Lakefront Brewery to purchase 9.3 acres for second production facility

Lakefront Brewery has obtained an option to purchase 9.3 acres of land in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley that was once intended for an expansion of the Allen Edmonds Shoe Co. With the option agreement, Lakefront will be able to explore the site to see if it will fit the brewery’s needs for a second production facility.

“This is an intriguing piece of property in an exciting part of the city,” said Lakefront Brewery President Russ Klisch.

A second brewing location will provide Lakefront with the ability to expand its production and distribution and could bring an additional 75 to 150 jobs to Wisconsin over the next several years.

Lakefront Brewery is one of the nation’s fastest-growing microbreweries, having increased its production from less than 6,300 barrels (bbls) in 2005 to 33,000 bbls last year.

“We have considered a number of locations in the metropolitan area, but for now we would like to see if we can make this site in the Menomonee Valley fit our needs,” Klisch said. “There are a lot of challenges, but in the past, the city and the state have demonstrated an ability and willingness to help overcome the challenges of the Valley and, for that reason, we are dedicated to this effort to remain in the City of Milwaukee.”

Lakefront Brewery was started in 1987 and is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary. The brewery distributes its products to 35 states, Israel and Canada. Lakefront Brewery was the first brewery to brew a government-approved, gluten-free beer, New Grist, and brews the oldest USDA-certified organic beer, Organic ESB.