USA, IL: More Brewing Co. sets opening date on February 29

More Brewing Co. will be opening its new microbrewery in Huntley, 13980 Automall Drive, on Feb. 29 at 11 a.m., the Northwest Herald reported.

The opening will be preceded by a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m.

A business development agreement approved by the Huntley Village Board initially set Dec. 31 as the date renovations would be completed and operations could begin. However, the village board had to amend the agreement after construction and licensing setbacks pushed the date back to the end of February.

During the grand opening, More Brewing will have beers on tap from the Huntley location and its original Villa Park brewpub as well as a few special guest beers. A full food menu also will be available.

Tours are also planned every 30 minutes from noon to 4 p.m. but will be based on a first come, first served basis.

Over the last year, More Brewing has been working to convert the former Chevrolet dealership at Automall Drive into the new microbrewery.

Roughly 14,000 square feet of the 25,302-square-foot dealership into a brewpub restaurant, which would have a full kitchen and would be open for lunch and dinner six to seven days a week.

The other 11,000 square feet of the building would be used for production, including a brewhouse, fermentation and conditioning vessels, a packaging line and a barrel room, where beer will be aged in whiskey barrels. Plans also call for outdoor patios and a special events area.

Although the petitioner had been interested in allowing wine and spirit sales, Illinois Liquor Commission statutes and regulations prevent the serving of such alcoholic beverages.

17 February, 2020