials including stone, wood and natural materials,” Bauer said in describing the remodeling vision.

A May opening is anticipated, but it could take longer, Bauer said.

“We’re on a three- to six-month timeline,” he said.

Locals are familiar with the former Cooper Station’s authentic red caboose parked outside and extensive train decor inside, but that motif will be leaving the station.

“We don’t dislike the trains, but the trains aren’t who we are,” Bauer said. “It’s not our personality.”

“We’ll be convincing the locals that this isn’t Cooper Station anymore and that it will be completely different and something beneficial to them,” said brewmaster and co-owner John Lasher, 35, of Ford Cliff.

Lasher and Bauer met while working corporate jobs at Westinghouse.

Lasher scrapped his architect career to pursue his passion — brewing hops. He has been honing his craft over the past decade.

“I’m just the guy who makes the beer,” Lasher said.

The new location will offer an American farm-to-table menu.

Sarver resident Verne Bergstrom frequents Cellar Works and welcomes the news of a second location opening.

“It’s great for the growing community of Sarver, since many patronized the Cooper Station Restaurant as well as the now closed J-Barn Restaurant,” Bergstrom said.

13 February, 2020