Michigan Sour Beer Empire Jolly Pumpkin Bringing Taproom to Chicago

Sour ale slinger Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales is headed to Chicago next year. Parent company Northern United Brewing Co. confirmed on Tuesday evening that it will bring a brewpub to 5251 S. Harper Court in the Hyde Park neighborhood by summer 2017, according to the Chicago Tribune.

"It's such a great beer city,” says CFO Tony Grant of Chicago, “and over the last five years, it's exploded. We’re proud of our roots, but Chicago is Chicago. It’s the place to be."

The Dexter-based brewing company, which owns Jolly Pumpkin, North Peak Brewing Company, Nomad Cidery, Civilized Spirit distillery, and Bonafide Wines, plans to develop a 5,800-square-foot restaurant and bar. Similar to its locations in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Traverse City, the Obama-endorsed brewpub will offer a full selection of American sour ales and North Peak brews, a shortlist of cocktails, truffle fries, JP Burgers, and pizzas. Special menu items will be specifically developed for the Chicago restaurant. Diners can expect communal seating, counter service, and a very small one-to-two barrel brewing system on-site.

Jolly Pumpkin is the latest Southeast Michigan brewery to announce a Chicago expansion. Detroit’s Atwater Brewing Company announced in August that it would open a taproom in Chicago by 2018.

• Jolly Pumpkin to Open Hyde Park Brewpub in 2017 [Chicago Tribune]

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