'Handcrafted from scratch' - motto at Granite City
An interview with Jason Adamczyk, general manager at Granite City Food & Brewery in Naperville.
Q: Tell us a little bit about Granite City.
A: Craft for all. There's a lot of talk these days about "craft." Craft beer, handcrafted food, local ingredients and farm-to-table. The tone of all of this talk takes on an air of exclusivity, as if these special things were only for certain people. But really? At Granite City, this is a perplexing notion. After all, for 17 years, we've been brewing our own beer. We've made our own food from scratch, all of it. We use our house brewed beer in our handcrafted food. You see, "craft," as it turns out, is readily available here for everyone, every day.
Q: How did the concept start?
A: The first Granite City opened in St. Cloud, Minnesota, in 1999. We have a patented brewing process called Fermentus Interruptus. We are the only ones in the world who can brew this way. Granite City beer is poured directly from the serving vessels, which is served fresh. We never use preservatives. Every month we tap a new seasonal beer and our beer is available to go in our German style growlers.
Q: What does the venue have to offer when it comes to corporate meetings?
A: We have three private dining rooms available for all sizes. We also have LED monitors for use for all presentations, if needed. Amanda Abrams, our events coordinator, has it dialed in to a science when planning all parties.
Q: Describe the atmosphere.
A: Polished. We are polished. We are Granite City.
Q: What are people in your industry taking about?
A: Handcrafted from scratch. This is something we have been doing since 1999.
Q: How is social media playing a role in the industry?
A: It plays a major part in this day of age. It is becoming the new standard of communication.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself. What is your past experience in the industry?
A: I was born and raised in the southwest suburbs - Homer Glen. I lived in Orland Park for a good amount of my life before moving to New Lenox. I have been in the industry for 20 years, over which I have managed in the suburbs and downtown Chicago for some of the most successful restaurants. I have been with Granite City for four years and call these folks family.
Q: Tell us one interesting fact about the venue that most people may not know.
A: Our brewing process. We brew our own beer.
Q: What is one hospitality idea that you are willing to give away to our readers?
A: Going above and beyond for the guest, giving them that "plus one" service. This means giving the guest that "wow" factor.
- Kim Mikus
Granite City Food & Brewery
Address: 1828 Arbiter Court Naperville, Il 60563
Phone: (630) 544-3700
Owner: Granite City Restaurants
Number of employees: 115
When business opened: October 2014
Web address: <a href="http://www.gcfb.com">www.gcfb.com</a>