Chicago-based Industry Ales is getting ready to open its first brewpub in Chicago’s Loop, located at 230 S. Wabash Ave.
The company’s first location will move into the former home of Kramer Foods, next to the iconic Central Camera, according to Eater Chicago. Industry veterans Erik Inda, Matt Wiegers, and Dan Rook came together during the pandemic to launch Industry Ales, hoping to eventually bring a little more life to downtown. The new brewpub will include the main floor, a second-floor landing, a basement with brewing equipment, and a speakeasy-style cocktail bar. All of this is expected to open in Spring 2023, hopefully in March.
Before the company opens this facility, Industry Ales will preview their menu with pop-ups next month at the Virgin Hotel Chicago. This series will feature different dinner and beer pairings from the upcoming brewery. Inda, the company’s head brewer, plans to create beers based on classic cocktails, such as Lost Sailor, one of the potential flagships based on the Dark and Stormy. The menu is still being worked on by Rook, director of food and beverage. Wiegers will be in charge of operations.
“Built on the back of no-nonsense, hardworking professionals for over a century, the Chicago Loop provides the perfect location for execution of this innovative concept,” according to the company’s website. “Industry Ales will provide the local workforce with a brewpub and cocktail bar that operates from a foundation of fearlessness and cutting-edge creativity. Our mission is to build community.”
The pop-ups will happen next month, every Friday and Saturday, starting on December 3. The company will not have the pop-up on the weekend of December 23 and December 24 for Christmas. Industry Ales will release more information regarding the pop-up on its social media in the coming weeks.
