Brenner Brewing Company is a go
Mike Brenner says he reached his goal of raising $750,000 to fund the opening of Brenner Brewing Company.
So what's next?
"I still have a ton of work to do. There's still a lot of money to raise. $750,000 was really just the minimum to get the brewery going. I still need another half million dollars to do it right," says Brenner.
In the meantime, Brenner plans to put a down payment on the brewing system.
"It takes about five months to have a new brewing system manufactured," he says. "So many breweries have opened in the U.S. in the last few years, so there's almost no used equipment available. You have to buy new."
After that, he plans to focus on finding a location.
"I've looked at a couple dozen buildings around Milwaukee over the past six months, and I've narrowed it down to three. Now I just have to decide which one will be the best fit. I'm primarily looking in the Fifth Ward and Bay View," he says.
Brenner is the former owner of Hotcakes Gallery, former OnMilwaukee.com graphic designer and former executive director of the Milwaukee Artist Resource Network (MARN). He plans to incorporate his passion for art in his brewery in multiple ways, like featuring the work of local artists on the bottles.
Brenner graduated from the executive MBA program at UW-Milwaukee, where he developed his business plan for the brewery, and became a brewmaster with a diploma from the Siebel Institute in Chicago, which allowed him to study at the Doemens Akademie in Munich, Germany.
"Realistically, it'll be five or six months before I'm ready to open the brewery," says Brenner.
Talkbacks
No Talkbacks for this article. Post your comment/review now |
Facebook comments
Disclaimer: Please note that Facebook comments are posted through Facebook and cannot be approved, edited or declined by OnMilwaukee.com. The opinions expressed in Facebook comments do not necessarily reflect those of OnMilwaukee.com or its staff.
Recent Articles & Blogs by Molly Snyder
Sagal talks music, "Sons Of Anarchy" and "shedding Peg"
Published April 13, 2013
Katey Sagal is a well-known actress but she's also a talented singer. She will share her music at the Riverside Theater on Friday, April 19 followed by a Q&A; with the audience after the performance. Recently, OnMilwaukee.com had the pleasure of interviewing Sagal on the 25th anniversay of the pilot episode of "Married With Children."
Expect brutal honesty from Blue October's frontman
Published April 11, 2013
Blue October frontman Justin Furstenfeld is on tour promoting his book of lyrics and writings called "Crazy Making." The book explains what's behind many of Blue October's songs. He also has a Q&A; session during the show allowing fans to ask him anything they want.
"Condom Pope" portrait rolls out for the public
Published April 11, 2013
"Eggs Benedict," a portrait of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI that's made from 17,000 condoms, was installed at Portrait Society Gallery. It will be on display starting Thursday, April 11. The opening reception is from 6 to 9 p.m.
What happened to Richie's brother "Chuck" from "Happy Days?"
Published April 11, 2013
Fans of the show "Happy Days" might remember the oldest brother, "Chuck," from the first season who went off to college and was never mentioned on the show again. Recently, we tracked down the actor, Gavan O'Herlihy, who played the part.
Get the bare bones on adult filmmaking
Published April 9, 2013
Madison Young, an award-winning filmmaker, performer, director and writer, is hosting a workshop on Saturday, April 13 at Tool Shed, 2427 N. Murray Ave.
Carr's "Milwaukier Than Thou" revs up community spirit, critique
Published April 8, 2013
Adam Carr, 28, recently launched a Facebook and Tumblr project called "Milwaukier Than Thou" which offers a fresh, unique look at Brew City.
"Geek bar" to open Downtown
Published April 4, 2013
A new bar, 42 Lounge, will open at the end of the month at 326 E. Mason St. Owners Lynn and Anthony Nilles say they are waiting on furniture delivery. The lounge will specialize in "all things geek
New digs for Juiced!
Published April 3, 2013
After a year in business as a mobile juice bar, Juiced! now has a permanent home at 1749 N. Farwell Ave. The vegetarian and vegan juice bar will still roam, however, and will be at East Town and West Town farmers markets this summer.
Milwaukee Talks: Violent Femmes drummer Victor DeLorenzo
Published April 2, 2013
Victor DeLorenzo may be best known for his drumming in the iconic Violent Femmes, but he always has a wide range of other projects in the works. In this Milwaukee Talks covnersation, he shares info about his new album that was nine years in the making, Femmes' history and how the Summerfest concert got leaked.
Kathy's House provides supportive space for hopeful families
Published March 31, 2013
Kathy's House is a relatively unknown, yet vital asset in the Milwaukee community that provides a warm and supportive environment to families who are experiencing the serious illness of a loved one.