Chicago

This hybrid brewery and distillery is igniting growth with a second location while staying true to the quality-focused principles that lit its spark.

The pandemic hit urban, taproom-focused breweries such as Chicago’s Hopewell harder than most. Despite keeping its taproom closed, Hopewell has survived and thrived by leaning into to-go beer, widening its offerings, and widening its welcome.

A strong off-premise retail strategy—including smart packaging decisions—is helping to keep Chicago’s Revolution Brewing afloat during the pandemic.

The pandemic has sidelined another festival, but the competition for barrel-aged beers will continue, and would-be festgoers can buy mixed sixers to participate from home.

When a fermentation-obsessed brewery tries its hand at making sake, it learns how to balance a side project while staying true to its identity—and business plan.