Revolution Brewing Closing Logan Square Brewpub After Nearly 15 Years
Logan Square — Revolution Brewing’s original brewpub location is set to close next month as Illinois’ largest independent craft brewer shifts its focus to its Avondale brewery.
Consolidation
The brewpub at 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave. will close on December 14 after almost 15 years in business, the company announced Saturday. It will consolidate into its brewery and taproom location at 2240 N. Kedzie Ave.
Why the Change?
The brewpub served up food as well as Revolution’s line of beers, helping popularize brews like Anti-Hero IPA. However, the brewpub operated more as a restaurant than the Kedzie Avenue location, which doesn’t have a kitchen. Over the years, it became clear to founder Josh Deth that the culinary portion of his business model wasn’t as profitable as the taproom and wholesale production facility in Avondale.
The Rise of the Taproom Model
During the pandemic, sales of Revolution brand beer in-store rose while business at the brewpub plummeted. Deth noted the rise of the taproom model over the course of the 2010s, which wasn’t as prevalent when Revolution opened its doors almost 15 years ago. Taprooms can now operate without a kitchen and focus entirely on beer production, which is a model that works at Revolution’s Avondale location.
What’s Next for Revolution
The Avondale production facility opened in 2012. In 2022, Revolution bought the 125,000-square-foot Avondale building, fulfilling the company’s "top goal" since launching. The company will focus on producing beer and expanding its taproom and retail presence.
Growth Potential
In 2023, craft beer took up 13.3% of the overall beer market in the United States. Deth sees huge growth potential as Revolution continues to put out new product lines.
Conclusion
Revolution Brewing’s decision to close its Logan Square brewpub marks a shift in the company’s focus towards its Avondale brewery and taproom. As the company looks to the future, it’s clear that the taproom model will play a key role in its success.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the brewpub close?
- The brewpub will close on December 14.
- What will happen to the location?
- The location will be consolidated into the brewery and taproom at 2240 N. Kedzie Ave.
- Will the company continue to produce beer?
- Yes, the company will continue to produce beer at its Avondale location.
- What’s next for the company?
- The company will focus on producing beer and expanding its taproom and retail presence.
