Chicago

After helping to grow one of Chicago’s most iconic craft breweries, Matt Gallagher in late 2024 opened Suncatcher—a small neighborhood brewery focused on classic styles and easy drinkability.

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.