E-Malt.com News article: USA, WI: Hydro Street Brewing closes doors in Columbus on August 6

Hydro Street Brewing in Columbus closed its doors on August 6 after the business served its last locally-brewed beer, Beaver Dam Daily Citizen reported on August 7.

The business was opened by Aaron and Sandye Adams in 2012. In spring 2013, Hydro Street Brewing was granted an $82,323 loan from a revolving loan fund from Columbus.

“The city is reviewing the issues as to how the closing of Hydro Street Brewing affects their revolving loan,” Columbus city administrator Patrick Vander Sanden said. “We are working with the city attorney on the matter.”

The Columbus City Council asked on August 3 for Adams to be contacted to meet with them to discuss payment options for the revolving loan.

Sandye Adams sent a letter to Mayor Kelly Crombie on June 9 asking for the loan to be restructured. City attorney Paul Johnson indicated on August 3 that due to Aaron Adams having to take over the position of kitchen manager last October the time he had to brew beer was greatly reduced and had changed the businesses wholesale accounts.

The revolving loan fund was set up as a resource for Columbus from the federal government through the City Development Block Grant program and is administered through the state of Wisconsin. The fund provides loans to help establish and expand businesses in Columbus.

During the city council meeting, aldermen spoke favourably about the business.

Alderman Trina Reid said the city does need to be paid back, but she does see a big value in Hydro Street Brewing being in Columbus.

“It’s one of the few places that attract outsiders from other cities here,” Reid said.

“Hydro Street Brewing has brought a lot to downtown Columbus,” Alderman Michael Thom said. “Partially, it has changed its culture to the benefit of downtown Columbus.”


12 August, 2015