USA, IL: Milk Money Brewing receives approval for its liquor licenses

Milk Money Brewing, which is planning to open this spring in downtown La Grange, received approval for its liquor licenses on January 27. Village officials said the brewery will be a big addition to the community, Patch.com reported.

According to Milk Money's Facebook page, brothers Lucas and Matthew Bumba are working to open a 100-seat restaurant, along with a 14-seat bar area, at 75 S. La Grange Road. The theme of the restaurant would be "refined Midwest comfort food with considerable Southern cooking influence," the page said. The brothers owned Solstice Restaurant in Western Springs, which closed last year. They said they would expand upon Solstice's practices of pickling, jamming curing and smoking.

The brothers said in a letter on Milk Money's Facebook page that they plan to to operate a seven-barrel brewhouse for consumption on-site and distribution. Milk Money will brew up to 2,000 barrels of beer a year, according to city documents.

"There are numerous craft breweries in the area," the brothers said, "but absolutely none that will combine both the brewing and restaurant side at a high level of quality as we intend to."

Milk Money also plans to have a beer club known as "The Friendly Neighborhood Milk Men & Women of La Grange," the Facebook page said. It will be limited to the first 100 people who sign up, entitling members to certain benefits.

Before Solstice, the Bumbas had logged a combined 26 years in the industry, working in every style of restaurant from Pizza Place to fine dining, the Facebook page said. They said they have spent time with Walt Disney Co. and worked for chefs such as Paul Virant and Grant Achatz.

The brothers have not given a specific opening date for Milk Money on their Facebook page, but indicated they are are targeting this spring.

After the village board approved Milk Money's liquor licenses, Village President Tom Livingston praised the business.

"They are putting in quite a bit of effort. We really do appreciate the investment," he said.

Trustee Bill Holder agreed, saying he was glad the village could approve licenses that "best serve all of our interests."

"I can't wait to see the impact you have and tasting your beer," the trustee said.

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