Inventors Brewpub founder
Adam Draeger is hoping to move his business about two blocks up the street from its current location at 435 N. Lake St. in Port Washington, in order to build a larger facility. Draeger's proposal involves the construction of a new building near the city's marina.
While the distance from its current location is not far, the new amenities planned for the expanded location are plentiful. A bigger brewery and kitchen space are at the heart of the plans. A 10 barrel brew system will be added.
The current Inventors Brewpub location on North Lake Street is housed in a shared space with American Legion Post 82. The proposed move would see the business occupy a new lakefront facility at 305 E. Washington St.
“The evolution of an invention usually goes from version 1.0 to 2.0,” said Draeger. “The next version of our brewpub has so many improvements. We are developing a facility closer to the heart of downtown (Port Washington). It will be a place where large and small groups gather in the community.”
Draeger said that downtown Port Washington currently lacks a large meeting space for events, due to the loss of Viking Room and Newport Shores. The proposed new location for Inventors Brewpub will host year-round special events.
Draeger will present his proposal to the city this month. The new location will be a 25,000-square-foot, two-story building. The 10 barrel craft brewery will occupy 2,000 square feet of the space. A restaurant/bar area with seating for 160 guests will occupy 3,200 square feet. There will also be an additional 80 seats for outdoor dining allotted within this space.
A 250-seat event space will take up a portion of the lower level of the building with 100 additional seats on a mezzanine above. Also on the second level, there will be 8,500 square feet of office space available.
“The expansion of our business in Port Washington is intentional,” said Draeger. “We want to continue to be a Port Washington business, support our employees and grow our offerings for our existing and future customers. We will be growing a local business, increasing options in the downtown and becoming a Great Lakes destination.”
According to a press release from Draeger, the new Inventors Brewpub building will increase the assessed valuation of the property by approximately $5 million. Draeger said he hopes to open the new Inventors Brewpub in the spring of 2023. He is also anticipating an increase to his current staffing levels.
