A quest for work-life balance has led to an amicable parting of ways at one of the metro’s most prominent restaurant groups. J.D. Fratzke, the chef-entrepreneur whose work at The Strip Club Meat and Fish made him a regional standout, has worked as a culinary director over the past three years for Matty O’Reilly to … [ Read more]
Trailblazers 2017: J.D. Fratzke & Matty O’Reilly
December 26, 2017 by
The restaurant game has never been an easy one. But the last decade of dining in the Twin Cities has thrown innumerable challenges at restaurateurs—a cook shortage, a minimum wage debate, food costs and rent on the rise, and diners possessed of a fickle, Instagram-fueled, hit-the-hot-new-joint-once-and-never-return mentality. In the face of these challenges, the partnership of … [ Read more]
Boozy cold press coffee to hit shelves this May
February 7, 2017 by Leave a Comment
The market is chock full of coffee beers, coffee liqueurs, coffee-flavored energy drinks, caffeinated mixed drinks, and even a beer/coffee hybrid, but Bad Larry’s Cold Hard Coffee, due out in May, is something new altogether. Clocking in at 6% ABV with a 180mg dose of caffeine (the average cup of coffee carries about 100mg), Bad Larry’s … [ Read more]
Does the arrival of behemoth beer bars mean danger for smaller craft-centric pubs?
May 4, 2016 by Leave a Comment
What makes a beer bar? Is it simply featuring dozens upon dozens of tap handles? Focusing on local-beer-only menus, or other carefully curated selections of specialty beers? It’s a big question, and one that isn’t easily answered. What is clear is that beer is booming and more bars are taking note that selection matters. But … [ Read more]
Better Beer Society wants to help your favorite watering hole serve beer better
January 12, 2016 by Leave a Comment
The Better Beer Society’s name pretty much sums up its mission: to help make craft beer better. The main way they accomplish this task is through education, working directly with retailers to ensure everyone on staff is well-versed in beer styles, history, service, and food pairings (for retailers), and branding, marketing, operational and sales strategies, … [ Read more]
Smack Shack, Angel Food, Republic, more craft beer, approved for MSP Airport
August 18, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The Metropolitan Airport Commission has approved new concession bids for MSP Airport and some familiar Twin Cities food luminaries will be taking up residence in Terminal 1. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, Smack Shack, Angel Food Bakery, and Republic (Seven Corners location pictured, above) are among the new vendors that will have access to the 35 … [ Read more]
The Mill: Walktoberfest, Food Trucks, Shipwrecked Beer, and Fresh Hops
October 15, 2014 by Leave a Comment
The Mill is ready for a full weekend of new taprooms, more Oktoberfests, fresh hops, and sunshine. What’s on your radar in The Mill? Tweet us @growlermag. Events: This Thursday through Sunday it’s Walktoberfest at the Walker Art Center. Enjoy local crafts, sausages from Butcher & The Boar, and live music in the Walker’s very … [ Read more]
Sweetland Orchards Scrumpy
September 10, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Our favorite beer bars are getting wise to the national trend. There, on the drink lists, among a litany of IPAs and Belgians, you’ll increasingly find dedicated selections of hard cider, giving us a chance to expand our craft palates. These places include both Republic locations, which comprise two of the four Metro locations currently … [ Read more]
The Mill: Street Fests and Summer Seasonals
June 3, 2014 by Leave a Comment
By John Garland The Mill is settling into the summer groove with street festivals, sidewalk seating, and the running path on Lake Calhoun looking like 694 during rush hour. Brew News: Indeed Brewing has announced their “Indeed We Can” initiative, in which all net profits from Wednesday taproom operations (3-11pm) will be donated to a local … [ Read more]
Loon Liquors Releasing Loonshine This Weekend
May 16, 2014 by Leave a Comment
By John Garland Loon Liquors of Northfield is set to debut their first product. Nearly a year and a half after their Indiegogo fundraiser went live, their un-aged whiskey, Loonshine, will hit bars and shelves this weekend. The spirit is made from organic wheat and barley, concentrated in a small copper pot still, and steeped for a … [ Read more]
Republic to Host Duluth’s Bent Paddle Brewing Co.
January 30, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Locally-owned craft beer bar and restaurant Republic announced today that they will host two unique beer kick-off events with Bent Paddle Brewing Co. next Thursday, February 6th. Both of Republic’s locations – Seven Corners and Uptown – will begin featuring Bent Paddle Brewing Co.’s Venture Pils Pilsener Lager, 14° ESB Extra Special Bitter, Bent Hop … [ Read more]
