East Dundee creates new liquor license for small breweries
The imminent opening of a nanobrewery in downtown East Dundee has prompted village officials to create a new type of liquor license.
The brew pub license allows for the brewing and on-site consumption of beer and cider, as well as the sale of packaged alcohol manufactured by the license holder. The village board on Monday unanimously approved updating its liquor code accordingly and granting a license to Black and Gray Brewing Co., which is expected to open in January at 311 Barrington Ave.
The establishment, owned by Chris and Teresa Kennedy, will contain a taproom and outdoor patio where beer and prepackaged food can be served, according to a proposal submitted to East Dundee. Owners Chris and Teresa Kennedy plan to brew a variety of classic craft beers, as well as a rotating selection of seasonal recipes.
The brew pub license classification, which has a $2,500 fee, was established specifically to fit the nanobrewery's business plan, Village Administrator Jennifer Johnsen said.
"It shows that the village is pro-business, and it shows that we have a diversity of businesses," she said. "We have an up-and-coming downtown, and (Black and Gray Brewing) is a perfect fit for a place with a vibrant night life. We couldn't be more thrilled."
Black and Gray Brewing was the first commercial tenant secured for the 311 Barrington Ave. development, which contains retail, restaurants and upper-level apartments. A second lease has since been signed by Migrate Restaurant, Johnsen said, and developers are "working hard" to fill the remaining spaces.
A different nanobrewery was slated to occupy one of the first-floor spaces before construction on the building began a few years ago, though operators later backed out. At the time, the village updated its zoning regulations to permit a small brewery to make, distribute and sell up to 155,000 gallons of beer per year.
The Black and Gray Brewing concept started as a hobby for Chris Kennedy, who would try stovetop recipes in his Prairie View home. He eventually upgraded to a brewing station in his garage, then built his own brew house before deciding to share his newfound passion with the public.
In addition to serving their beer on site, the Kennedys plan to sell it for off-site consumption in growlers or crowlers, according to the proposal.
They also could explore distributing their products to other retailers or larger distributors.
Black and Gray Brewing won't have a kitchen, but customers will be allowed to bring in outside food, Johnsen said.
"We like the idea that ... they are supporting themselves, but also other local businesses," she said. "It couldn't be a better fit for East Dundee."