USA, MN: Brew Lab 101 Beer Company expanding to Minneapolis

New Mexico's Brew Lab 101 Beer Company is expanding to Minneapolis in early 2024, Bring Me The News reported on November 30.

The brewery will open at 25 N. Fourth St. sometime in late January or early February, co-owner Johnathan Welch has confirmed.

The space, next to the Minneapolis Police Department's First Precinct, used to be home to Clockwerks Brewing, which closed its doors in 2021.

Its hours will be 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day, but Welch says he'd like to get some lunch hours open in the future once the business is up and running.

Welch moved with his wife to the city from New Mexico about two-and-a-half years ago and have wanted to be a part of the revitalization efforts of downtown ever since.

"I think it's big to get in [the downtown area] early and start some positive movements and hopefully be a part of revitalizing downtown and making it what it was again," he said.

Welch adds he's hired a local head brewer, Ryan Woodfill, to assist with the production of Minnesota-style beers. Woodfill has been in the Minnesota brewing scene for over 13 years and previously brewed at Canal Park Brewing Company and Lake Superior Brewing in Duluth, and StormKing Brewpub and Barbecue in Minneapolis.

Brew Lab 101 was first opened in 2019 by Scott Salvas. Welch and business partner Herman Romero will own the Minneapolis location, but will pay royalties to Salvas. Welch says he and Romero have been working to get the brewery established in Minneapolis for about five months.

The Rio Rancho-based brewery has taken home its fair share of awards, getting honors for its Walter Wit Witbier and its Hazy IPA Wicked Pissah, among others.

The New Mexico location also offers its own ciders, but the Minneapolis location can't offer the beverages as it's considered wine under Minnesota law and licenses can't be obtained to produce both at the same establishment. However, Welch said they are working on developing some seltzer-based cocktails.

Its food menu will consist of Minnesota-based Heggies Pizza, along with some southwestern-influenced food like green chile stew, tater tot hotdish with green chile queso, and more.

Hatch chiles, a New Mexico staple, will also be available for purchase separately.

"Some are mild, some are spicy, they have a really unique flavor — it's not like a jalapeño... in New Mexico, it goes on everything. Even McDonald's has green chile [McDoubles]," Welch said.

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