USA, WI: Brewed Omen Brewpub celebrates its grand opening in Hartford

Brewed Omen Brewpub, formerly Brewed Omen Tasting Room, 120 N. Main St., celebrated its grand opening on Sunday, November 16, as Hartford’s wait to once again have its own brewery has ended at 32,317 days.

Brewed Omen first opened as a tap room offering local and regional beers on tap, along with cocktails and food in September of 2022, during the New Kids on the Block Party in downtown Hartford.

According to co-owner Bill Ohm, Hartford had created a downtown comprehensive plan in 2015 that was adopted in 2016, part of which was to revitalize the Millstream Building, which now houses Brewed Omen.

"This building was the number two priority on that," Ohm said.

"They published a report that there should be a brewpub in this building," said Ane Ohm, Bill’s wife and Brewed Omen co-owner. "So, we agreed. We saw this, and we agreed, and we looked around for people to do this."

According to Ane, after looking for someone to step up and lead the charge, it eventually fell to both Ane and Bill to do so.

"So, here we are, but we could not have done it without Kyle (Sikora) and Kyle’s skill with brewing," said Ane.

Sikora serves as Brewed Omen’s brewmaster, which began for him as a hobby in his home.

"I joined the Lions Club and I met Bill and Ron (Buschke), and Ron was one of the first guys that actually gifted me a really special beer," said Sikora. "Ron got me into home brewing, and not long after I had a birthday party. I had a kegerator with eight beers on tap and I invited some friends, and they said they actually liked the beer that I actually made, and I think that kind of sparked some interest very early on."

When Brewed Omen received its approval from the Hartford Common Council to open the new taproom (and eventually brewpub) in Hartford, Sikora was serving as an alderman at the time. Following the meeting, the Ohms invited Sikora out for a drink and to discuss him becoming their first brewmaster.

"The last year’s been kind of crazy with buying the building, getting everything situated and we finally got occupancy and I got to actually start brewing," said Sikora. "It’s really fun and it’s totally interesting. It’s completely different from anything I ever done before."

Now, Sikora’s first brews are available on tap at Brewed Omen Brewpub.

"Try it all, give me your feedback and I promise it’s only going to get better," said Sikora. "I’m really excited to showcase what I’ve been doing brewing-wise.

"I think you’re going to be impressed by what we can actually make and enjoy together."

"I tried the beers, and they’re really good," said Ane.